Man sparks major debate after complaining about how much to tip in the US compared to Europe
Tipping is like marmite, you either like it or you don't - there is no in-between.
Taking to TikTok, one man has sparked a debate by comparing the state of tipping in the US to the way we do it in Europe.
Watch below:
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Content creator Christian (@cbwritescopy) went viral on the video-sharing platform after his rant on self-service tipping.
He said the way people tip in America has 'gotten out of control'.
Meanwhile, a fancy etiquette guide published by New York magazine The Cut suggests: "At coffee shops, coffee carts, cafés, and bodegas, tip at least 20 percent."
"Even though their pay isn’t as tip dependent as waiters’, the average salary for a barista in New York is just above minimum wage," they argued.
However, Christian is fuming after comparing his tipping experience in the US with a recent restaurant visit in Italy.
In a video posted on 23 September, he explained: "Just finished dinner in Italy, had a great three course meal, paid the bill, the waiter brings out the check and he goes 'sign here please'.
"I got to sign it and there's only a line to sign your name.
"There's no tip line, there's no total line, nothing.
"You just sign your name that's it.
"Meanwhile in America, you pay for a water bottle and they flip the screen around and ask you to tip 20 to 30 percent - for grabbing a water bottle.
"And don't get me wrong, I'm happy to tip for great dinner service, like this guy in Italy deserved a fat tip.
"But to tip for a Starbucks employee to hand me a water bottle, like where do we draw the line? Seriously?"
Viewers were divided in the comments section, as some people were in total agreement.
"If I don't sit, then I don't tip," one person said.
"I actually agree and I work in the food industry." a second wrote.
"UK here. I won’t tip. Some places already add a 20 percent service charge. Not my place to pay the staff wages," a third added.
Although, others say they don't have an issue with tipping, as another viewer wrote: "I serve and make $2.25 in America, I rely on my tips."
Someone else said: "I worked in the service industry in UK and got paid just over £10 an hour, I have a friend in the US. Same job and she gets paid $2 an hour so I get."
"Service is included in the price in Europe! I always tip though! It’s just kindness for polite service," a third person commented.
What do you think?
Anish Vij