How Much Should You Tip? Insights from 5 Individuals

If you feel like you’re being asked to tip more often than ever, you’re not alone. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans say that tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago[^1^]. Tipping has become increasingly prevalent, from fast casual restaurants to self-service kiosks to grab-and-go cafes. To better understand tipping culture, TIME asked five people to track their spending over a week and share their tipping habits and reasons behind them[^1^].

Tipping has a long history, with its roots believed to be in ancient Rome[^2^]. In its modern form, tipping is believed to have originated in Tudor England. It gained traction in the 19th century when wealthy Americans returning from Europe started tipping to appear aristocratic. Initially, many opposed it, arguing that it went against the American ideal of a classless society. However, tipping prevailed, benefiting business owners by shifting the burden of paying servers onto customers[^2^].

Insights from Five Individuals

The following are the tipping habits shared by five individuals interviewed by TIME. Please note that their responses have been edited for clarity, and the individuals remain anonymous[^1^]:

26-year-old congressional staffer who makes $70,000 living in Washington, D.C.

This individual believes in tipping fairly and well. They tip reasonably at restaurants with table service and often when making purchases at a counter. They feel it’s rude to click “no tip” when prompted on payment tablets. However, they never carry cash, so they typically don’t tip at establishments where cash is required. Having worked as an ice cream scooper during their teenage years, they always tip high school kids doing manual labor[^1^].

60-year-old CEO of a consumer insights firm who makes over $300,000 living in Oviedo, Florida

This individual tips 15-25% depending on the quality of service and personal attention provided. They believe tipping is necessary for services requiring extra effort, such as sit-down restaurants and hairdressers. However, they refuse to tip at places where there is no additional service, such as fast-food joints or their dermatologist’s office. They believe that establishments should pay fair wages to their staff rather than relying on customers to subsidize their income[^1^].

30-year-old policy advisor who makes $120,000 living in Cambridge, Massachusetts

This individual tips in situations where it’s expected or if they are satisfied with the service. They are more likely to tip when they like the employees or frequent the establishment. For example, they tip at coffee shops where staff know them by name. However, they don’t feel obligated to tip at fast casual places like Chipotle. They believe it’s unnecessary to tip when there is no additional element of service[^1^].

60-year-old consultant who makes $60,000 living in The Woodlands, Texas

This individual tips 10-15% at fast casual places where they stand in line to order. For table service, they tip 20%. However, they don’t tip for takeout. They believe that tipping should be reserved for services that go beyond the basic requirements. They also advocate for restaurants to pay fair wages to their staff without relying on customers’ tips[^1^].

27-year-old advocacy professional who makes $110,000 living in East Lansing, Michigan

This individual used to tip 20% on almost everything when tipping was less common. They still tip 20% for sit-down meals, bartenders, rideshare services, and delivery. However, they no longer tip for takeout or when checking out at coffee shops unless there’s a specific reason to. They believe it’s the responsibility of establishments to provide fair wages, rather than customers having to supplement staff income through tips[^1^].

Conclusion

Tipping has become more prevalent in various establishments, prompting individuals to assess their tipping habits. While some believe in tipping generously, others question the necessity of tipping in certain situations. The debate continues about whether businesses should pay fair wages to their staff and eliminate the need for tipping altogether. Understanding individual perspectives sheds light on the complex dynamics of tipping culture and the factors that influence individuals’ tipping habits[^1^].

For more information on tipping practices and the history behind them, check out Business Today.

[^1^]: Link to original article
[^2^]: Tipping culture