A great story. I think that any American would agree that the tip was lousy, nevermind the fact that you paid it, and a good portion of his meal. I personally never leave a tip of less than $3.00 if I actually sit at a table, even if I just order a cup of coffee. What our friends from over seas apparently don't understand is that waitstaff are paid at half the minimum wage for all other occupations. This is because, in our culture, they do get tipped for their service. It isn't any form of "emotional prostitution" or manipulation, it's how they earn their living. Think of it as a non-structured sales commission.
Originally posted by sasquatch672You estimate your share of the bill was $11, but put in $25, so unless he realised you were tipping at a Bill Gates level of income 127% he probably thought you were paying towards his meal.
So this guy came to Philly for a conference. He's active duty military and has never been to Philadelphia before. I decide I'm going to do what I always do, be the good host, and I take him down to Center City to my good friend's pub. It's a very cool English/Irish bar, with oars, footballing jerseys, and sketches of Captain Kidd on the wall. So ...[text shortened]... justice in the world, Chuckie'll "look like a jigsaw puzzle wit' a couple a' pieces gone"!
Had he realised the practise was to tip so generously, I'm sure he would have only too gladly stumped up $44.72 for his $19.70 share of the bill! A total of $69.72 for two burgers and some beers - bargain!
Where he went wrong was in accepting your $25 and then paying on his government card - effectively getting a free meal and a $25 payment for eating it. However he tries to rationalise that, he completely shafted you there.