A server has ignited a controversy by expressing frustration with customers who don’t tip the customary 20%.

In his viral TikTok video, he labeled smaller tips as “not cute”, and that has rubbed fellow netizens the wrong way.

Keep reading to find out just how fired up some people became!

Ben Raanan, known as @blazikenben on TikTok, spoke about the apparent inadequacy of $5 and $10 tips on bills that should attract a higher percentage.

While tipping has historical roots dating back to the Middle Ages, it has evolved into an industry norm, where patrons are expected to tip around 20% unless there are significant issues with the service.

In the video, Ben Raanan argued: “This is for all you bad tippers out there. If you’re a bad tipper, listen up.” He said that $10 tips are no longer as substantial as they once were due to inflation. He also added that people should stop leaving small tips, stating: “You can’t just leave a little cute $5, a little cute $10 for your server, and think that’s like fun and cute. It’s not fun and cute.”

Ben suggested that tips should be proportional to the total bill, saying: “If your bill was like $50, you can leave $10; that’s 20%, that’s fine.” However, he criticized those who tip well below the 20% mark, especially on larger bills, say it was an insult to serving staff.

He also urged servers to confront customers who leave inadequate tips. Ben wrapped up his video by providing a simple method for calculating a 20% tip, saying that customers should be aware of the appropriate tip based on their total bill.

https://www.tiktok.com/@blazikenben/video/7113711119314816302
The video triggered diverse reactions, with some supporting Ben’s perspective, while others absolutely disagreed. Critics argued that servers should not feel entitled to a 20% tip and suggested finding alternative employment if they weren’t satisfied with the tips. Some pointed the blame at restaurant owners for not adequately compensating their staff.

One TikTok user commented: “I’m so tired of servers being sooooo entitled; inflation affects us all.” Another questioned the rationale behind the 20% rule and said that tipping should be voluntary, not mandatory.

The economic impact of tipping was also a topic of discussion, with one user highlighting that inflation affects everyone, and that leaving a larger tip is just not affordable for many people.

Others expressed confusion about the logic of tipping more based on the cost of the meal, saying that the service remains the same regardless of the food’s price.