A recent study conducted by CouponBirds revealed that Americans are becoming increasingly weary of tipping expectations and are not tipping as much as they used to. The study surveyed 1,199 Americans about their tipping habits and another 628 Americans about their views on tipping and wages for servers.
Over three-quarters of those surveyed believe that tipping expectations have become excessive, with many citing the growing presence of gratuity requests at self-service kiosks and convenience stores. In fact, nearly half of respondents reported experiencing self-service machines asking for tips, despite the majority agreeing that this practice is going too far.
Furthermore, the study found that nearly 40 percent of Americans have been told upfront that they would receive worse service if they didn't tip, and 20 percent have encountered situations where tipping was compulsory. This pressure to tip, often referred to as "tipflation," has led to rising frustrations among consumers.
The survey also revealed that more Americans are tipping out of guilt rather than for good service. Many stated that they tip to avoid awkwardness or confrontation with employees, and some reported being treated aggressively by servers for not leaving a high enough tip or any tip at all.
Despite these frustrations, the study indicated that a majority of Americans still tip, with the top income earners giving above-average tips between 15-20 percent. However, there is a divide among service workers on whether they would prefer an increase in wages and the elimination of tips or to keep the current tipping culture.
Overall, the study highlights the growing discontent among Americans towards tipping expectations and the pressure to tip in various settings. With concerns about saving money and poor service being major reasons for the decline in tipping, it is clear that the tipping culture in the United States is undergoing a shift.