Current:Home > StocksAre Americans tipping enough? New poll shows that many are short-changing servers. -Finovate
Are Americans tipping enough? New poll shows that many are short-changing servers.
View
Date:2025-04-12 16:17:47
A new poll shows that when it comes to tipping, many Americans are shortchanging their servers.
The Pew Research Center poll of 12,000 people, which came out on Thursday, shows that 57 percent of American diners tip 15% or less for a typical sit-down meal, "including 2% who say they wouldn’t leave any tip," Pew researchers wrote.
Only about 22 percent of people said they would leave a tip of 20% or more," Pew found.
Are we at a 'tipping' point?You're not imagining it. How and why businesses get you to tip more
What factors into how Americans are tipping?
The amount that people tip varies depending on their age, income, and other factors, the poll found.
Younger adults are slightly more likely to be more generous with their tips than their older counterparts, who tend to be more conservative with their wallets, the poll found.
For some, the location makes a big difference. At fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle and Sweetgreen, or quick stops at coffee shops, only about 25% of Americans say they will usually or frequently tip, according to Pew.
Time is money:Customers who don't tip DoorDash drivers will wait longer for deliveries, company warns
Americans are upset growing expectations to leave tips
Among concerns of those surveyed was frustration over expectations to leave tips in increasingly more situations outside of restaurants.
According to Pew, 72% of people said that tipping is now expected in more places than five years ago. Only about a third of respondents said they find it easy to determine when and how much to tip for different types of services, like food deliveries and pet sitters.
In hopes of taking out some of the guesswork and ensuring their staff get adequate tips, many bars and nightclubs now include gratuity in the bill, typically ranging from 18 to 25%.
"I'll look at the bill and see a 20 percent gratuity charge," Lawrence Edgerton of New York City told USA TODAY about some of his experiences getting drinks with co-workers.
"Like, how they even know I like the service?" said Edgerton, a membership coordinator at a private club. "In cases like this I don't add an extra tip."
Kaia Grey, a 24-year-old flight attendant in Washington, D.C., says it seems like service fees are the norm at bars, restaurants and lounges in the country's capital.
"I literally can't go anywhere in D.C., and it will be a service fee," she said. "I have to be mindful when ordering because the more I order, the higher the surprise fee is."
Feds investigating:Elections officials in multiple states get fentanyl-laced letters
When to tip?
It's a common practice for most Americans to leave a gratuity when dining at a restaurant, but there seems to be some uncertainty around tipping in other situations. Many people are unclear about when and how much to tip in situations such as hotel stays, haircuts, or rideshares.
“Even as Americans say they’re being asked to tip more often, relatively few have a great deal of confidence about when and how to do so,” Pew researchers said.
veryGood! (2191)
Related
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Prosecutor refiles case accusing Missouri woman accused of killing her friend
- Adolis Garcia's walk-off homer in 11th inning wins World Series Game 1 for Rangers
- Mexico assessing Hurricane Otis devastation as Acapulco reels
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Keep trick-or-treating accessible for all: a few simple tips for an inclusive Halloween
- Unlock a mini Squishmallow every day in December with their first ever Advent calendar
- The FDA warns consumers to stop using several eyedrop products due to infection risk
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Alleged Maine gunman tried to buy a silencer months before Lewiston shootings
Ranking
- Small twin
- Thousands of Ukrainians run to commemorate those killed in the war
- Food delivery business Yelloh to lay off 750 employees nationwide, close 90 delivery centers
- How SNL Honored Matthew Perry Hours After His Death
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- 4 people, including 2 students, shot near Atlanta college campus
- AP Top 25 Takeaways: No. 6 OU upset; No. 8 Oregon flexes; No. 1 UGA, No. 4 FSU roll before CFP debut
- Manhunt for Maine shooting suspect Robert Card prompts underwater searches
Recommendation
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
A Look at the Surprising Aftermath of Bill Gates and Melinda Gates' Divorce
Adolis Garcia's walk-off homer in 11th inning wins World Series Game 1 for Rangers
Friends' Maggie Wheeler Mourns Onscreen Love Matthew Perry
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
How SNL Honored Matthew Perry Hours After His Death
Flames vs. Oilers in NHL Heritage Classic: Time, TV, weather for Commonwealth Stadium
Food delivery business Yelloh to lay off 750 employees nationwide, close 90 delivery centers