Millions of workers around the world rely on tips or gratuities to secure additional income for the services they provide in their fields, ensuring that their performance is "excellent" and that customer satisfaction translates into a substantial amount of money left with the bill. The service sectors were significantly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the closure of restaurants, entertainment venues, beauty salons, and other businesses. However, demand for delivery services increased, benefiting thousands of workers in Lebanon and worldwide from their jobs and the tips left for them.
Today, with the deepening economic crisis, tipping has become a burden for citizens. For example, if the bill at a restaurant is two million five hundred thousand lira, the commonly accepted 10% tip in Lebanon would amount to 250,000 lira, which used to be enough to feed four people at the finest restaurants. Has tipping become a thing of the past?
Young man Paul Khoury, a waiter at a restaurant, explains that he "has to work to secure my college tuition, which has become in fresh dollars. My basic salary at the restaurant does not provide me with a substantial amount of money; therefore, I rely on tips to gather the tuition fees." He pointed out to MTV that "it is notable that many are adapting to the crisis and the large payment amounts. While tips were around 5% at the beginning of the crisis, today the 10% rate has returned to most bills, and some affluent customers leave higher percentages out of sensitivity to the situation and to encourage us."
Taxi driver Riad Mazhar criticizes the economic and social conditions in Lebanon, stating, "The collapse has hit our profession hard, and taxi drivers in Lebanon have become very poor." He adds, "Before the crisis, we used to benefit from some tips, but this has changed today, as taxi fares for Lebanese customers are very high, and they only request a car in critical situations. For us, it barely covers the cost of fuel."
On the other hand, Rania Matar, who works at a beauty salon, points out that "customer traffic has returned to its previous levels, as Lebanese women are keen to take care of their beauty regularly and continuously. As prices have risen, so has the gratuity percentage. For instance, we sometimes receive a tip of 50,000 lira for beauty services."
Tipping has diminished in many sectors in Lebanon, especially those considered essential, such as transportation. However, it has reemerged in more luxurious environments frequented by those who have not been significantly affected by the economic crisis.
What remains essential is to always remember that those working in these various sectors need every little amount of money, regardless of percentages and customary practices.
