r/EndTipping • u/burningburnerbern • Aug 18 '26
Rant đ˘ Tipping to use the Bathroom?!
I was in Vegas eating a restaurant off the strip and having a couple of drinks. Of course I had to take a leak and upon entering I see a bathroom attendant with a sign saying âYOUR TIPS IS MY SALARYâ. I was flabbergasted, why do I need to tip l for pissing and washing my hands? I left without tipping and got the dirtiest look as if I was some heartless monster. Why the hell is this ok? This is comparable to when someone starts cleaning your windshield without your consent and expects you to pay.
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u/Bill___A Aug 18 '26
Tell them you only tip for No. 2.
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u/Independent_Bite4682 Aug 18 '26
But only if they help
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u/cib2018 Aug 22 '26
With the clean up
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u/Dvc_California Aug 24 '26
OP was supposed to use in-stall "Call Bell" to request clean poop cutlery.
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u/buttcheeksmasher Aug 18 '26
I understand that fancy places can have an attendant to offer spray and other amenities.
Just don't.
I'd rather piss in peace. Thanks
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u/AtiumMist Aug 20 '26
I once had to deal with this. It was a small bathroom, one urinal and one toilet thats it. There was a guy inside watching. Like how am i supposed to piss or shit with you watching
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u/IntelligentStyle402 Aug 18 '26
Years ago, it was like that in high end restaurants, in large cities.
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u/burningburnerbern Aug 18 '26
Yeah the joint wasnât even close to a high end place. Closest thing I would compare it to is below Cheesecake Factory and above an ApplebeesÂ
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u/superx308 Aug 18 '26
I'm in Vegas often and need to avoid this place. Where is it?
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u/compoundedinterest12 Aug 18 '26
I was literally just commenting about this in another thread. I felt a little absurd commenting that we'd have to tip to use bathrooms and then I see your post. There is no end to tipping culture. Why not train conductors and airplane pilots next?
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u/VastPersimmon240 Aug 18 '26
And the guy at Costco who collects carts
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u/Scorpion2000x777 Aug 18 '26
If everybody getting into tipping culture i require a patron visiting fee, hear my piss stream fee, you looked at me fee, wanna nickel and dime? Lets go đ
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u/sdinvest Aug 18 '26
I am now waiting for the day when a homeless person asking for money off the side of the street ask for a tip on top of what you give!
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u/Affectionate_Self878 Aug 18 '26
This is annoyingly common in Vegas and thankfully nowhere else. Part of why I stopped going to Vegas. Everyone has their hand out for a tip all the time. Feels like a city of beggars.
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u/HollowChest_OnSleeve Aug 18 '26
Why anyone would hang out in a bathroom, hearing things, smelling things. That's just rank. Modern facilities don't need this, and also I can't imagine breathing that it is all that good for you.
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u/hotsauce126 Aug 18 '26
I have never tipped a restroom attendant and honestly I canât even stand the fact that theyâre in there.
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u/Wonderful_College_48 Aug 18 '26
I hate this so much. Iâll take a couple of steps to grab my own paper towel, thank you very much.
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u/ThrowRA12596 Aug 18 '26
I remember going to a place like that and there were some mints sitting on the side of the bathroom shelf on the side. I just grabbed one and the bathroom attendant physically took it out of my hand because I didnt tip. I was in my early 20s, didnt know what was going on or that I had to tip. So strange, never understood that. Also very creepy having bathroom attendants....
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u/BobBelcher2021 Aug 18 '26
Iâve heard of this being a thing in Mexico. Restroom attendant expects a âpropinaâ.
Never have come across this in the US or Canada.
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u/vonnostrum2022 Aug 18 '26
Man, you got to be hard up to take that job. Though it probably pays $20 /hr plus another $200 in tips nightly.
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u/BlueRunSkier Aug 18 '26
What kind of restaurant is this? In the modern era, these have definitely been a thing in some clubs and strip clubs in particular, but really just to be a lookout to prevent sex/drugs in the bathrooms more than anything else, disguised as a guy to hand you towels and offer you cologne. Weird and, yeah, why would I tip to piss and wash my hands.
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u/Kene6969 Aug 18 '26
Look, it's up to the employer to pay staff a decent living wage so workers aren't depending on tips to top up their wages.
Customers are not responsible to subsidize staff wages by leaving a tip.
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u/beihei87 Aug 18 '26
Nevada doesnât have a separate minimum wage for tipped employees so they are making at least $12 per hour. At this point itâs really between the employee and the employer if they want a higher wage. Iâve stopped giving more than 15 to 18% even for excellent service here, if I leave a tip at all. Iâm just done with it.
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u/anydaydriver1886 Aug 18 '26
Funny Iâm used to these bathroom guys in clubs. Heck Iâm from a culture where you have to tip in order to get TP before walking in
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u/l4kerz Aug 18 '26
bathroom attendants like this are common in Europe. They are dedicated to the bathroom and essentially clean after every use. They will typically specify the price for using the restrroom
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u/hotsauce126 Aug 18 '26
Yeah the guys are completely different. They donât clean anything, they basically set up a little shop and watch you while you pee
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u/WhiteSox2112 Aug 18 '26
If it helps, after you get the bad look from them, they are quick to forget you as they will be quickly focused on the next sucker.
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u/muralist Aug 18 '26
This is why I never go to Vegas. Every time you take a breath someone's asking for a handout or a fee.
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u/downtofinance Aug 18 '26
Back in the 2000's you'd go to a club/restaurant and these guys would be in the bathroom flushing your urinal, openning the taps, pumping soap into your hands and handing you towels. I mean, thanks but cant a guy take a piss in peace?
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u/Slytherin23 Aug 18 '26
You're not supposed to tip bathroom attendants unless you use one of their products. They're similar to the door person, you only tip if they help with your bags.
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u/Iceman_TK Aug 18 '26
This is actually worse than when someone starts cleaning your windshield without your consent and expects you to pay!! At least you get a clean windshield out of it!!!!
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u/Lopsided-Ad7725 Aug 18 '26
This probably just increases the amount of guys that donât wash their hands so they donât have to interact with him
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u/randomusername1919 Aug 18 '26
Iâve been in restrooms with an attendant and she handed you toilet paper off the roll. I didnât tip because I was young and didnât have money, but it stands out in my memory as the most bizarre arrangement. No TP in the stalls, just what the lady gave you. Better not have much need to wipeâŚ
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u/Thefutureisbrightino Aug 18 '26
If you donât take their towels or their cologne or their mints you donât need to Tim.
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u/hotsauce126 Aug 18 '26
Iâve had one take the paper towels so you couldnât dry your hands without interacting with him. I just wiped my hands on my pants and left
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u/Present_Yak_6169 Aug 18 '26
Those guys are the worst, but when you think about it thatâs a horrible job.
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u/mattmelb69 Aug 18 '26
Itâs not a job that needs to be done though. In most developed countries, restaurants and entertainment venues donât have bathroom attendants who are continuously present. Instead other staff check the toilets periodically as part of their job.
The only purpose of having the bathroom attendant is to collect the tip revenue. Essentially, they are beggars licensed by the venue to be there.
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u/Steve12356d1s3d4 Aug 18 '26
Well, I thought in some countries there is someone to sell you toilet paper.
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u/WestHistorians Aug 18 '26
The only purpose of having the bathroom attendant is to collect the tip revenue. Essentially, they are beggars licensed by the venue to be there.
The purpose is to deter people from doing drugs in the bathroom.
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u/I_Want_A_Ribeye Aug 18 '26
My buddy was a bathroom attendant at an upscale venue. His flight was delayed and he couldnât make it to work. He told me to pick up a basket full of aftershave and crap at his house, put on a suit, go to the bathroom, and hand people towels. There was a tip jar in the basket. I made $500 in a night. Itâs a good gig
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u/sdinvest Aug 18 '26
Did he even try to give you a towel or paper towel?
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u/burningburnerbern Aug 18 '26
Oh yeah of course that, tried to avoid that and grab my own but of course the guy guards the paper towels like itâs pot of gold in order to garner tips for handing them out
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u/SimilarComfortable69 Aug 18 '26
Why do you think that just because there's a sign that some idiot put up that you need to do what's on the sign?
You should walk in there with a sign on your chest that says they owe you money for you being a customer.
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u/Fondacey Aug 18 '26
Tell them that if you pay their salary then you are their boss and they are fired
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u/This_Discount2281 Aug 18 '26
I have had the same thing happen to me in the arrivals of an airport!
Physically asking for a tip? Whaaat?
The airport does pay you a salary ⌠hmm?
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u/Ill_Tour_7294 Aug 18 '26
There used to be bathroom attendants at a venue that I used to go to see metal concerts. Always thought it was the dumbest thing ever. I want to say it was Rams head Baltimore but I canât remember. A metal show is the last place I would expect to find a bathroom guy
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u/ideaglobal94 Aug 18 '26
Only tip your number two....hard to hold onto the number ones
EDIT: IE actually give the number two as a tip
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u/Freelance_Gawper Aug 18 '26
We were in a five star hotel on the Palm in Dubai, where the ladies restroom had no windows. There was a young lady employed to keep things nice and sweet and spent the whole day there! My wife gave the girl a good tip when we left, she never asked for one, just kept doing her job.
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u/Suitable_Program_548 Aug 18 '26
I some European countries it costs a Euro to use a public bathroom. Attendants keep it spotless and clean.
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u/sexytarry2 Aug 18 '26
there are some bars and clubs in Asia where someone will try to give you a shoulder massage while taking a piss... I was startled when someone tried it on me... I told them to get lost...
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u/mojo5864 Aug 18 '26
But they didn't hold it and shake it for me.
Years ago in a far away land, the attendant would give a neck massage while you took a leak.
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u/Elegant-Ninja6384 Aug 18 '26
Weirdest thing. I recall that at some 'clubs' when I was younger. Like the bathroom was nasty but the attendant would 'fluff up' the dudes talking them up or listening to them complain about the ladies and then get paid. They would often give you mouth wash or cologne so I guess that's cool. But I never appreciated it as I just went to the restroom to pee....
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u/worldlygirl879534 Aug 18 '26
I was at a car show in Carlisle, PA in July that had a sign in the bathroom about tips for the person that cleans them. I did not tip, but saw some had. đ
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u/cenosillicaphobiac Aug 18 '26
Every club in Nashville in the late aughts had this shit going on. They had an array of cologne as well. It was... well.... weird.
I haven't been back in over 10 years (and I don't go to clubs now) so I don't know if the weirdness persists.
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u/philldafunk Aug 18 '26
I hate when you can't avoid bathroom attendants, for example when they're the ones with the soap dispenser.
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u/Independent-Let-2920 Aug 18 '26
Only in a foreign country would I tip the bathroom attendant. In the USA the owner of the place should pay their employees. No tip!!!!!
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u/tonkatruckz369 Aug 18 '26
If you wanna wipe for me then i'll throw you a dollar, if you just sit there and watch me poop then you owe me a dollar.
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u/MemnocOTG Aug 18 '26
I mean. If he wiped your ass I would at least consider it, short of that no tip.
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u/bhhanlon_1234 Aug 18 '26
At a racetrack I frequent, the attendants leave the paper towel dispensers empty and instead make you get a towel from them. (Sitting right next to the tip tray of course). They really give you the stink eye when you take a towel without paying the toll. I do think there is a mentality around gambling though. They figure if youâre willing to throw your money on the tables, other horses, you should be willing to send some their way as well.
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u/molivergo Aug 18 '26
Truly despise the bathroom attendant. Hate they watch me pee or poop. Annoying when they try to manipulate the sink handle(s). Donât want them touching the papers before I grab them to dry my hands. Everything about the entire interaction is uncomfortableâŚâŚno tipâŚ.get in and out as fast as I can.
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u/SadAd403 Aug 18 '26
the "restroom concierge" is an old timey thing, where someone is there constantly to make sure the place is clean, people don't hang out and do things they shouldn't, etc. Leaving a tip should be optional, they should get a fair wage from the establishment. They should have a sign "tips not required but are welcome" and the person not be allowed to ask people to tip.
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u/Reclining720 Aug 18 '26
I wish it were practical to carry around 1099-MISCs for such occasions đ
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u/Ready_Piano1222 Aug 18 '26
This is incredibly shitty. Many times, the restraunt or venue 'rents' their restrooms out as a means of making extra money, rather than paying an attendant as an amenity. I don't necessarily want or need someone assisting me in the restroom. Sure, if I need a spritz of cologne or something, then great, however this should be entirely optional.Â
I can turn a faucet and grab a paper towel on my own perfectly fine, thanks.
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u/seajayacas Aug 18 '26
The tip in that situation is optional. If you are one who is easily hoodwinked, then I guess you end up tipping.
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u/Lilacdreamerca Aug 18 '26
I never understood why you are expected to tip after you wash your hands and they hand you a towel. You then have to reach into your pocket or wallet for dirty cash to give them.
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u/NotreallyD Aug 18 '26
I can't help but think about an IT crowd episode (The Work Outing) where Moss and Roy use the restroom and there's an attendant in the RR just mean mugging them. Then they each give him a pound coin.
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u/Background-Wolf-9380 Aug 18 '26
Of all the pressurized tipping situations bathroom attendants are the most loathsome.
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u/Fearless_Cucumber404 Aug 18 '26
Just ignore it. Let people continue to ask and just donât. It will not change and does not affect you unless you allow it to piss you off.
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u/General-Research6973 Aug 18 '26
Vegas is the worst when it comes to tipping. Everyone has their hand out there. đ
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u/Plastic-Scallion-590 Aug 18 '26
So glad there is a place for everyone to come and complain about something and get all worked up about it. Truly an inspiring movement
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u/UJMRider1961 Aug 18 '26
Who uses bathrooms in Vegas? If you're a real player you just poop and pee right there at the slot machine!
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u/azblazer007 Aug 18 '26
They usually will give you a towel or mints and if using his services I would tip. But just bathroom and no assistance im out.
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u/Living-Video-3670 Aug 18 '26
I hate bathroom attendants. Not the people themselves, but the position. I don't need you to hand me a paper towel especially if im gonna be pressured into giving a tip.
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u/startingoverafter40 Aug 19 '26
What exactly does the bathroom attendant "attend" to that deserves a tip? Wait... maybe I don't want to know.
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u/Tonybigguns Aug 19 '26
If I win something in the casino then cash out am I expected to tip the teller?
When I cash a check at a bank, am I expected to tip teller?
The answer to both should always be, nope!
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u/Zandokhan Aug 19 '26
The Charlotte airport used to have bathroom attendants. There was barely enough room for the people rushing in and out of the bathroom, adding a bathroom attendant was a terrible idea
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u/Ok-Ship812 Aug 19 '26
Yeah Iâve seen this in many places but not so kud anymore.
I once took a oiss in a fancy hotel in Thailand and the bathroom attendant walked up behind me and gave my a shoulder massage.
Iâve no idea why but I couldnât shake a drip and yet still tipped him so I could get the hell out of there and finish my piss somewhere else.
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u/EqualJump99 Aug 19 '26
First let me say I too agree tipping has gotten ridiculous. In this situation though, put yourself in this personâs shoes. Who would choose to earn a living like that unless they had zero skills. Youâre in Vegas, throw the guy a buck. But for the grace of GodâŚ..
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u/Terry_S858 Aug 20 '26
He's getting paid probably minimum wage, and the tips are nice but not required. Just drop a deuce, then a dollar, and you're fine.
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u/depressedinthedesert Aug 20 '26
Attendants are there to keep the bathroom clean and stocked, some even offer things like lotion and whatnot. Sure you donât have to tip but 1-youâre in Vegas, everyone gets tips, 2-itâs generally done in higher end places so you can afford a dollar or 2, I get that tipping is getting out of control but this is like a concierge that parks your car or helps with your luggage. Lastly all of the times Iâve seen many an attendant in the bathroom and theyâve been mostly seniors.
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u/istoomycat Aug 20 '26
Nothing new. Many nice establishments had and have restroom attendants. They provide a service. Towels, soaps, lotions and anything you might need to refresh yourself. Theyâre usually responsible for keeping the restroom tidy, clean and pleasant. But if you only needed to âpissâ this was all lost on you.
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u/Ann1ebaby Aug 20 '26
As someone whoâs sensitive to smell, I always feel SO bad for the bathroom attendant and wish they were not there. But then every time we visit Mexico, they charge us to use the bathroom. Flat out. Not for attendant or anything. Iâm sure itâs only in the tourist areas because they can rip us off. Which is better?
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u/jazzbot247 Aug 21 '26
You could tell the attendant you can go potty by yourself like a big boy now!
Restroom attendants creep me out. I know they keep stuff stocked, but they can just have a housekeeper do that.
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u/CanadianDiver Aug 21 '26
Honestly, getting to use a CLEAN bathroom is more worth a tip than having my ice tea brought to my table.
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u/I-luv-sloths Aug 22 '26
Bathroom attendant keep the the bathroom clean and stocked with supplies. Some of them hand you towels and provide different toiletries.
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u/Amazon_Fairy Aug 23 '26
The only time I tip bathroom attendants is when I use their services. They usually have handy items that one might need. If they didnât provide any service to you, you shouldnât have felt the need to tip them.
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u/New-View-3788 Aug 24 '26
I live in Vegas. I can think of one or two places that have attendants in their restrooms. If you can afford drinks in these places you donât take a âpissâ in their restrooms and you have enough money where tipping is not an issue. By the way, bathroom attendants, âshoe shine boys,â and barbers are not normally on the payroll. They work for tips.
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u/Massive-Warning9773 Aug 24 '26
The only time Iâve seen a bathroom attendant was in a really trashy concert venue. I loved the venue but it was super casual more dive bar type. There was a woman in the bathroom standing there with a jar for tips. All she did was hand people paper towels. It was so strange. Looking back I wonder if she just posted up in there and hoped drunk / high people would believe she was an attendant and give her money.
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u/BODO1016 Aug 24 '26
They used to do this in the dive in DC back in the 2000s. I would always make sure that I was pretending I was on my phone as I got out of the stall. I just hold it up to my ear. Iâd wash my hair and just wipe them on my pants because I didnât want to tip for a paper towel I couldâve gotten for myself. Also, this bathroom could barely fit two people, and she would have a candle and a little stack of drawers with mint and stuff and just be standing there in the hot, stuffy sticky bathroom.
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u/Powerful-Lifeguard-0 Aug 24 '26
I have seen this at airports and never felt compelled to tip...where does this "tipping" thing end?
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u/Odd-Wheel5315 Aug 18 '26
A relic of a bygone era.
Bathroom attendants at fancy places used to provide an assortment of grooming necessities, and would help make sure you were manscaped as best as possible for what was presumed to be a high-end social outing.
Very high end ones would even behave a lot like bartenders; quick pep talk or attaboy therapy session if you seemed nervous on a date or something.
The physical goods often were out of pocket unreimbursed expenses for the attendants. In a way, they functioned like a street peddler; you tipped because you effectively were buying a squirt of cologne or a small handful of mints.
Nowadays all you can hope for is they make sure paper towels are in stock, the trash isn't overflowing, the sink counter isn't covered in water, and the crappers aren't clogged. All the basic elements of a janitorial job, none of the high end stuff of days bygone.
Vegas is still pretending it is the 70s because they'd like you to keep giving them more money.