Do you tip more, less or the same as before?
An old friend from Europe is visiting the USA this summer, so we were chatting yesterday, trying to figure out where to meet. Among other things, he told me he read about tipping in America. I told him I tip more or less 20% at the restaurants, and I don't tip in takeouts. Sometimes at the bars, it's added automatically. His main question was if I noticed that tips are now expected in places where they weren't before. He read about the tipping culture in America changing in this direction, like we're encouraged, if not pushed, to tip. Thinking about it, I sort of see this has been going on, but my tipping habits haven't changed. But then again, I don't have a problem saying "no" or feeling uncomfortable that easily, I'm too old for that. I actually saw recently in WSJ that we tip less than in the last six years, if anything. Would you say you tip differently now than some years ago (more, less, in more places, any change really)?
Tipping habits in the U.S. have indeed been a topic of discussion, especially with the perception that tipping is being encouraged in more places than before. Based on the most helpful WSO content, tipping practices can vary widely depending on the individual and the context. For example, some users on WSO have humorously debated tipping in professional settings, like tipping MDs in investment banking, which is clearly a satirical take on the broader tipping culture.
From your description, it seems your habits align with traditional norms—20% at restaurants, no tipping for takeout, and automatic gratuity at bars. While there is a growing sentiment that tipping is being pushed in unconventional settings, many people, like yourself, stick to their established habits and don't feel pressured to tip in new scenarios.
Interestingly, there are reports, like the one you mentioned from WSJ, suggesting that tipping percentages have decreased in recent years. This could be due to economic factors, changing attitudes, or even "tip fatigue" as tipping expectations expand. Ultimately, whether one tips more, less, or the same often comes down to personal comfort and cultural norms.
Sources: Tipping MD in 2022, Tipping MD in 2022, Tipping MDs 2023, Feudalism in America?, Ranting about UK work culture
I tip the same. I think it is frustrating to be asked to tip if I buy a bottle of water at a bodega; in that sense, "tip culture" has gotten out of hand. But someone who is legitimately serving me, I tip. Whether that's the person pulling an espresso or a server at a restaurant. If you can't afford the tip, you can't afford the service. It's that simple.
If restaurants, bars and other service providers can’t afford to pay their employees a livable wage without expecting customers to make up some difference, then they should go out of business. It’s that simple.
So restaurants should do that. My guess is that those that try, do go out of business, because customers don't want to pay more for food and service and will always flock to the place that underprices and expects tips.
Never forget how unbelievably stupid and selfish the average person is. The remember that half of all people are even more stupid and selfish than that
I have tipped 15% in restaurants since I have had my own money to spend 16 years ago. I have never and will never tip during takeout of any sort. I will only tip 1 dollar per drink at a bar and I will never and have never tipped Ubers. And have also stopped tipping delivery in NYC following the new rules.
I do “tip” (bribe) doormen at clubs since there’s huge ROI in this.
I tip at Starbucks when I get a coffee and I think it’s all fine and well until they ignore me at the counter and don’t say “thanks” for the $2-3 tip.
I tip the same I always have to the people I always have. I'd rather not, but I'm not taking my dislike of tipping culture out on the damn server. I don't mess around with tipping at random ass places that you didn't tip at 10 years ago though.
Over the past year I have stopped tipping “when standing up”. I think that’s been the biggest area of unjustified tips creep. I’m happy to tip someone around 20% for taking my order, explaining the menu, attending to the table etc. or for making me a drink (typically 20% or $3-5 minimum). I’m less inclined to tip someone who just runs a cash register. The ambiguous one is coffee and tea shops, where I’ll tip 10% if I come there often.
However, I traveled to Japan last month and absolutely loved getting great service without any obligation or even ability to tip. 90% of transactions were cash, so no sneaky iPad, and never felt pressured to give them back a ¥100 or ¥500 coin or something. Coming back to NYC and having to tip for equivalent or worse service kinda sucks.
Why did we do this to ourselves? Obviously very different societies and cultures but it’s still an advanced economy where servers take their jobs seriously. I think waitstaff and bartenders make way more than they probably need to in order to keep restaurants sufficiently staffed. It’s a good gig I’ll give them that. My buddy used to make $500-1000 cash on weekend nights when he bartended here one summer.
Because business owners (primarily restaurant owners) don’t want to have to pay market wages, so they pass the cost of employment onto the consumer and use social guilt to force you to take on the burden.
Clearly it isn’t necessary either, as Europe and Asia have fabulous restaurant scenes. They don’t all shut down as a result of having to pay above sub-minimum wage. Japan, which you mentioned, has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country.
At the end of the day we'd still pay it via higher costs (it's not like restaurant owners are ripping insane margins because we tip so they don't have to pay). Asia service is generally pretty good, but every time I'm in Europe i find myself remarking over and over how damn long it takes to get any service regardless of the restaurant quality or country
This doesn’t make any sense whatsoever
Which part are you struggling to comprehend?
Wrapped up a couple weeks trip to Japan and China. Refreshing not having to tip, while getting exceptional service. Especially when checking out of our hotel room, not having to scrounge around for a cash tip for housekeeping. In China, the workers want to be mentioned in a good online review. Noticed that at hotel buffets and lounge bar, especially if you’re staying at a Western hotel flag.
Some places in Europe changing towards some tipping culture, particularly with American tourists and when they go above and beyond.
There’s the tip for the tour guide and bus driver, which is everywhere in Europe. For dining, we left “Table change.” Not really based on a %, but one or two Euros. Got the impression our table change wasn’t enough at a breakfast spot in 2nd district Paris.
Anyways, the world is changing a bit towards our American ways. Asia, still no tipping culture.
In the US, I usually tip the Subway sandwich maker (they seem to deserve it more than a bartender). I usually ask them for the Works.
Lastly, San Francisco has a couple tip-less restaurants that are popular. My wife mentioned to me.
My tipping approach has not changed at all. I tip 15 to 20% for food servers. If the service is exceptional, I might tip a little higher and if the service is not very good I will tip closer to 15%. Servers depend on tips to pay their rent or a mortgage on a house and to put food on their own table. I do not resent tipping. One thing I consider for tipping purposes is whether the server boxes up leftovers for me, If they do, my tip is higher.
15% is busted dude
You don’t believe in a merit system at all? Exceptional service should get a above average tip while poor service should get less.
I just realized how much stuff I ordered yesterday from my local restaurant downstairs and I forgot to overtip them. I think I only gave 30% ... bill was $40 for $105 in food and drinks - fack.... should have tipped 50-100% at least.
No haven't changed my habits, tip 18-25% at sit down dependent. $5 or more on take out if it's a place we take out frequently or also go to sit down. Just take outs or deli usually 2-5bucks. I still tip ubers typically, unless they are horrid. Still tip Doorman, front desk employees around the holiday, building staff at my condo, same with maid service and concierge. Typically 1-2bucks at a coffee shop especially the ones I go to frequently. Random places I never of would before no I don't tip. Like running in for a bottle of water absolutely not.
Et aperiam ea quo vitae ut voluptatem dignissimos. Dignissimos maiores suscipit earum doloribus quia. Iste in minus soluta rem.
Consequatur molestiae minus necessitatibus quia doloremque dolorem iure. Asperiores iure qui impedit eius est. Consequatur mollitia reprehenderit et dolores quidem quibusdam. Labore adipisci praesentium accusamus vero. Accusamus deleniti assumenda est est ad rerum. Illum iste totam excepturi non quia quas voluptatem ea. Quo expedita et reprehenderit fuga voluptatum aliquid possimus.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...