Americans Agree Tipping Culture Is Out of Hand and Getting Worse
As a former member of the service industry, I know how important tips are for someone who’s trying to make a living. In a recent survey conducted by PlayUSA, 59% of Americans agree they have experienced tipping fatigue. You know that dread that creeps up when you swipe your card at a convenience store and they whip the screen around prompting you for additional gratuity before signing for your purchase? That’s what people are sick of.
A poll of over 1,000 U.S. residents, aged 18 to 83, was held in September, 2023. The average age was 42 with 50% of respondents being male, 48% female, and 2% non-binary. Let’s break down some of the stats, shall we?
A lot of things changed during the pandemic with people picking up side hustles to supplement salary cuts, furloughs, and layoffs. During the lockdown, these unsung heroes who were willing to brave the public to do your grocery shopping, deliver your dinner, and drop off your packages were usually shown a little extra appreciation by the stay-at-home consumers.
Three years later, not only are we still tipping for those services (as we should be), but 87% of pollsters think even more new businesses are asking for a little extra when they had never expected it before.
A staggering two in three folks now feel pressure to tip, and 63% say they are overwhelmed by requests for additional gratuity. Recently at a health food shop, I purchased a granola bar and a bottle of water. When the clerk entered my card, she flipped her iPad screen toward me, and I was instantly guilted into adding 20% to my order just for her to scan my two items. Turns out, I’m not alone. PlayUSA’s survey learned that 56% of us feel obligated to add extra money when the person holding the tablet is waiting for you to complete your transaction.
Three out of four consumers think tipping is “out of control”. A whopping 77% of people think we’ve blurred the lines of expectation between customary and non-traditional services. A quick etiquette guide can help with the basic standards for 2023. Many of the usual categories still hold true: bartenders, waitstaff, bellhops, shuttle drivers, pet groomers, hair stylists, manicurists, baristas, movers, delivery drivers, grocery cart escorts, airport skycaps, housekeepers, bands/DJs (when requesting songs), bathroom attendants, valet drivers, etc.
Because of tipflation, one in five Americans admit to tipping less than usual in the current economy.
Keep in mind, it’s only going to getting worse toward the holidays. With many employers forgoing Christmas bonuses, the onus to supplement workers’ wages is on John Q. Public.
Most people plan to chip in about 36% more money to workers this winter. It’s also time for the yearly thank you compensation toward your mailperson, sanitation workers, lawn care experts, nanny, cleaning crew, and anyone else who performs a routine service for your household.
Now, let me flip this screen around, and it’ll just ask you one more question.
