r/facepalm 'MURICA Aug 28 '24

🇲​🇮​🇸​🇨​ i'm speechless

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474

u/Davenportmanteau Aug 28 '24

UK here, that's exactly what I would have done. $300 even is more than fair. The problem is, the staff would still see that as an insult, because American culture has conditioned its citizens into believing that restaurants not paying their staff a livable wage is acceptable.

366

u/Cum_Smurf Aug 28 '24

Dutch here. Round it off to 285€ and we are good.

15

u/i_fuckin_luv_it_mate Aug 28 '24

Waiter: "that'll be $288.52, how would you like to pay?"

Dutchman: "Less. Thank you." * Aside to kids* "NEVER accept their first offer."

82

u/delano_mwoan Aug 28 '24

As a fellow Dutchman i can confirm this is correct

0

u/Batmanpuncher Aug 28 '24

Not correct if you’re dining in America

24

u/rachelm791 Aug 28 '24

I would pay to watch a group of Dutch people argue the toss over paying a tip in the US. Straight to the point no bullshit tolerated vs syrupy sweet insincerity. Carnage.

22

u/ParticularTone7983 Aug 28 '24

I was in Amsterdam recently. I was so pleasantly surprised when the waiter refused when I tried to tip him.

7

u/Lastigx Aug 28 '24

That's... weird. And uncommon. Tipping isn't standard here but its definitely common. just not the amounts that Americans are used to. A 288 bill would commonly be 300 in the Netherlands.

2

u/Brief-Pair6391 Aug 28 '24

Yup, they'll do that... there

1

u/Blonde_rake Aug 28 '24

Never happened at the restaurants I go to.

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u/Brief-Pair6391 Aug 28 '24

I'm the Netherlands. Not in the US. Servers are taxed on their sales and not paid a livable wage per hour/on the clock. They literally survive on the Fuqd up tipping system

2

u/aaabc_reddit Aug 28 '24

Depends, in the Netherlands rounding to 300 would not be surprising or strange at all...

1

u/Ok-Push9899 Aug 28 '24

Haha. Like your style.

1

u/Hot-Luck-3228 Aug 28 '24

That is 317 dollars at the moment, tjonge

1

u/Icky_Thump1 Aug 28 '24

American here. That is wildddd. And I wish it was acceptable here, but we'd have a better chance of getting murdered before leaving the building.

1

u/gregsting Aug 28 '24

Can we have a deal at 280€?

-6

u/Illustrious_Kale_692 Aug 28 '24

American here. Worked at a restaurant in the downtown of a city that hosted a huge flower growers convention.

Lots of Dutch there for it. Every year would have to serve lots of Dutch

I hope the sea reclaims your cursed swamplands forever and ever

-4

u/WildSmokingBuick Aug 28 '24

So, Dutchies give a generous 10%+ tip?

Bill is 256 € and you are willing to pay 285 €? Thought you were rather tikkie-stingy?

If you didn't involve different currencies, I'd doubt you'd be able to pay less than the check's amount anywhere.

As a German, I'm, for better or for worse, almost always paying about 10% as a tip - so in this case about $310-$320, paying $289/$290 on a $288,52 bill, I'd almost consider rude..

3

u/Cum_Smurf Aug 28 '24

We dont do dollars here and im too high to converse dollar to euro.

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u/Leading_Attention_78 Aug 28 '24

Bingo. “Customer stiffed me” instead of “boss is stiffing me.”

1

u/Blonde_rake Aug 28 '24

But who did the customer stiff? It wasn’t the boss.

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u/Cosmic_Quasar Aug 28 '24 edited Aug 28 '24

It works the other way, too. "Store should be paying the workers, not me." Not realizing that the store having more expenses in higher wages would raise the prices they paid for their food.

Edit: Tipping culture is definitely bad. And we should normalize not having to tip. But people need to realize that in that becomes a law then the cost of items on the menu will go up. The problem is the most people are against tipping because they don't want to have to pay more than what's on the menu. Most people just don't realize that the menu price would end up going up, anyways. If you think a store is going to start paying each person on the wait staff several times higher wages without making those changes you're a fool.

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u/Leading_Attention_78 Aug 28 '24

Absolutely. You won’t here a complaint from me about retail workers paying more.

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u/HP_10bII Aug 28 '24

... Uhm... Total cost to customer is flat...  What's the problem?

14

u/Leading_Attention_78 Aug 28 '24

People have been conditioned to believe any raise to minimum wage will mean prices will be raised by several dollars on each item.

7

u/HP_10bII Aug 28 '24

Yeah... Because all of a sudden competition will stop because of this rule change (face-palm). 

It'll increase, and competition will keep it sensible.

-4

u/Cosmic_Quasar Aug 28 '24

I mean, just 10-12 years ago when I was in college I could get 2 Big Macs for a total of $3. Now they're almost $6 each.

But yeah, people don't want to tip because they feel like it's paying more. But the point is that if tips are removed, entirely, then they'll have to pay more anyways to cover the restaurants increased expenses.

6

u/Leading_Attention_78 Aug 28 '24

McD’s has lost the narrative. They are facing pressure from franchisees over the constant renovations, menu revamps, price increases, etc.

There is more going on than wages for workers.

-3

u/Cosmic_Quasar Aug 28 '24

I don't necessarily disagree. But that's the point. They start with adjusting prices for wages, but then get greedy and just keep going. If a restaurants expenses for wages go up 20%, do you really think they're only going to raise their prices by exactly that amount? Or would they decide to raise prices by 25% and pocket the extra 5% difference?

The less people in the middle, the better. In an ideal world, tipping wait staff directly is best. But when people refuse to do that and insist on the store paying those wages, entirely, they'll pocket a little extra for themselves at the same time. Then the customers end up paying more than if they just tipped properly in the first place.

3

u/Leading_Attention_78 Aug 28 '24

But what you described is happening now with tipping.

They jack prices up with little provocation.

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u/Cosmic_Quasar Aug 28 '24

And it'll be worse if tipping is made a thing of the past. It's like you're saying "It's already bad, so it can't get worse."

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u/Hezron_ruth Aug 28 '24

You are paying 4 times, what you paid 10 years ago and the minimum wage stayed more or less the same. But stop tipping will make prices go up. I don't get it.

0

u/Cosmic_Quasar Aug 28 '24

Minimum wage for fast food (which isn't tip based wages) has gone up. Back then it was around $7, now it's almost $15. At least in my state

But yeah. It's gone up anyways "because of the cost of ingredients" even for places that use tip based wage systems. Imagine how much more it'd go up if they had to properly pay their wait staff. It's like you're saying "It's already bad so it can't get worse." That's poor logic.

3

u/Hezron_ruth Aug 28 '24

Just closed the app. In Germany I pay €6,19 per BigMac. The people who would serve me this burger get something around 15€ per hour with health care and all the other communist stuff that's law in Germany. In a lot of McDonald stores you would get paid more (~18), because they do not find staff.
There is a point, after which the prices will no longer go up.

0

u/Bright_Cod_376 Aug 28 '24

My state only changes it's minimum when the federal rate changes so no changes in ten years and a server is allowed to be paid below regular minimum with their pay starting at $2.13. Our food costs have skyrocketed just like the rest of the country and like the rest of the country has decoupled from the inflation rate because their prices raises are about greed alone, not paying workers properly. 

0

u/Cosmic_Quasar Aug 28 '24

That's for tip based income working at more typical restaurants. I'm talking about fast food, which isn't tip based. Using that as the example for what's to come for tip based jobs.

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u/TruIsou Aug 28 '24

I do not think that is true, most people do realize prices would go up. They just want prices to be completely transparent at the beginning.

California had a chance to fix this and just screwed it up when Newsome vetoed the bill to make it so.

2

u/laplongejr Aug 28 '24

"Store should be paying the workers, not me." Not realizing that the store having more expenses in higher wages would raise the prices they paid for their food.

European here, we totally know that?
The standard is "price all fees and taxes included", which is a staple of being able to compare prices.
If I can't afford 80 bucks to eat at a restaurant, I can make food at home.
Billing me "65 +20% tip" vs "60 +25% tip" breaks the free market.

4

u/beckyr1984 Aug 28 '24

Yeah. I understand in other countries they get paid living wages. So rounding up to 300 is quite generous. Here though it's a slap in the face. Even more so if it's a big party. 15% will always be the go to until they are paid properly. 20% if they are exceptional/we're a big party.

4

u/supapoopascoopa Aug 28 '24

Not sure how that is the waiter’s fault. Your principled stand is denying this assuredly nonwealthy person their wage.

2

u/pricklypear90 Aug 28 '24

If a frog had wings, it wouldn’t bump its ass when it hopped.. if you’re dining in US, leave a tip, or don’t eat out..

2

u/padizzledonk Aug 28 '24

THEN DONT GO THERE

The wage system is what it is, youre only hurting the worker and changing nothing, the owner doesn't care, they already got your 288

It's fucked up and needs to change but you're hurting the wrong people by doing this

4

u/bookscoffee1991 Aug 28 '24

Ok but it’s annoying with Europeans come here and stiff servers to “stick it to the owner.” The owner does not care, the server is losing money on your table. The only person you’re sticking it to is someone likely struggling financially. Everyone wants a living wage but that’s the culture here. You stiffing low wage workers won’t change a thing.

I don’t know why people think it’s ok to go to the U.S. and disrespect the culture here. My husband is English btw. We’ve had to top up his relatives tips bc it’s legitimately so embarrassing.

3

u/Kojetono Aug 28 '24

Yeah, when I went to the US, we tipped the 20% and didn't cause a scene. A tourist should try their best to follow local customs, you aren't helping anyone by refusing to tip.

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u/bookscoffee1991 Aug 28 '24

Thank you, people don’t realize it’s actually a huge social faux pas here not to tip. We’ll all complain about tipping culture but if you don’t do it you look like a huge dick. Euros have a reputation for not tipping, & arrogant attitudes here.

Some of the people I love most in the world are European. I love visiting. I think Europeans in general are great but, damn some of y’all need to realize you’re not U.S. scholars bc you consume American media or went to Orlando once. I’ve had people try to tell me about MY country or say I’m wrong even if they’ve never been here. The arrogance makes them sound like a moron.

You should visit a new place with an open mind and respect for the people. I’ve never met anyone and decided their character and personality before they open their mouth yet it happens for Americans all the time.

Sorry to rant. I say this to my British husband and he’s like, “I ALREADY KNOW.” 🤣

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u/Ams-Ent Aug 28 '24

Ok but it’s annoying with Europeans come here and stiff servers to “stick it to the owner.” The owner does not care, the server is losing money on your table.

The server is on tipped wages and without tips that wage would be below minimum? I think the owner is sticking it to the servers and the customers, not the euros sticking it to whomever..

The only person you’re sticking it to is someone likely struggling financially.

This sucks, but if you do away with the idiotic tipping culture and actually pay a living wage this wouldnt be an issue right?

Everyone wants a living wage but that’s the culture here. You stiffing low wage workers won’t change a thing.

The owner stiffing the staff* ftfy

I don’t know why people think it’s ok to go to the U.S. and disrespect the culture here.

If the culture is fucking shit it doesnt deserve respect.

My husband is English btw. We’ve had to top up his relatives tips bc it’s legitimately so embarrassing.

Why would you be embarrassed for his relatives and not the tipping culture?

/eurorant

1

u/Blonde_rake Aug 28 '24

The solution is not to enrich the bosses and the business while screwing over the workers. I think you know that.

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u/Ams-Ent Aug 28 '24

Yes hence why tipped wages need to go

1

u/bookscoffee1991 Sep 01 '24

It’s a huge social faux pas here to not tip. You think you’re doing some great moral grandstanding but you look like a cheap asshole 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m just saying bc yall don’t realize that that’s embarrassing here.

We all hate tipping. I think we’ll see it be phased out in certain states eventually. I know there are restaurants now that don’t allow it. I hope it will be phased out everywhere in the next 15 years. People are very frustrated so many industries are expecting tips now.

Tipping culture is shit or American culture is shit bc let’s be real…that’s not the case. Y’all have no idea how much African American culture specifically has influenced you.

Again, love Europe. But Europeans coming here and complaining it’s different from Europe is actually crazy 🤣

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u/Brief-Pair6391 Aug 28 '24

No. It's not acceptable. But neither is stiffing the server. They are in fact taxed on their sales and not paid a livable wage per hour. Tips and tipping, it's how it is. Stay on the couch if you don't approve. It's all outrageous and too expensive. Don't go out to eat. Learn to cook. It's healthier, or can be... But that would also be on you to reconcile

2

u/supapoopascoopa Aug 28 '24

Its not an insult, it is literally how they earn their living. They make a little over 2 bucks an hour. I hate tip culture too, but if you can’t afford the tip then just cook at home

1

u/kaymer327 Aug 28 '24

American here, it's not acceptable, but it is what it is and knowing they get paid crap I feel obligated to tip.

15% used to be the standard. Now receipts suggest 18%-20% as the minimum.

What's worse, is now credit card machines prompt for tips for traditionally non-service related jobs that aren't considered tipped employees - where you're not sitting down and being served, like Starbucks for example. Non-service/non-tipped employees earn a higher wage (not saying it's livable, but it's higher than tipped employees) and you're still trying to get me.

It's nuts. Just raise the prices and pay people properly. I'm already paying the same because of the tip, just don't make me feel guilty about it.

1

u/proof_required Aug 28 '24

I've been traveling around UK and forced tipping is a thing in London and Edinburgh. It's between 10-15% and comes already added to the bill.

1

u/BillChristbaws Aug 28 '24

I’ve been a waiter in the UK for 15 years and the standard is 10%.

If i drop a £288 bill, i’m tipping out £2.88 to the kitchen, £1.44 to the bar and around £2.00 to the runners and bussers based on that sale. Leaving me just over 5 quid.

So it’s not insulting, it’s just a shitty tip and serving a table that big for that long a fiver would nuke my shift.

Not saying it’s right, it’s just the way it is pretty much everywhere.

0

u/Pro_Moriarty Aug 28 '24

I've been moaned at in a US restaurant because i didnt tip enough.

They never saw my business again.

0

u/Alternative_Item3589 Aug 28 '24

I do think if you’re paying that much a lil round up ain’t the worse but I wouldn’t expect a fucking quarter of 288 that’s way too much. 12 pounds.