“Askies, Next Time”: Johannesburg Woman Tips Woolies Waiter With a Sad Note
- A Johannesburg woman shared a photo of her restaurant bill after dining at Woolworths food store
- The woman's creative response to the gratuity section on her R584 bill had social media users divided
- South Africans flooded the comments with mixed reactions, with some defending her choice and others questioning the high prices at the upmarket food store
Source: TikTok
A Johannesburg woman has divided social media after sharing how she handled the tip section on her expensive restaurant bill.
Facebook user @bridget.bridget.619478, who regularly posts about her travels, gym sessions, and restaurant visits, shared a photo on 23 August 2025 that quickly went viral with over 600 reactions and 300 comments.
The woman posted a picture of her bill from a Woolworths food store visit, with the simple caption:
"Hopefully, he'll understand."
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Her meal included a beef burger costing R280, two portions of chicken wings at R149, a chocolate milkshake for R65, hot chocolate at R50, and a mocha drink for R54, bringing her total to R584.
When it came time to fill out the gratuity section, the woman wrote something that caught everyone's attention. Instead of adding a tip amount, she wrote "Askies, next time" in the tip section and kept her total at R584. Her polite but firm refusal to add extra money to her already pricey meal sparked heated discussions about tipping expectations.
Source: Facebook
Mzansi reacts to the sad note
The woman's decision to write a note instead of adding money divided social media users completely. Some praised her honesty about not being able to afford extra costs, while others felt the prices were already too high to justify additional charges.
Social media users had plenty to say about her approach and the expensive meal prices.
@Sangoma Umuthi supported her:
"You don't have to tip anyone."
@Timo La Decima suggested:
"That time you gave him R200 off record. Hmm, we see you.😌"
@Tshivhidzo Manase was confused:
"Woolworths has a restaurant? 🤔 Where do you guys exist 😭😭"
@David Jehoshaphat shared:
"I always carry envelopes with R1,000 inside to tip petrol attendants, waiters, delivery guys, etc, when I encounter them."
@Noxolo Mdlalose criticised:
"No need to write 'askies next time' 🙄"
@Kyle Stevenson was shocked:
"R280 for a beef burger? Woolworths is craaazy fam 😭"
@Gcobani Mkungela related:
"This is me every time I'm at the restaurant."
Why people tip
According to experts at PBS, tipping culture varies greatly around the world, with different motivations driving people's decisions. Research shows that people tip for various reasons, some to show off, others to help servers supplement their income, some to ensure good future service, and others simply to avoid disapproval or out of a sense of duty.
View the Facebook post below:
Waiters and waitresses often earn low base wages. According to the Department of Labour, the minimum income in South Africa is R28,79 per hour, effective from 1 March 2025.
Even though tipping is not mandatory, it is customary. A normal tip ranges from 10% to 15% of the bill, with higher amounts for exceptional service. It's advisable to tip in cash, as it ensures immediate benefit to the staff.
When tips are added to a card payment, the money may be processed through the restaurant’s system, and sometimes staff don’t get it right away, or it may be shared among all employees, reducing the amount they personally receive. Cash tips also give waiters more control over their income.
Some restaurants, hotels, and bars may automatically include a service charge on your bill. Be sure to check your bill carefully before deciding if you want to leave an extra tip.
Other stories about tipping in South Africa
- Briefly News recently reported on an American couple in Johannesburg who pay their gardener with US dollars, but the real reason behind their generous approach revealed something touching about treating workers with dignity.
- An e-hailing driver received an incredible R8.8k tip from a US man after sharing life-changing news, but the perfect timing of the generous gesture made the story even more heartwarming.
- South Africans were appalled when someone left only a R30 tip on a massive bill, but the shocking amount they spent on champagne alone had people questioning their priorities.
Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.
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Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
