Great Tipping Debate: Exploring Etiquette and Expectations in America
Did you know nearly 3 in 4 Americans think tipping has gotten out of control, according to a new WalletHub survey? Explore the evolving tipping culture in America and its impact on workers and customers. Learn about the government's role in perpetuating tipping norms and the debate over tipping etiquette.
While tipping seems out of control in the U.S., what if I told you that it's rude to tip in some other countries? While here it's standard to tip 20%, in some other countries only 5% is expected and in others nothing at all. Did you know that our government is a big part of the problem? A federal law allows employers to pay their workers well below minimum wage, expecting tips to make up the difference.
TIPPING ETIQUETTE AND EXPECTATIONS IN AMERICA
With what services do you feel compelled to tip (take the poll and share below)? How much do you normally tip? Do you feel like tipping is out of control in this country? If you answered yes, you're not alone according to a new study by the personal finance website WalletHub.
The survey asked about a variety of topics, such as when people believe they should have to tip, whether they feel pressured to do so, and how they think gratuities should be split.
KEY STUDY STATS
Enough is enough: Nearly 3 in 4 Americans think tipping has gotten out of control.
Necessity or bonus: 64% of people think a tip is something you should give when you feel like it instead of something you always have to give.
Employer crowdfunding: Nearly 3 in 5 Americans think businesses are replacing employee salaries with customer tips.
Suggestion screen penalty: More than 1 in 4 Americans tip less when they’re presented with a tip suggestion screen.
Automatic annoyance: 78% of people think automatic service charges should be banned.
Pressure to tip: Half of Americans say they often leave a tip due to social pressure rather than good service.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU TIP?
Gallery Credit: Barb Birgy
TIPPING IN OTHER COUNTRIES
Where tipping is expected in the U.S., it isn't like that everywhere else in the world. In Japan, it's considered "rude" to tip as they consider a job well done enough to bring customers back to their establishment. Many other countries are happy with a small 5% or 10% tip. In China, Hong Kong, and South Korea, tipping isn't expected although visitors often do. In Switzerland, they build the tip into the published prices so there's no need to tip. Australia and Belgium are similar in that they have a 10% tip built into their goods and services pricing. You can tip if you want to when visiting Brazil, Denmark, or Estonia, but it's not expected. Many other countries only expect a 5% tip and a 10% tip would be thought of as quite generous.
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Gallery Credit: Charlotte Barnett
Sources: Bankrate, Business Insider, WalletHub