Colorado Man Says He Only Had $10 to Tip — Then Server Asks ‘Do You Have Venmo?’ Leaving Him Speechless
DENVER, CO — A Colorado man’s story about a routine restaurant visit has gone viral after a surprising exchange with his server turned into an unexpected commentary on modern tipping culture.
Content creator Jacob Seale (@themrseale) posted a TikTok recounting how he went out to eat at one of his regular spots but only had a $10 bill to leave as a tip — half of what he normally gives. What happened next, he says, left him completely stunned.
‘That’s All Right… Do You Have Venmo?’
In the video, which has now racked up more than 36,000 views, Seale explains that when the check arrived, he apologized to his waitress, saying:
“I’m sorry. I usually tip $20, but I only have $10 cash on me. I’ll hit you next time.”
According to Seale, the server didn’t skip a beat before replying:
“‘That’s all right. Do you have Venmo?’”
His expression in the clip says it all — a mix of shock and disbelief. “I straight up crapped myself,” he joked, describing the awkwardness of the moment.
The Viral Debate Over Tipping Expectations
The exchange has reignited online debate over how far tipping culture has gone, especially as digital payment systems make it easier for workers to request extra payments through platforms like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal.
A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of U.S. adults feel they’re being asked to tip more often than ever before — and in places where tipping wasn’t traditionally expected.
That frustration has only grown with the rise of touchscreen checkouts that prompt customers for 20%, 25%, or even 30% tips, even for basic transactions like coffee, takeout, or grocery orders.
Experts say this cultural shift accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when customers wanted to support service workers but now face “tipping fatigue.”
“Many people started tipping more during the pandemic to help essential workers,” NPR reported. “But now, technology and social pressure have made tipping feel less voluntary.”
Workers’ Perspective
Servers and bartenders often rely heavily on tips to make a livable income — with many states still following the federal tipped minimum wage of $2.13 per hour. That means customers’ tips literally determine how much they take home.
However, some service industry workers argue that moments like Seale’s Venmo request cross a line of etiquette, especially when a customer has already offered a cash tip.
“I’m a server, I would never ask that,” one commenter wrote.
Another joked about the awkwardness:
“She’s honestly so funny for that, ‘cause what do you mean, next time?’”
Meanwhile, other commenters shared their own tipping stories, including one server who admitted feeling “furious” after getting tipped 10% on a $182 bill.
@themrseale This is a joke #fyp #colorado #mrseale #christiantiktok
A Reflection of Modern Tipping Fatigue
Jacob’s experience highlights how digital tipping expectations have blurred traditional boundaries, making it unclear where generosity ends and social pressure begins.
His story — equal parts relatable and uncomfortable — has drawn empathy from both sides: servers defending their right to ask, and customers exhausted by constant tip prompts.
For Seale, the experience was a reminder that even a familiar restaurant visit can now spark a nationwide tipping conversation — one Venmo request at a time.
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