This Canadian reddit user, Snalaa, had an interesting experience with a waitress where they actually felt the need to take back the tip they had already given. Unsure if their behavior was justified, Snalaa went to AITA to tell their side of the story and to hear other people’s perspectives to see if they should’ve handled things differently. What are your thoughts? Read their story below.
“I dined in at a local Chinese restaurant with a friend. Great food, but almost no interactions were made with any of the waitresses other than being given the food, as you had to reserve your table position online in advance, as well as place your order online once finally seated (due to COVID safety measures).”
Okay, so this happened during the pandemic. Do you think this context impacts the story at all? The restaurant industry has been hit hard due to COVID restrictions. Does this impact your tipping habits at all?
“The bill came out to be just about $30, and I tipped just a little above 15%, giving $5. Our waitress took the bill from our table, paid for in cash, and as we were readying to get up and leave, she returned with the $5 bill we left to cover the tip and in a passive aggressive tone saying, ‘Was something wrong with the food? Where’s the rest of the tip?’.”
Yikes. Whether you agree with the waitress or not, this confrontation definitely could’ve been handled better.
“I didn’t appreciate that we were even approached at all, and I was shocked and confused that an interaction as such even happened, as I recall it being the very first time I was confronted for not tipping enough, as my usual 15% tip suffices in past restaurant experiences.
In an act of frustration, I took back the $5 I left as a tip from the bill and walked out of the restaurant with my friend without saying a word, despite the waitress trying to get our attention as we walked away.
In the moment, we both agreed that it was an insane thing for the waitress to do, acting as if we didn’t tip at all. The waitress that had confronted us had been someone we had close to almost no contact with the entire time, as she had only been to our table once to give our food, as I had stated above.
But reflecting on it, we were wondering what should’ve been done in that situation. Ignore her request to tip more and leave the $5 bill as it was or give a larger tip as she asked just to get the situation over with?
I’d love to hear more opinions, and if a situation like this has ever happened to you. AITA for taking back my tip?”
*What do you think? Do you think Snalaa was justified? Should they have tipped more? What would you have done if this happened to you? If you’ve worked in the food industry, have you ever confronted a guest about their tip? Let us know! *
