Nowadays, there are more opportunities to tip for a wider range of services than we’ve ever had before — from self-service fast food restaurant kiosks to smartphone delivery apps.
But between the high cost of living and uncertain economy, consumers are starting to tip less — and resent tipping prompts even more.
According to a new report by Bankrate, fewer consumers now say they “always” tip when dining out compared with last year — or for other services, such as ride-sharing apps, haircuts, food delivery, housekeeping and home repairs.
“Inflation and general economic unease seem to be making Americans stingier with their tipping habits,” Ted Rossman, Bankrate’s senior industry analyst said. “Yet, we’re confronted with more invitations to tip than ever.”
According to the report, two-thirds of Americans have a negative view about tipping, particularly when it comes to contactless and digital payment prompts with pre-determined options that can range between 15% and 35% for each transaction.
“Now you have to go out of your way to not tip and that’s what a lot of people resent,” Rossman said.
Tipping 20% at a sit-down restaurant is still the standard, experts say. But there’s less consensus about gratuity for a coffee or other transactions that didn’t involve tipping in the past.
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