<p>An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent&nbsp;trip to the United States, slammed the country’s tipping culture. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that broadly led to two opinions, some criticising and others agreeing.</p>

<p>Sharma,&nbsp;currently on his United States tour, in a&nbsp;post on X said a restaurant in New York denied returning his remaining balance as his total bill was $45 and he paid $50 in cash.</p>

<p>When Sharma asked for his $5 balance amount, the waitress replied, “You have to pay the tip,” and walked away, according to the YouTuber’s post on X.</p>

<p>Stunned by this unfamiliar behaviour, he took to X and said, “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀<br />
<br />
Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?<br />
<br />
Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800).<br />
<br />
We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip.<br />
<br />
I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… <a href="https://t.co/9ggEZHIoft">pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft</a></p>
— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ishansharma7390/status/1825953557364756603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Is tipping mandatory?</strong></h2>

<p>To understand the controversy behind Sharma’s post, let’s dive into why tipping is important in the US.</p>

<p>Tipping culture in the US is vastly different from India. The standard tip should be about 15 to 20 per cent of the total bill.</p>

<p>If the customer has not paid the tip, it is considered rude and ill-mannered. The reason behind this culture&nbsp;is that the federal minimum wage in the US&nbsp;is estimated to be $7.25 per hour.</p>

<p>However, most of the staff in the service industry do not get paid up to their minimum wage, so the tips received from customers help them sustain themselves.</p>

<p>Employees who are seen to get the most tips are waitstaff and bartenders and their minimum wage is up to $2.3 per hour.</p>

<p>If we talk about the Indian tipping system, it is much more relaxed. As tips here are seen as a reward for good service.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Netizens opine</strong></h2>

<p>Given&nbsp;the proper context about the social situation in America, Sharma’s post was understandably&nbsp;scrutinised. His post got 460,000 views.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While many supported the argument, others criticised it. One X user commented, “You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians. Stop being so cheap.”</p>

<p>Another user in support said, “I don’t know about America, but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you, not as a compulsion?”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent trip to the United States, slammed the country’s tipping culture. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that broadly led to two opinions, some criticising and others agreeing.

An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent trip to the United States, slammed the country’s tipping culture. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that broadly led to two opinions, some criticising and others agreeing. Sharma, currently on his United States tour, in a post on X said a restaurant in New York denied returning his remaining balance as his total bill was $45 and he paid $50 in cash. When Sharma asked for his $5 balance amount, the waitress replied, “You have to pay the tip,” and walked away, according to the YouTuber’s post on X. Stunned by this unfamiliar behaviour, he took to X and said, “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?” Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀 Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800). We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip. I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft — Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 20, 2024 × Is tipping mandatory? To understand the controversy behind Sharma’s post, let’s dive into why tipping is important in the US. Tipping culture in the US is vastly different from India. The standard tip should be about 15 to 20 per cent of the total bill. If the customer has not paid the tip, it is considered rude and ill-mannered. The reason behind this culture is that the federal minimum wage in the US is estimated to be $7.25 per hour. However, most of the staff in the service industry do not get paid up to their minimum wage, so the tips received from customers help them sustain themselves. Employees who are seen to get the most tips are waitstaff and bartenders and their minimum wage is up to $2.3 per hour. If we talk about the Indian tipping system, it is much more relaxed. As tips here are seen as a reward for good service. Netizens opine Given the proper context about the social situation in America, Sharma’s post was understandably scrutinised. His post got 460,000 views. While many supported the argument, others criticised it. One X user commented, “You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians. Stop being so cheap.” Another user in support said, “I don’t know about America, but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you, not as a compulsion?” (With inputs from agencies)

Indian YouTuber criticises American tipping culture. Here's what happened next...

<p>An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent US trip, slammed the country’s tipping system. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that led to two opinions, some criticizing and others agreeing.</p>

<p>Sharma currently on his United States tour, said on his x post a restaurant in New York denied returning his remaining balance as his total bill was $45 and he paid $50 in cash.</p>

<p>When Sharma asked for his $5 balance amount, the waitress replied, “You have to pay the tip,” and walked away after saying that, according to Sharma’s post on X.</p>

<p>Stunned by this unfamiliar behavior, he posted on his X account, asking, “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀<br />
<br />
Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?<br />
<br />
Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800).<br />
<br />
We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip.<br />
<br />
I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… <a href="https://t.co/9ggEZHIoft">pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft</a></p>
— Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ishansharma7390/status/1825953557364756603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Is tipping mandatory?</strong></h2>

<p>To understand the controversy behind Sharma’s post, let’s dive into why tipping is important in the US. Tipping culture in the US is vastly different from India. The standard tip should be about 15 to 20 percent of the total bill.</p>

<p>If the customer has not paid the tip, it is considered rude and ill-mannered. It is important to understand the reason behind this culture, as the federal minimum wage is estimated to be $7.25 per hour. However, most of the staff in the service industry do not get paid up to their minimum wage, so the tips received from customers help them to sustain themselves.</p>

<p>Employees who are seen to get the most tips are waitstaff and bartenders. They have their minimum wage up to 2.3 dollars.</p>

<p>If we talk about the Indian tipping system, it is much more relaxed. Tips here are seen as a reward for good services.</p>

<h3><strong>netizens opinion</strong></h3>

<p>Having the proper context about the social situation in America makes it understandable why Sharma’s post is scrutinized. His post got 4.6 lakh views.</p>

<p>While many supported the argument, others criticized it. One X user commented, “You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians. Stop being so cheap.”</p>

<p>Another user in support said, “I don’t know about America, but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you, not as a compulsion?”</p>


An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent US trip, slammed the country’s tipping system. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that led to two opinions, some criticizing and others agreeing.

An Indian influencer and YouTuber Ishan Sharma, during his recent US trip, slammed the country’s tipping system. His post has been all over the internet, igniting an argument that led to two opinions, some criticizing and others agreeing. Sharma currently on his United States tour, said on his x post a restaurant in New York denied returning his remaining balance as his total bill was $45 and he paid $50 in cash. When Sharma asked for his $5 balance amount, the waitress replied, “You have to pay the tip,” and walked away after saying that, according to Sharma’s post on X. Stunned by this unfamiliar behavior, he posted on his X account, asking, “Tipping is such a scam in New York! Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages?” Tipping is such a scam in New York!💀 Why do I pay extra just because restaurants pay minimum hourly wages? Ordered a crepe, club sandwich and Panini for $45(Rs. 3800). We paid $50 cash and the waiter just took the rest as tip. I asked for change and she said "you have to pay… pic.twitter.com/9ggEZHIoft — Ishan Sharma (@Ishansharma7390) August 20, 2024 × Is tipping mandatory? To understand the controversy behind Sharma’s post, let’s dive into why tipping is important in the US. Tipping culture in the US is vastly different from India. The standard tip should be about 15 to 20 percent of the total bill. If the customer has not paid the tip, it is considered rude and ill-mannered. It is important to understand the reason behind this culture, as the federal minimum wage is estimated to be $7.25 per hour. However, most of the staff in the service industry do not get paid up to their minimum wage, so the tips received from customers help them to sustain themselves. Employees who are seen to get the most tips are waitstaff and bartenders. They have their minimum wage up to 2.3 dollars. If we talk about the Indian tipping system, it is much more relaxed. Tips here are seen as a reward for good services. netizens opinion Having the proper context about the social situation in America makes it understandable why Sharma’s post is scrutinized. His post got 4.6 lakh views. While many supported the argument, others criticized it. One X user commented, “You are the reason why the globe is becoming racist against Indians. Stop being so cheap.” Another user in support said, “I don’t know about America, but shouldn’t tips be given as a way of saying thank you, not as a compulsion?”

An Indian YouTuber criticized for asking for the remaining balance of the bill in the US

<p>A pizza delivery man in Texas was captured on a viral video verbally attacking a woman who gave him a $5 tip for an order that cost $20. Lacey Purcival, the woman who posted the video on TikTok, identified the driver as Corey from DoorDash.</p>

<p>When Corey arrived at Lacey's house and handed over the pizza, he made a comment about the house being nice for a $5 tip.</p>

<p>Lacey responded with a sarcastic "you're welcome." The driver became bitter, using profanity before walking away. Lacey captioned the video, questioning how much she should tip for a $20 order, implying that she had already given him a 25 per cent tip.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:&nbsp;WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rude AF. What was he expecting? A 50% gratuity? <a href="https://t.co/5h99EmGShQ">pic.twitter.com/5h99EmGShQ</a></p>
— TX_SeoulGal (@Texas_SeoulGal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Texas_SeoulGal/status/1675660972353003520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Reddit, social media users criticised Corey's behaviour. One user expressed frustration over additional fees and service charges, which do not count as tips. They mentioned how their $18 order ended up costing around $32-$35 with taxes, fees, and tips.</p>

<p>Another user shared their experience working for tips and stated that a $5 tip on a $20 order is generous, regardless of how much money the driver makes.</p>

<p>They suggested calling the driver's manager. One user commented that expecting a tip half the price of the meal is unreasonable, and another user questioned Corey's expectation of a higher tip based on the perceived value of the customer's house.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-plans-regulations-to-reduce-pollution-from-pizza-ovens-609698">New York City plans regulations to reduce pollution from pizza ovens</a></p>

<h2><strong>What's tip inflation?</strong></h2>

<p>Tip inflation is a prevalent trend in the United States, but guidelines for tipping delivery drivers have been firmly established in American society for many years. Giving three to five dollars as a tip is still widely regarded as an appropriate and acceptable amount, considering that delivery drivers are not held to the same service standards as waiters. In this particular situation, Lacey provided a 25 per cent&nbsp;tip, which can be considered generous even when compared to tipping practices for waitstaff.</p>

<p>Users were disgusted by the delivery person's&nbsp;behaviour.</p>

<p>“Omg what?! That’s literally over 20%!” a user exclaimed.</p>

<p>“Tipping is out of control. 5 on 20 is more than enough,” another agreed.</p>

<p>“The amount of times I get $0 on $100 as a server I’d be more than happy with $5 on $20,” a waiter added.</p>

<p>“And he still cussed at you after tipping him!? Wow,” a user agreed.</p>

<p>“For a $20 order, a $5 tip is not bad at all! I appreciate how you handled his behaviour. You did the right thing,” a user said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Deadly Russian missile strike hits pizza restaurant in Ukraine</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deadly-russian-missile-strike-hits-pizza-restaurant-in-ukraine-609769/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>DoorDash responded to Daily Dot's&nbsp;request for comment by explaining that abusive behaviour by Dashers is never acceptable and that he was removed from DoorDash’s platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


A pizza delivery man in Texas was captured on a viral video verbally attacking a woman who gave him a $5 tip for an order that cost $20. Lacey Purcival, the woman who posted the video on TikTok, identified the driver as Corey from DoorDash.

A pizza delivery man in Texas was captured on a viral video verbally attacking a woman who gave him a $5 tip for an order that cost $20. Lacey Purcival, the woman who posted the video on TikTok, identified the driver as Corey from DoorDash. When Corey arrived at Lacey's house and handed over the pizza, he made a comment about the house being nice for a $5 tip. Lacey responded with a sarcastic "you're welcome." The driver became bitter, using profanity before walking away. Lacey captioned the video, questioning how much she should tip for a $20 order, implying that she had already given him a 25 per cent tip. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Rude AF. What was he expecting? A 50% gratuity? pic.twitter.com/5h99EmGShQ — TX_SeoulGal (@Texas_SeoulGal) July 3, 2023 × On Reddit, social media users criticised Corey's behaviour. One user expressed frustration over additional fees and service charges, which do not count as tips. They mentioned how their $18 order ended up costing around $32-$35 with taxes, fees, and tips. Another user shared their experience working for tips and stated that a $5 tip on a $20 order is generous, regardless of how much money the driver makes. They suggested calling the driver's manager. One user commented that expecting a tip half the price of the meal is unreasonable, and another user questioned Corey's expectation of a higher tip based on the perceived value of the customer's house. Also read | New York City plans regulations to reduce pollution from pizza ovens What's tip inflation? Tip inflation is a prevalent trend in the United States, but guidelines for tipping delivery drivers have been firmly established in American society for many years. Giving three to five dollars as a tip is still widely regarded as an appropriate and acceptable amount, considering that delivery drivers are not held to the same service standards as waiters. In this particular situation, Lacey provided a 25 per cent tip, which can be considered generous even when compared to tipping practices for waitstaff. Users were disgusted by the delivery person's behaviour. “Omg what?! That’s literally over 20%!” a user exclaimed. “Tipping is out of control. 5 on 20 is more than enough,” another agreed. “The amount of times I get $0 on $100 as a server I’d be more than happy with $5 on $20,” a waiter added. “And he still cussed at you after tipping him!? Wow,” a user agreed. “For a $20 order, a $5 tip is not bad at all! I appreciate how you handled his behaviour. You did the right thing,” a user said. Also watch | Deadly Russian missile strike hits pizza restaurant in Ukraine DoorDash responded to Daily Dot's request for comment by explaining that abusive behaviour by Dashers is never acceptable and that he was removed from DoorDash’s platform. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Tip-triggered tantrum: Pizza man's fiery meltdown over 25% tip on $20 sparks outrage in US

<p>One thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is how hard people work across industries, and how interdependent we all are.&nbsp;Keeping in mind the Christmas spirit even during such grim times, a patron in a bar in Ohio tipped the restaurant $5,600 (Rs 4 lakh).&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A guest named “Billy” went to Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar in Toledo to eat food, but came out making every employee smile - even those that weren’t on shift. After tipping the restaurant so generously, Billy received a lot of praise online.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In Pics:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/santa-claus-spotted-distributing-masks-to-thai-kids-on-elephants-351780" hreflang="en">Santa Claus spotted distributing masks to Thai kids... on elephants!</a></p>

<p>The owner of the restaurant - Chef Moussa shared the image of the bill on Souk’s Facebook page. He added how December is usually when the staff earns money to buy gifts, and to fix up their homes.</p>

<p>“This is not an ordinary December. Normally this is a month when our employees work extra and guests tip generously. December is a month for them to earn money to buy family gifts, put a bit into savings and take care of bills or repairs that have been lingering. With Covid restrictions and guidelines, that was not going to happen for them this year. So this heartfelt generosity was deeply needed and very appreciated”, the post read.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/SoukMediterranean/posts/434293677944918" data-show-text="true" data-width="500">
<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/SoukMediterranean/posts/434293677944918" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<p>“Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.”   This really happened. Last night one of our guests left a...</p>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SoukMediterranean/">Souk Mediterranean Kitchen &amp; Bar</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SoukMediterranean/posts/434293677944918">Sunday, 13 December 2020</a></blockquote>
</div>

<p>It added - “The words “Thank You” seem inadequate for this gift... but Thank You Billy, for your generous spirit and for making a difference in the lives of people I care a lot about this holiday season”.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In Pics:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/santa-claus-bikers-parade-tokyo-streets-for-victims-of-child-abuse-351147">Santa Claus bikers parade Tokyo streets for victims of child abuse</a><br />
<br />
Chef Salloukh spoke to CNN and claimed that there were a “lot of tears”.  <br />
“Your restaurant staff becomes your family and everyone cares about each other. I've been staying out of the kitchen to give employees hours to get through and put gifts under the tree for their kids, so this was so huge for us”, he told CNN.</p>

<p>The actual payable amount was just $0.01. Owing to the tip, every employee was able to take home $200 during the holidays. Even the staff members who were not on duty during the time received the extra tips!<br />
<br />
People on Facebook were quick to spot the post and rushed to thank Billy for his sweet gesture during such times when restaurants have lost millions of dollars, and have had to lay off people due to restrictions put forward by COVID-19.</p>


One thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is how hard people work across industries, and how interdependent we all are. Keeping in mind the Christmas spirit even during such grim times, a patron in a bar in Ohio tipped the restaurant $5,600 (Rs 4 lakh).

One thing the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is how hard people work across industries, and how interdependent we all are. Keeping in mind the Christmas spirit even during such grim times, a patron in a bar in Ohio tipped the restaurant $5,600 (Rs 4 lakh). A guest named “Billy” went to Souk Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar in Toledo to eat food, but came out making every employee smile - even those that weren’t on shift. After tipping the restaurant so generously, Billy received a lot of praise online. In Pics: Santa Claus spotted distributing masks to Thai kids... on elephants! The owner of the restaurant - Chef Moussa shared the image of the bill on Souk’s Facebook page. He added how December is usually when the staff earns money to buy gifts, and to fix up their homes. “This is not an ordinary December. Normally this is a month when our employees work extra and guests tip generously. December is a month for them to earn money to buy family gifts, put a bit into savings and take care of bills or repairs that have been lingering. With Covid restrictions and guidelines, that was not going to happen for them this year. So this heartfelt generosity was deeply needed and very appreciated”, the post read. “Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people.”   This really happened. Last night one of our guests left a... Posted by Souk Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar on Sunday, 13 December 2020 It added - “The words “Thank You” seem inadequate for this gift... but Thank You Billy, for your generous spirit and for making a difference in the lives of people I care a lot about this holiday season”. In Pics: Santa Claus bikers parade Tokyo streets for victims of child abuse Chef Salloukh spoke to CNN and claimed that there were a “lot of tears”.   “Your restaurant staff becomes your family and everyone cares about each other. I've been staying out of the kitchen to give employees hours to get through and put gifts under the tree for their kids, so this was so huge for us”, he told CNN. The actual payable amount was just $0.01. Owing to the tip, every employee was able to take home $200 during the holidays. Even the staff members who were not on duty during the time received the extra tips! People on Facebook were quick to spot the post and rushed to thank Billy for his sweet gesture during such times when restaurants have lost millions of dollars, and have had to lay off people due to restrictions put forward by COVID-19.

Guest in US restaurant leaves $5,600 tip bringing holiday cheer to many

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