A diner was taken aback when a server informed them that their 35 percent tip ‘didn’t count’ due to a particular reason.
In the US, tipping remains a contentious issue, with debates surrounding the appropriate amount and timing for tips.
Some critics argue against the tipping model entirely, advocating for servers to receive a higher hourly wage instead.
Currently, disputes about tipping are frequent when dining out, as evidenced by a recent incident experienced by one patron.
Sharing the story on TikTok, the individual recounted meeting a friend for breakfast.
The meal proceeded smoothly until it was time to settle the bill, at which point she left a generous 35 percent tip for the server.
For context, a 20 percent tip is generally considered standard, with 35 percent being quite generous.
However, the server had an issue with the tip and informed the customer that it ‘didn’t count’.
The reason: the customer had paid, including the tip, using a gift card rather than cash.
This sparked confusion among viewers in the comment section of the video. While few believed it was outright wrong to tip with a gift card, some suggested always carrying cash for such scenarios.
The TikToker described the server’s confrontation post-meal, where the server stated: “I don’t know if you guys know this, but it is really rude not to tip your server.”
When the customer clarified that they had indeed left a tip, the server responded: “She goes, ‘No, it doesn’t count if it’s a gift card’.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@username/video/7402008264856177950
The diner was puzzled, noting: “I was like, ‘I don’t think that’s how gift cards work…’ Maybe she’s right – does that tip not count if it’s from a gift card.”
Most commenters agreed that tipping with a gift card should be acceptable, although some noted it might differ by establishment.
One person shared: “Most of the restaurants I have worked at didn’t allow tipping on the gift cards,” while another added: “Some places it does some places it doesn’t.”
Another commenter mentioned: “I’ve always given the extra balance (plus a little more if it wasn’t enough) and no one has ever given me grief!”