Man explains how tipping in the US is now 'out of control'

People are flooding to social media in horror after a TikToker revealed how 'out of control' the US tipping system is.

To tip? Or not to tip? That is the question. Well, unless you're at the same coffee shop oneTikToker visited in Miami that is. Prepare to start researching the price of coffee machines:

Unless you're a student or pretty strapped for cash given the cost of living crisis, it's pretty normal to scrounge around in your wallet for a bit of spare change - or add a percentage on to the card machine reader - to tip the server who's just delivered your nice sit-down meal.

However, most of us probably don't dole out the cash when nipping in and grabbing a quick coffee, but unfortunately one man didn't get the choice.

TikToker Christian - who goes by the username @cbwritescopy - took to the platform yesterday (23 December) to reveal he just experienced his first 'mandatory service charge'.

In the clip, he says: "Tipping in the United States is out of control. I'm in Miami right now and I got this pumpkin spice latte from a place in Brickell and there was a mandatory service charge on my bill.

"I didn't even get the option to tip, I didn't get asked if I wanted to tip, I had to tip as part of my order."

TikTok/ @cbwritescopy

Christian reveals the server flipped the screen around to him with the percentage simply stated as 'service charge' - rather than offering various options.

The TikToker clarifies he would be more than 'happy' to tip on 'a great three course meal with good service' but he doesn't 'typically' tip when he buys a cup of coffee.

He resolves: "I don't know if this is just a Miami thing, but this is getting out of control.

"[...] Aren't tips meant to reward good service? Not just be a requirement for ordering a coffee at a coffee shop like what?"

TikTok/ @cbwritescopy

Christian's post has since gone viral, spread onto various other social media platforms, people flooding online to debate the issue.

One TikToker said: "I’ve stopped tipping completely, unless it’s at a sit down restaurant."

"I live in Miami and majority of restaurants automatically add 18 percent gratuity to bills. If you don’t pay attention you’ll end up tipping double," another added.

A third wrote: "I went to a restaurant to buy a gift card and the screen asked for a tip."

And a fourth resolved: "I agree the tipping issue is crazy here why would I tip $3 for a $5 cup of coffee it’s ridiculous."

So, what do you think?

Topics: Money, Social Media, TikTok, US News, Viral, Food and Drink

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.