A server has sparked a heated discussion after outlining what customers should tip when ordering large quantities of food and receiving quality service.

In a TikTok video, Ben Raanan, who works as a server in a restaurant, shared his frustration over receiving small tips despite providing excellent service to patrons. Raanan argued that customers should tip at least 20% of their total restaurant bill.

In the video, he issued a public service announcement targeting “bad tippers,” emphasizing that tipping a minimum percentage should be common practice for anyone dining out. “If you don’t know how to tip, I get it, but for your information, $10 isn’t what it used to be,” Raanan explained. “It’s not the 1950s or even the 2000s anymore. Inflation means $10 doesn’t hold the same value.”

Raanan elaborated that leaving tips of $5 or $10 is no longer acceptable unless the total bill is $50, in which case $10 would equate to the 20% standard. However, for higher bills, such a small tip is inadequate and even disrespectful to servers working hard to ensure a pleasant dining experience. “If your bill is $200 and you leave me $10, that’s 5%. That’s an insult. Don’t do that at a restaurant,” he warned. “If you come back to my restaurant after leaving me 5%, or even 10%, I’m going to say something.”

Raanan expressed his belief that servers should start confronting poor tippers by asking them if their previous service had been subpar to justify leaving such small tips. He also provided a straightforward method for calculating tips: “If you don’t know how to calculate a tip, take the bill, move it one decimal point to get 10%, and then double that for 20%. That’s what you should tip.”

According to general guidelines, tipping at restaurants typically ranges from 15% to 20%. Robin DiPietro, Ph.D., a professor at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management, noted in an interview with Real Simple that a 15% tip is recommended for average service, while exceptional service warrants tipping 20%.

Raanan also addressed criticism from those who claim he’s not “entitled” to a tip. In a follow-up video, he responded to comments suggesting that tipping isn’t mandatory. “If I’m not entitled to a tip, then you’re not entitled to good service,” he remarked. “People take for granted the pleasant experiences they have at restaurants. Most don’t realize the effort that goes into providing quality service.”

He continued, pointing out that those who have never worked in a service job often fail to appreciate the physical and emotional labor involved. “This is a minimum-wage job, and I could give you minimum-wage service. I could say, ‘Tell me everything you want for your entire meal, and I’ll bring it all out at once. The second you’re done, I’ll check you out, and you’ll have to leave.’”

Raanan stressed that dining at a restaurant is about more than just the food—it’s about enjoying the experience of being served. However, enjoying that experience comes with the expectation of tipping appropriately for the service received. “You’ve grown up in a system where tipping exists, so there’s an implied contract. I’m giving you good service because you’re going to tip me,” he explained. “That’s why you’ve always received good service at restaurants.”

For those who believe tipping isn’t necessary, Raanan proposed a bold solution: “If you don’t plan to tip because you think service work isn’t worth your money, then tell your server at the beginning of the meal that you won’t be tipping and see what kind of service you get.”

He also debunked the idea that servers provide exceptional service purely out of kindness. Instead, he argued that tipping is a vital part of the relationship between servers and customers. “We’re not giving you good experiences out of the kindness of our hearts. We expect to be tipped for our work.”

The topic of tipping has long been contentious, and the comments on Raanan’s video reflected a range of opinions. One TikTok user sympathized with his perspective, writing, “If you come in and don’t tip me, don’t bother coming back. The second time, I’m not giving you the time of day.” Another agreed, jokingly suggesting, “Is there a way to play this video for every single customer before they start their meal?”

On the other hand, critics argued that the tipping issue should be addressed with employers rather than customers. “I’ve worked in service. Several times. It is literally your job to serve people. If you hate your pay, talk to your boss,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Instead of getting mad at customers for something they don’t have to do, get mad at the restaurant owners who don’t pay you enough.”

While the debate continues, Raanan’s message highlights a larger issue within the restaurant industry: the reliance on tips to supplement wages. His videos serve as a reminder that tipping remains an integral part of dining culture, reflecting the value customers place on the service they receive.