We Are Tired of Tipping: Navigating the New Norms Of Gratitude

Tipping has long played a familiar tune in the rhythm of daily life. Whether it's dining out or enjoying a drink at the bar, tipping is an unwritten rule, a gesture of thanks for good service. But as the digital age evolves, this custom faces a significant shift. 

Are we growing weary of this age-old practice? 

The advent of digital checkouts has blurred the lines of tipping etiquette. Now, we're seeing tipping options in unexpected places like grocery stores and online shopping carts. When using a tipping screen or seeing an employee nearby, we are pressured to tip. This pressure leads to feelings of obligation instead of genuine gratitude. 

What the Surveys Say 

Surveys by USA TODAY Blueprint and OnePoll showed a harsh truth. Almost half of Americans are tired of tipping. The surveys paint a picture of a nation divided over tipping. A large majority, 63%, think there are too many places asking for tips. Additionally, 48% feel exhausted from all the tipping requests. 

Interestingly, this tipping exhaustion is more pronounced among younger generations. 50% of Gen Z and 52% of Millennials reported feeling tired of tipping, compared to just 36% of those aged 78 and older. Gen Z and Millennials feel pressured to tip more, with 80% and 75% expressing this sentiment. 

Emotional Dynamics of Tipping 

Despite the tipping weariness, over half of the respondents are actually tipping more. This paradoxical behavior underscores the complexity of the tipping culture. It's not just about being tired of tipping; it's about the conflicting emotions and societal expectations that come with it. 

Tipping is no longer just a financial transaction but an emotional one. People feel guilty when they don't tip enough or worry about over-tipping and spending too much. The younger generations feel more guilted into tipping when there aren't clear guidelines. 

Business Practices and Customer Frustration 

In their efforts to navigate economic challenges, businesses add to customer frustration. Automatic gratuities, for instance, are divisive. Some people like the simplicity, but others think it goes too far, especially when there's an extra tip line. This is more pronounced among older Americans compared to younger ones. 

Interestingly, the mode of bill presentation influences tipping behaviors. 25% of respondents admit to tipping more on paper receipts than digital ones. It suggests that the tangible act of writing a tip can evoke a more generous response. 

The Future of Tipping 

Being smart with money is essential in an economy marked by inflation and rising costs. When you leave a tip, think about how good the service was and tip accordingly. You can use your phone calculator to figure out how much is fair. Using rewards credit cards helps you save money by earning cash back or travel miles. It applies to both the bill and the tip.