'Cheapskate' Couple's Rant Over Excessive Tip Culture in the U.S. Dragged

A post on Reddit has got people sharing their sometimes hilarious experiences of when they have been asked if they would like to leave a tip.

The post, "Tipping in USA is getting way out of hand," by user altventure in the Reddit community TrueOffMyChest, describes an expensive trip to play pool.

"My gf wanted to play some pool yesterday, so I picked a bar that had pool tables and walked there. They wanted $5 cover each just to get in, so I paid thinking that was to cover playing pool. Nope, when we got inside it turns out you pay $8 per person for each hour," they wrote.

"Seemed A rip off to me but whatever, we'd already walked all the way there so we started playing. Got some drinks, I tipped the bartender, played for one hour and then I returned the pool balls.

"When I pay the $17 for the hour of pool, the cashier turns the screen round to face me asking me how much I want to tip? 18%, 20% or 22%. I tried to just sign and hit continue, ignoring the tip but it wouldn't let me continue without selecting something. Eventually I notice a tiny gray button at the bottom to press for no tip. Very sneaky.

"I guess I'm ranting, but why am I being made to feel like a cheapskate every time I go out these days? Tipping shouldn't be expected for everything, but I feel like this is becoming the norm."

The poster added that the prompted tip for the pool surcharge was a separate transaction on the way out. They had already closed out their bar tab and tipped the bartenders.

The post led many users to share their own experiences of inappropriate tipping requests.

One user wrote: "We rented stand up paddle board at Lake Tahoe and was asked how much we'd like to tip before we even got it. I said $0."

Another user replied: "Did you get less paddle board because of not tipping? I'm imagining half a paddle board and it's hilarious."

User TinyP3 shared: "When I pick up pizza from the local shop the girl asks me how much I want to tip and if I want it on my card?? Out loud every time. Why should I tip if I drove there for pickup. Is that even expected? I imagine people tip just because she asks but I disagree."

Another user agreed in a post that has over 2,000 likes: "Went to Morris farmers market on the way to Outer Banks this past weekend. Go to the food truck. 1 pepperoni pretzel, and a small order of the baby donuts. Somehow rings me up for $27. What the f**k.

"Whatever, I'm on vacay. THEN she spins it around for me to give an additional tip? What the f**k man? What am I tipping for? I have to go find my own table, and clean up after myself, and get my own drink. You are literally selling me an insanely over priced pretzel and some donuts for $27 and want a tip for doing nothing but selling me your overpriced food? GTFO."

One U.K. user offered some perspective: "This is so strange to me as someone living in England. If me and my older brother want to play pool as we like to do every so often it costs about £1 [$1.20] and all the pool equipment is accessible without the need of staff. Also the tipping in the U.S. is very strange to me, like what's 18%?? 18% of what??"

Tipping In America

Scholars continue to debate the origins of the concept of tipping but many believe that tipping as it is today in America has its roots in the racial oppression of the post-Civil War Reconstruction Period. Slavery ended as an institution after the war, but freed slaves still had very few options and many were forced to take menial jobs in public service where business owners would refuse to pay them, on the understanding that the public would offer a small tip for their services.

According to travel company World Nomads, there are different tips for different services:

• Drinks –"Tip about $1 per drink even during happy hour. If your bartender is making expensive cocktails, pay with a larger tip. If you're unsure, aim to tip 15 percent of the bill."
• Food -"Tip cafe or restaurant staff 18 percent for good service, 20 percent for excellent service, and 15 percent for below average service."
• Taxis –"Taxi drivers should get tipped 10 percent of the fare, but a minimum tip is $2.