I’ve said it once before and I’ll say it again, you’ll deal with some pretty petty (and shocking) people as a bartender, server, or virtually any tipped employee. There are even some people out there who think that it’s acceptable to not tip or are terrible tippers to their bartenders, and those people are scum.
But before we get going, let’s face it. We’ve all been there. Either as a restaurant server, part of the waitstaff in general or witnessed a bad tip during a date (RUN.) Even if you’re brand new to bartending, we can promise that this is one thing you simply cannot avoid in the service industry.
Whether it’s the customer who leaves you a measly $2 tip on a $20 tab or the one who walks out without leaving anything at all, bad tippers can put a damper on your day. So, what are you supposed to do when faced with a bad tipper? Do you give them an attitude? Do you confront them? Do you let it slide?
What is a Bad Tipper? What is Gratuity?
Gratuity, aka a tip, is a payment made to certain service industry workers for a job well done.
In the United States, gratuity is most commonly given to servers at restaurants, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hair stylists, among others. While it is not required by law to give a tip, it is customary in many situations.
The standard gratuity percentage in the U.S. is 15%, with 20% being given for exceptional service. However, there is no set rule for how much should be given; it is entirely up to the discretion of the customer. Tipping can be given in cash or added to the bill as a charge on a credit card.
A Brief History of Tipping
Tipping began in medieval England as a way for aristocrats to reward servants for good service. The word “tip” originally meant “to give,” and it wasn’t until the late 17th century that it came to mean a gratuity given for services rendered.
Tipping didn’t really take off in the United States until after the Civil War, when bartenders started receiving tips for good service. Tipping then spread to other sectors of the service industry, such as restaurants and taxis.
History buffs, keen to know more? Grab your drink and settle in for a quick lesson.
Why Don’t Some People Tip?
A lot of people who are undeniably cheap, or like to save money through budgeting to the max or practicing the art of extreme coupons, like to make themselves feel better by saying, “It was the bad service…” when they leave a low tip (or stiff you). To that, we rebuttal with three words–stay at home.
Sometimes bad tippers are just innocent people who don’t realize that they’re supposed to tip their bartenders. In those cases, it’s important to be upfront about it and let them know that tips are appreciated.
How to Deal with a Terrible Tipper
Do high school students tip? What about millennials? Like a lot of things in life, we can’t put everyone else into a bucket. Some people tip and some people don’t. With enough time and experience, you’ll have a keen sense to be able to find out about a bad tip before it even happens. Think of it as a sixth sense…
Tips on Dealing with a Bad Tipper in Your Personal Life
1. Don't Take It Personally
A lot of people who are undeniably cheap, or like to save money through budgeting to the max or practicing the art of extreme coupons, like to make themselves feel better by saying, “It was the bad service…” when they leave a low tip (or stiff you). To that, we rebuttal with three words–stay at home.
Sometimes bad tippers are just innocent people who don’t realize that they’re supposed to tip their bartenders. In those cases, it’s important to be upfront about it and let them know that tips are appreciated.
2. Be Witty When Dealing With Them
If you can keep your cool and have a sense of humor about the situation, then more power to you! This is definitely not an easy feat, but if you can manage to do it then it will pay off in the long run.
Chances are that the person who stiffed you won’t even realize that they did anything wrong. And even if they do realize it, they probably won’t care. So why not have a little fun with them? If they ask for change back after paying with cash, tell them that tips are appreciated but not required.
Or if they try to haggle with you over the price of their bill, tell them that tips are included in the price of every drink (wink wink).
3. Politely Remind Them About Tipping Culture
If you’re dealing with someone who seems like they may be new to the whole concept of tipping, then politely remind them about tipping culture and how it works. For example, let them know that in most bars and restaurants in the United States, bartenders rely on tips for their income. Or explain to them how the tipping system works so that they have a better understanding of why it’s important to tip their bartenders (and other service industry workers). Chances are that once they understand how tipping works, they’ll be more likely to leave a tip next time around.
4. Do Your Part
Finally, if you really want to make sure you get a good tip next time, go above and beyond with your service. Be extra attentive, bring them their drinks before they even have to ask, and generally just make sure they have a great time. People tend to remember great service and they will be more likely to leave a good tip if they know they will receive excellent service each and every time they come in.
Watch out! There’s something lurking nearby that can mess everything up when it comes to your tip money. Find out how to handle the inevitable tip-out, aka splitting tips.
Gratuity and Tips in Other Situations
You can read our entire blog on tipping guidelines if you’re hungry for tipping guidelines. But since we always have your back, let’s go over a few key pointers and moments.
- Delivery people and takeout. Food delivery can be tricky. They may make a higher hourly rate than bartenders or servers, but their bottom line still relies on good tippers to make an optimal living wage.
- Baristas. Baristas also live off of a minimum wage but a little tip never hurt anyone in our industry.
- Nail Salons. 15% will do you and your provider just fine for services rendered.
The Future of Tipping
It’s hard to say what the future holds for tipping. Some experts predict that cash tips will become less common as digital payments become more prevalent. Others believe that as minimum wage laws for business owners continue to evolve, tips will become less necessary because service workers will be paid fairly by their employers without relying on gratuity from customers.
Only time will tell what gratuity will look like in the years to come!
Bar owners, you can be ready for whatever the future holds (like a pandemic or lockdown) with the help of Local Bartending School. Reach out to our bar experts for training, events, and so much more.
Death, Taxes, and Bad Tippers
Bad tippers are unfortunately just a part of life for those of us in the service industry. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything you can do about it! By following these four tips, you’ll be able to expertly deal with any bad tipper who comes your way. Trust us, your wallet (and your sanity) will thank you for it later!
