Is the tipping culture getting out of hand?

[ChrissyRyan]

Is the tipping culture getting out of hand?

Should we tip for any level of service?  Do that seem to be the expectation from businesses?

It is getting extreme when asked to tip on a check out tablet screen, the screen gives you options of 30%, 25%, 18%, and custom tip (which if clicked allows no tip)?

Is putting three doughnuts in a wax bag and handing to the customer the bag of doughnuts worthy of a tip?  How about picking up your food order at the counter and serving your own drinks with no service provided other than preparing your food?

Some progressive cities with high minimum wages (Seattle, $20.76 plus any tips as of 1/1/2025, as a city example; California as a state example) for hourly workers may end up with higher unemployment or less given work hours, fewer restaurant customers, and many diners saying no or cutting back on tipping.

If ordering deliveries, you may be paying from a higher priced menu and have service fees, then tips are beyond that.

With that said, is even $20 an hour a "living wage" in higher cost of living areas?
Do hard working employees deserve good earnings?

Why in some countries are their service workers not expected to be tipped (some of those seem to be moving towards it though) for doing the job they were hired to do?

Is the simple solution jacking up prices a bit to cover higher wage costs?  How long can that be done?  Would that contribute to an inflationary spiral?

If restaurant goers stop going out to eat as much, or stop tipping as much, would more restaurants then slap mandatory service charges to the bills?  Would that cause a further erosion of customers?  Would more business go out of business because of higher costs?

Regardless if you are a generous person or not, each one of us has limits.  Good service may be worthy of a tip; but is it if prices are high enough to provide a decent income? If you cannot afford to give a reasonable tip, perhaps you should not be ordering meal deliveries or eat at a sit down meal restaurant where food is delivered to your table and you get further service.  Is anyone forcing you to tip (other than those mandatory service fees, which one wonders if they ever go to the workers directly or just to corporate income)?

Some localities have businesses that really do pay workers low wages, and in some cases, laws have enacted much higher wages than the federal (USA) wages because many business simply wish to pay about as little as they can.  That may be to be able to stay in business or to obtain higher profits.  A high level of competition for available workers with the required skills or are trainable also tends to increase wages.

I am not providing any answers or taking sides, I am simply trying to stimulate discussion.
Socialism is not the panacea, history shows that it almost always fails.  It can be argued that businesses deserve to earn a profit for providing what the customers want and that workers also deserve a fair wage.
 
This is not a research question or a scientific study, so the question or given options to select in the poll may not be valid or the best possible.

So what do you say about tipping?

[Athena]

It's getting to be too much, it's almost to the point that we have to tip the bag checker at walmart. Just pay the damn workers a living wage. Paying $6 for a medium fries at Mc Donalds and it's up to me to pay the one serving me?

[Sarah B ✅]

Hi Everyone

These countries are where tipping is expected.

• United States: Tipping is standard, often 15-20% in restaurants, bars, and in services such as taxis and salons.
• Canada: Similar to the U.S. tipping 15-20% is customary in restaurants and service industries.
• Mexico: Tipping 10-15% in restaurants and service staff is common.
• Argentina: Tipping around 10% in restaurants is common.
• Brazil: A 10% service charge is often added, but additional tips may still be appreciated.

It is estimated that about 10% of the world's population live in countries where tipping is expected.

I'm sorry but expecting someone to receive extra money for doing the job they are hired to do is repugnant to me.  Our custom basically does not involve tipping.  Employers pay their workers a decent wage and service jobs such as waitresses and sales staff usually get an award based on their industry or the national minimum wage applies.

Where I come from, which is Australia, you are not required to tip.  However, if, for argument's sake, the meal cost $100 and the service was great, one might pay $120 or whatever feels appropriate at the time.  If it is for something minor, we might just say keep the change.

Business in America is often seen as prioritizing profit while paying employees as little as possible.  This stereotypical view is mostly true and has more than likely led to the tipping culture common across the country.  However, some companies value employee welfare and pay fair wages, showing that this view does not apply universally.

Even in American movies, bellhops help customers to their room and stick out their hand as if begging.  No, this custom needs to be phased out.

Come to my country, you are not obligated to tip, so you will keep more money to spend and enjoy your visit even more.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator

[Athena]

I wish Canada and the US was only 15%. The pressure that I feel is 20% minimum is expected 18% is almost the minimum grudgingly accepted. I don't mean to sound like some grandma but not only are more places expecting tips but the standard tip has increased.

[MistressStevie]

Tipping puts the service worker who expects tips at odds with management.  Provide more free stuff = better tip.   

[KathyLauren]

When I was young and first learning about tipping, 10% was considered an appropriate tip for good service.  Then it was 15%.  Now I see people suggesting 20% for basic service and more for better service.  I have been handed the card reader thingy in a restaurant and the menu options for a tip started at 20%!  It is getting a bit out of hand.

On the other hand, the reason for tip inflation is the deflation of the workers' salaries.  They are intentionally paid less than their work is worth, so that the owners can rake in more money.  Like the meme said, "It's not inflation if CEOs are getting bonuses."  A server should be able to pay the rent or mortgage, buy decent food, and raise a kid on her salary.  But they have to ask for tips because they can't afford to live on the pay they get.

[Lori Dee ✅]

I normally only tip service workers (wait staff, delivery driver, etc.).

I never tip a cashier, even though the touchpad asks for a tip when I pick up my pizza.

I believe in rewarding excellent service. I once received a cheeseburger at a fast food restaurant that was a work of art. It was cooked to perfection and assembled with care (all toppings and condiments were INSIDE the bun). I was so impressed that I asked the manager to speak to the cook. I told the cook that I appreciated his pride in craftsmanship and I tipped him $20.

A huge problem we have now is that workers have lost pride in workmanship. I blame the whole "participation trophy" generation that was raised to expect something for nothing.

You might just be flipping burgers, but there is no reason that you cannot be the best burger flipper in the world. Any job worth doing is worth doing well. When a job is done half-assed, well... half of that equation is the person who did the job.

[EllenW]

I have no problem tipping for good service. If it is bad service, I make sure the person knows that is why they are not getting a tip. I also, ignore the tip suggestions and select custom tip or tip in cash.

Here in California, we have one of the highest minimum wage so we cannot blame it on the restaurant owners. FYI, it is $20 for workers in the fast-food industry. The escalating percentage amount is what Lori mentioned. That it has become a "participation trophy" society.

Ellen

[Lori Dee ✅]

Here is an article that @ChrissyRyan shared. It expresses much of the same sentiments we have discussed here. Maybe this is a nationwide issue, or even reaching beyond borders and around the world.
Thanks, for sharing, Chrissy!

Here's why Seattle residents vow to stop tipping in new year
Link to Full Article 🔗 [Link: mynorthwest.com/4023021/rantz-​heres-​why-​seattle-​residents-​vow-​to-​stop-​tipping-​in-​new-​year/]
KTTH OPINION - JASON RANTZ
Dec 26, 2024, 8:44 AM | Updated: 9:43 am

The Seattle tipping culture might go the way of Blockbuster Video, landlines, and the Microsoft Zune. Fueled by frustration over skyrocketing minimum wages and relentless "tipflation," Seattle residents are saying, "Enough is enough" to tips.

As Seattle ushers in the new year, a growing number of residents are pledging to stop tipping much or even altogether.

With Seattle now boasting one of the highest minimum wages in the nation, many in Seattle question the necessity of tipping on top of already substantial wages, especially in the context of escalating prices in restaurants and retail.

The city's minimum wage ordinance, which mandates annual increases based on inflation, was supposedly designed to ensure a "living wage" for all workers. But the Seattle minimum wage crusade came with unintended consequences. Consumers complain about 'tipping fatigue,' exacerbated by 'tipflation,' where suggested gratuities have risen in tandem with wages.

Tipping culture went from rewarding exceptional service to an expectation regardless of service. Then, thanks to political activism, tipping also became about supplementing wages. But it's hard to justify tipping when workers are getting considerably high wages for little work or skill.

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[ChrissyRyan]

Here is an article that @ChrissyRyan shared. It expresses much of the same sentiments we have discussed here. Maybe this is a nationwide issue, or even reaching beyond borders and around the world.
Thanks, for sharing, Chrissy!

I was browsing some articles via the Apple News service and this one by chance popped up, so I sent it on for review for possible linking to because of its focus on tipping practices perhaps getting out of hand, the subject of this thread here.  It captures what some people actually said in the Northwest Washington state area about tipping.  While people want to tip for excellent service they do not want tipping to be an expectation for any level of service. 

[ChrissyRyan]

Is tipping out of hand now?  Should you tip if you go to pickup a takeout order?

I have noticed those hand held payment devices suggesting tipping but none of the suggested tips seem to be listed are lower than 18%.  There is a "custom tip" button.


Is there no tipping expected in Europe?

[Dawn Kellie]

I will willingly pay for good service. If you didn't prepare or serve me, you just pushed buttons on a screen dosen't need tipping.
I worked as a service electrician for years, I got tipped once and I felt guilty and sent it back.

[MistressStevie]

I am tired of tip suggestions in the checkout process.  I am really tired of the process when ordering at their register.  It would be a huge plus to relocating out of the US. 

[ChrissyRyan]

I heard that a vending machine at an airport had a question pop up asking if the patron wished to leave a gratuity.  Plus at self checkout kiosks.

Seems extreme. 

[Lori Dee ✅]

I will willingly pay for good service. If you didn't prepare or serve me, you just pushed buttons on a screen dosen't need tipping.
I worked as a service electrician for years, I got tipped once and I felt guilty and sent it back.

Same here.

There were a few times when I was given a gift certificate for a free dinner for two at restaurants where I installed security systems. I installed security cameras in a new 8-screen movie theater, and the owner was very happy. He said he would give me all the free tickets I wanted as long as I bought his popcorn. He said the money is in the concession stand, not the box office.

I never felt guilty about accepting them. They did not have to offer, but they wanted to thank me for a job well done. I think the difference is that I did not ask for a tip, whereas these machines always ask.

[Stottie Girl]

I was often given "a little bit extra cash in hand" by customers when working on their heating systems. It was always unexpected but I never felt guilty, I always took it as proof I was doing my job well which made me happy. I was well paid as an engineer so it was't pity because of a low income. If I thought they didn't have much, like a poor old pensioner I would politely refuse to take it but otherwise, no it's a reward for good service.

I think the UK has tipping broadly right, though some restaurant chains are starting to adopt the American model where it is already added to your bill and you would have to ask the server to remove it. If a restaurant does that to me I never go back, I don't want to be put into a possible confrontation with a server and I don't expect to be having to top up their wages if the owner doesn't feel like paying them a proper wage. I don't go to restaurants much though. We tip if someone has given great service and thats it. It means more that way. We do have a minimum and living wage here though.

If you can't afford to pay your staff then raise the prices of what you are selling or shut your business down, be honest about it. Most people would just accept that.