When you have worked as server long enough, you might have perfected the ability to spot one bad punter. For some, certainly manners can be a dead giveaway.
For example, one Virginia-based server noted that customers who ignore her greeting or complain about their food until after the check arrives tend not to tip. Now, Florida Keys server and bartender Hunter (@bubblesxxoo) is sharing bad tipping patterns she’s seen among her customers.
“These are the type of customers most likely to tip less than 10%,” she begins.
The 6 types of poor punters
First up are customers she calls “Lemonade Makers.” These are guests asking for free stuff to make their own DIY lemonade. “‘Can we have extra water with extra lemons with sugar packets?'” she mimes.
Next are impatient, frugal drinkers; she calls these customers “time travelers.” “Can’t you make the drinks now and then just call them when it’s happy hour?” mimics the content creator.
Hunter then complains about the “Verbal Tippers” who shower her with flattery, thinking their verbal praise is probably a tip. “‘You’re the best waitress we’ve ever had. So seriously. Everything has been phenomenal. You’re so beautiful too,'” she portrays.
From her experience, the “In My Country” customers, specifically European tourists she has encountered, tend to skip the tip altogether. They, she says, come up with the excuse that in their country tipping culture is not that widespread.
Finally, she finishes with those who prioritize playing card games over ordering, calling them “Board Players” and the not-so-easy “Self-Proclaimed Easy Customer.”
Other servers weigh in
Hunter’s video got over 191,000 views, and many other servers joined the conversation by sharing their bad red flags.
“’Can I get plastic and hot water to soak my silverware,’” one viewer commented.
“‘Are the drinks free refills?’ immediately I already know,” said another.
“I had (a guy) ask me what the numbers (were) that were on the side of the meal. Sir those are the prices. I just knew he wasn’t going to tip. Zero on a $70,” recalled a third.
“For me it’s always the ones who insist on paying their friend’s bill ahead of time. Gives me the card and everything to give me 8%,” revealed a fourth.
“It was always the ‘don’t worry, I’ll take care of you’ customers who never ended up taking care of me,” said a fifth.
@bubblesxxoo Don’t get mad at me #restaurant #florida #summer #bartender #waitress
Is it ever OK to tip 10% or less?
According to one Bank rate survey, 58% of respondents still tip based on service. In the United States, servers are not paid a standard wage and instead rely on tips for their income. Businesses are legally able to pay them $2.13 an hour, but must make up the difference if the tips don’t add up to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.
Therefore, a tip that is 10% or less is only acceptable in tipping etiquette if a server was rude or disrespectful and provided subpar service, according to Food & Wine. Thus, leaving the 10% tip amount is enough to send a clear message of dissatisfaction without leaving anything.
On the other hand, if you feel your server went above and beyond, a 20% tip is more than adequate.
BroBible reached out to Hunter via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment.
The post Florida server says she can tell if you’re a bad punter by how you order. She calls ‘Time Traveler’s, ‘Verbal Tippers’ and ‘Lemonade Makers’ appeared first Bridge Bible.
