The culture of tipping has been very widespread and dominant throughout the United States. When people go out to eat, they’re expected to leave tips that range anywhere from 15% to 20%.
Over the years, people have also been called upon to leave tips for delivery drivers. This exists across platforms like DoorDash, UberEats, Postmates, etc.
The shaming of people who don’t leave tips is also something else that’s come about on the internet as of late.
However, there’s been a shift in tipping culture recently. Amid economic problems and other issues, growing numbers of people are questioning why they should tip period, per The Hill.
The End of Tipping in the United States?
A survey from CreditCards.com, along with various experts, shows that people are tiring of tipping in general. Typically, arguments against tipping declare that employers should pay their staffers a fair wage, rather than relying upon customers to do this.
The rise in malaise with tipping has been undoubtedly impacted by inflation and similar economic issues. All things considered, people are more inclined to wait for top-tier service before putting down extra money.
I’m really starting to hate our tipping culture in the U.S.
I pay for a service, then pay more for someone doing their job. Everyone expects to be tipped these days.
Can’t I just pay for the service, and the service owner pay their staff?
— Steve · Millionaire Habits (@SteveOnSpeed) June 25, 2022
CreditCards.com found that over the past three years, consumers who profess to always leave tips have fallen by 4%. Today, just 73% of US consumers make sure to put down extra money for services provided.
The cycle of this is vicious. With interest rates and market prices growing, more people have less money to spare.
Meanwhile, businesses that are struggling with labor shortages are having a harder time providing the elite service that generally inspires people to leave tips.
One Solution Going Forward?
With labor shortages causing problems for businesses, some of them have started turning to robots to carry out jobs that traditionally went to working-class people.
BurgerFi, at select locations, has begun using artificial intelligence to get food to customers who dine in. Chipotle, too, has made headlines for using robots help to create its food.
i hate tipping culture ❤️
— lynz (@lynzieasag) June 27, 2022
Although even the use of robots may not be a squeaky clean fix to the growing resentment towards tipping culture. Some companies are being slammed for turning to artificial intelligence for various jobs.
Critics maintain that companies using robots are prioritizing their own bottom lines over providing jobs to people who need them. Yet, ironically, at least part of what’s driving the use of artificial intelligence is persistent shortages of human workers on the beat.
One thing’s for certain: if inflation and the rates of interest keep on climbing, tipping will become more difficult, even for folks who aren’t fed up with tipping culture.
What do you think about tipping culture in America? Are you concerned about growing numbers of people who aren’t interested in leaving tips as they did before? You’re welcome to share your views in the comments area.
