A Cuban esthetician residing in the United States has sparked a debate on TikTok with a video in which she criticizes the reliance on tips in certain businesses. In her message, she directly questioned owners who base their income on this system, stating:
"Tip is a sign of gratitude, let that be clear, gratitude. I am a business owner, I own my business and I serve the customer, under no circumstances in this damned life would I ask a customer, like they do in many salons and places, that should make them feel shame and embarrassment because that… that is a lack of respect: 'Are you going to leave a tip?'. I won’t be leaving anything," said Marlan Vázquez in her impassioned reflection.
The video was posted by the creator on her account @marlan_estudio, where she added: “If you are the owner of your business and you rely on the tips left by your clients to make a living… you are a miserable person, you don’t keep track of your business finances, and you don’t know how to do calculations, and I’ve said.”
The reactions came quickly. Some users supported his words: "Better explained impossible"; "He is absolutely right in what he says"; "Finally, someone thinks like I do."
But others pointed out that not everyone has the same reality. “I am a waitress, and we don’t have a salary; we depend on tips.”; “My husband is a waiter in California, and even though he relies on tips, he knows that if there isn’t good service, he can’t expect much.”; “In jobs like delivery, if it weren’t for tips, the driver would be working just for the enjoyment.”
There were those who criticized the attitude of some establishments that practically demand tips. "We went to a Chinese restaurant, and the waitress asked me for tips as if they were mandatory"; "Now they even turn the payment terminal screen around for you to enter the percentage. If you leave 6%, they look at you poorly. It's outrageous."
The debate remains open. What do you think? Should tips always be optional, or have they become an additional obligation in services?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tipping Debate in the United States
Why has a debate arisen about the tipping system in the U.S.?
The debate about tipping in the U.S. has intensified due to the perception that it has become more of an obligation than a voluntary gesture of gratitude. Many workers rely on tips to supplement their income, while some customers feel social pressure to leave generous tips.
Is tipping mandatory in restaurants in the United States?
Although tipping is not officially mandatory in the United States, many restaurants suggest a high percentage, and some even include it automatically in the bill. This has generated controversy, as many customers believe it should be optional and based on the quality of service.
Why do service workers in the U.S. rely so heavily on tips?
In the United States, many service workers, such as waiters and delivery drivers, have very low base wages and rely on tips to earn a decent income. This compensation model is common in the country and has been criticized for its lack of stable wage guarantees.
How does the pressure to leave tips affect customers?
The pressure to leave tips can make customers feel uncomfortable or coerced, especially when expectations are high or when they are asked directly. This can affect the dining experience and create tensions between customers and service staff.
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