Should I tell my boyfriend he’s a terrible tipper?

Question

We went out to eat once and the bill was $80…he topped $5. Today we went for breakfast, the bill was $42 he tipped $3.44. Service was great both times. I usually tip 25% or greater if the service was good, so it pains me to see him tip this way. Should I bother telling him even if I’m not the one paying?

SteveSmith1985 · Accepted Answer

As someone who was a waiter for a long time, the important part if that you end up with a decent tip. I've many times had people's partner, or adult kids or something... tip me discreetly because they knew the person paying the bill is a terrible tipper.

So whether you talk to him, or make up for it on the sly... same result.

I think it really depends on what kind of guy your boyfriend is. Maybe he'd be glad you brought this to his attention, or, he could be extremely offended. You know him best. The results are what matter. Do whatever makes most sense to you. Good on you for caring enough to ask this question.

Twalli · Accepted Answer

Mine is typically 20%

Finchie40 · Answer

A terrible tip is no tip at all , so your boyfriend might not be a great tipper , but at least he tips , if you don’t like what he is tipping? then why don’t you add to it , instead of making him feel like he is wrong for not tipping enough? Tipping is not a mandatory thing , tipping comes from the kindness of your heart , not from how much you give from your wallet. If a worker is depending on tips to make ends meet? then they should look for another job period , or do something more with their life then being a waiter or a waitress , Workers’ should not depend on customers to support them , they should have words with the company or business they are working for instead , because It’s not the customers’ job to support workers period. Not every customer has extra money to tip and they do not have to if they choose not to , again it’s the company’s fault, if the company cared about their workers’ they would give them a raise or jack the price up on whatever they are selling so they can compensate their employees better , instead of blaming customers for them being cheap asses.

ohsheeT · Answer

He would care anyway Just always have some money on you. So you can throw it out a few more bugs when you go eat. I don't know how your boyfriend is. But some guys would get out of bed and other shape So to keep the peace. I wish I'd just have some extra money on you

DishLady · Answer

So why don't YOU just pay the tip Ms. Moneybags? You really have to shoot your guy down? Come on...

WindAtMyBack · Answer

That's low, but 25% is too high.

If you have been around this site long, you'd know that a LOT of people think tipping has gotten out of control. I'm one of them.

People keep leaving these large tips, then after a while they are actually expected. When I was young, the typical tip was 10%. Then it increased to 15%. Then it went to 20%. Now a lot of people tip 25-30%.

On top of that a lot of jobs that never used to be tipping jobs suddenly expect a tip. This needs to stop.

By the way, I have worked tipping jobs myself. I would never ever expect tips that big.

Shiprex · Answer

Tips are not a thing here and supporting it is a strong point to make against the idea. There should be an option to tip without the expectation of it. It's his choice and you'd probably be doing a bad one to compensate for it. Maybe YOU offer to pay the tip and he can pay the bill instead.

Anonymous · Answer

25% is ridiculous. You are paying 1/4 the price of your meal as a tip to someone who's already getting paid? Would you pay a $7,500 tip when you buy a $30,000 car?

Normal used to be 10%, now it's 15%. They paid 10% when the whole meal cost $3, it was 30¢ and the person was glad to get it.

Anonymous · Answer

Not in those words. I would just ask him "how do you decide what to tip a server, what is your rationale"? That gives him a chance to explain why he's tipping what he is. And if he doesn't give you a good reason then you can say, "did you know it's customary to tip 20%"?

slatyb · Answer

Are you sure you want him for a boyfriend? He seems rather clueless.

unknowngurll1212 · Answer

If tipping well is important to you, it’s worth bringing up! Maybe he doesn’t realize how low it is, and a casual conversation could help. Some people just aren’t aware of tipping norms...

Valdemort · Answer

Why did i read this as "stripper" >.<

Lynx122 · Answer

Maybe he doesn't like paying the wages for the employees and the owners of the business take all the money.

NathanDavis · Answer

maybe tip the rest... till you feel it is fair you got a great service as well, not just him...

glennos89 · Answer

Luckily I live in a country where salaris are high enough so that no one has to relie on their tips for getting their income Any tip will do or no tip at all. There is no right and wrong

Anonymous · Answer

No. Maybe you should pickup the tip. If he’s spending $80 on a meal then you can at least pick up the tip if you’re not happy w it. Maybe you’re more embarrassed about it.

LiamS95 · Answer

I don't know where you live but here where I am it's law that restaurant owners have to pay servers minimum wage which is $17.20 per hour so tips are not relied on for pay. A $5 tip here would be very generous.

sawno · Answer

Sounds like perfectly fine tips to me. I don't get americans and their insane tipping culture.

DrPepper12 · Answer

YES!!! I hate the whole tipping culture but until these professionals are paid a living wage we're stuck with it.  That said he needs to know that what he's doing is not cool. Not at all!!

Staximus · Answer

Why did you not put down some money? You know you're going to get shit service the next time you go into these places with your cheapskate embarrassment of a boyfriend.

BarryLiverstone · Answer

Depends on your relationship and what the goal is. How long do you want to be with him and when will you contribute financially (when will he want you to?)

msc545 · Answer

He is taking you out and paying the bill with HIS money. How he tips is not your business. Be grateful he is feeding you.

exitseven · Answer

What a cheapskate. Be careful, the next time he goes to that place they will spit in the food.

fish5505_87 · Answer

You are quite generous, 15% - 20% is ok, also depends on service like your said. You should tell him!

Danael31 · Answer

Then pay yourself? lol. Tips are optional by the way.

nawtee_me · Answer

That is less than 10% when he should tip at least 15% or more if the waiter/waitress is a good one.

Anonymous · Answer

Is he low on money?

RedInnocent69 · Answer

Yeah, he might not know

LiamJHayden · Answer

You can always leave a tip yourself?

StevenMcGarrett · Answer

Yes, you should tell him.

Iron_Man · Answer

i guess

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