What happens if you don't tip staff in USA?

Usually you tip people who give do a "service" for you.

For instance, (im not too sure about taxi drivers, ive never used a taxi) but servers, in most states make way less than minimum wage, around $2.13 (USD) and to keep the cost of the food down in a restaurant, they get the majority of their money from tips. National average for minimum wage is $6-$10.50. (USD)

Servers have to tip out other people that work with them too, they tip out the bartender, the bussers, sometimes the host, and sometimes the kitchen. When a person sits at a table and orders food, the server HAS to tip out the other employees for what you ordered too. So if you dont leave a tip, the server technically pays for your to eat in the restaurant. Thats not fair, but thats how it works.

My boyfriend is European and has told me that servers in Europe, on average, get paid A LOT more, so tipping is not required, but the cost of food is higher. But they DO get well paid for what they do.

Yes, if your husband is american and has never tipped ANYONE in his life, then he is an asshole.

Nothing would "happen", but for a lot of service workers (especially restaurant servers), the tips are part of their income. American labor law allows restaurants to pay a lower hourly salary because the servers earn tips. The amount of their hourly salary before tips can be a fixed amount or it may vary based on how much they earn in tips. So not tipping a server is kind of equivalent to not paying them.

You're not required to tip. And if the service is bad, you can leave a smaller or no tip. I generally tip between 18% and 20%. And if you do that and you do come back to a place, they will remember you, trust me.

I was in Ireland a couple of years ago and we constantly surprised servers in pubs by leaving tips, because it's not done there. My feeling is if the service is great, why not?

As for other Americans who don't, well, it depends on why. If someone can't afford it, I could almost understand that (why are they eating out if they can't afford to tip? would be my question). If the service was bad, that's acceptable, too. But just not tipping because they don't want to - sorry, that's boorish and cheap, and I have little respect for people who are like that. "Asshole" may be a bit strong, but if someone has an attitude about it, well, then maybe they are an asshole.

No they don't throw fits. Usually when people tip the waiter or waitress is not there, so he/she should not have seen if you tipped them or not. They may think to themselves badly of you if you don't tip, but it'd be very rare if they did say something.

Taxi drivers on the other hand can differ on what city you're in. I live in a rather small town. If you didn't tip here I'm sure they wouldn't say anything, but they'd think badly of you. Now if you didn't tip a taxi driver in New York, they might say something. Just a different mind-set in big cities like NY.

Whether you tip or not, just remember it's common courtesy for them doing their job.

Have a good trip :-)

Most likely nothing -- but if you don't tip in restaurant in the US (most states pay below minimum wage) you end hurting an individual who is working for a living. How do you hurt them --- in most cases, the restaurant pays the server below minimum wage and reports on their w-2 for tax filing purposes their salary, plus an estimated tip amount. Estimated as many servers are paid in cash for their tips (not all come via credit cards) - so the restaurant manager is required to provide an estimate tip amount per server. So if you do not tip -- not only is the server not receiving minimum wage as a result, but s/he is paying taxes on an amount they did not even receive so you are costing them money.

However, if you do not tip -- sometimes what happens is the server will go and talk with the manager about it - and if you are still in the restaurant, the manager will approach you and ask about the service. He/she may then explain the expectations around tipping.

You could also get harrassed from a taxi driver if you screw them out of a tip. I've heard of servers following people out of restaurants when they don't get a tip and yes making a scene. You are talking about screwing people.

What do I think of people who do not tip -- cheap low lifes that do not care about people who work their butts off to serve idiots.

Nope, nothing really happens. Most customers actually complain to the business if the employee complains about not getting a tip, so they steer clear of that risk.

If anything, you'll get a glare or a scoff, possibly even a mumble.

Here's a loophole though, in many sit-down, semi-fancy resteraunts, if you are in a group of 5+ people, there is a tip automatically added on the receipt that you are required to pay. This goes for taxis also, after a certain distance (I'm not sure the exact distance).

So don't feel obligated to give a tip (unless there's really excellent service)

Tips getting out of hand lately. it no longer tips for good service but more like paying the employee

Nothing will happen, but your husband chooses to ignore a basic element of how our society works, and NOT just in America.

People who work in the " service " industry DEPEND on tips to make their living. If they have a clue, they do their jobs well and deserve these tips, otherwise they will starve or fail. Their employers pay the minimum wage allowed by LAW because THEY expect their employees to receive tips. The government EXPECTS them to make tips and their IRS & State tax forms reflect that expectation.

I ALWAYS tip unless the service is bad. { at 58 years old I have encountered that only a couple of times in my life. } If it's bad I ALWAYS let the Manager or Supervisor know without getting all emotional. Yelling, screaming or getting abusive does no good and serves no purpose. THEY WANT to know of substandard service.

Have you EVER heard of a " service " person being rich or very well off ? If you have,......they are, by far, the exception. I NEVER have.

BUT there ARE cheapskates, skinflints, a--holes, as you mentioned, and those who choose to be clueless. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you which category your husband falls into. I'm sorry for your situation !

Those who use the excuse of " exceptional service " often use this as their excuse. Do they expect a comic routine, neck massage, specially requested items { extra } to be left off the bill, surely you see where I'm going with this.

Not tipping shows a heartless attitude that is sure to reveal itself in MANY other situations. Kiss off thoughtfull presants on special occasions. Flowers, surprises, etc., are a waste of their precious money to these people.

Nothing will happen if you don't tip but I think its common courtesy.

Nothing would happen you would just be another typical asshole tourist.

you piss them of because its all about the money