“Even in the U.S., controversy aggravated due to the tipping culture, high prices, and kiosks that did not have a uniform standard.”
Only 12% of Americans say they tip at ‘kiosk ordering’ fast food restaurants
7 out of 10 “oppose mandatory tipping”
In the ‘15% vs 20% restaurant tip’ debate, only 24% said they would give 20%.
“The current American tipping culture is, in one word, ‘a mess.’ “Opinions are divided and confusion is growing.”
Amid controversy over how much tips should be given in the United States due to prolonged high inflation and the proliferation of kiosks, the Washington Post (WP) reported on the 9th (local time) the results of a survey conducted by U.S. public opinion research firm Pew Research. Even in the United States, where tipping culture has been around for a long time, there are complaints that “there is no uniform standard, so it is vague and burdensome.”
On this day, Pew Research announced the results of a survey of 11,945 American adults about tipping culture. Pew Research revealed the background of the investigation, saying, “Recently, kiosks have become widespread and (due to high inflation) there has been a structural change in the tipping culture, with an increasing number of businesses requiring tipping.”
As a result of the survey, 49% of respondents answered, “I decide whether or not to tip depending on the situation.” Only 29% of people said, “I thought it was an obligation.” Americans also appear less likely to tip at fast food restaurants and cafes where kiosk ordering has recently been introduced. Only 12% and 25% of respondents responded that they give tips at fast food restaurants and cafes, respectively.
At restaurants, 92% of respondents tipped. However, contrary to the perception of foreigners that ‘if you go to an American restaurant, you absolutely have to tip’, Americans responded that they “don’t tip out of a sense of obligation.” 77% of respondents said, “I tip when I am satisfied with the quality of service.” Only 23% of respondents said, “I pay because of social pressure.”
There were still many respondents who said they would tip at hair salons (78%), bars (70%), and taxis (61%) where they met the service provider face-to-face. Even when receiving delivered food, 76% of respondents said they pay a tip.
The tipping culture that established itself in the late 19th century in the United States was the subject of social debate. There was also a lot of criticism that “it is a European aristocratic culture and is not suitable for a democratic society.” A book on etiquette published in the United States in 1922 states, ‘Tipping is undoubtedly a bad system, but it is eventually being introduced. It is written that ‘10% of the meal cost is appropriate in a high-end hotel restaurant.’
Some say that tips should increase in times of high prices, but not many respondents agreed with this. When asked how much they tip in non-high-end restaurants, 57% of respondents answered, “I paid 15% or less of the amount paid.” The percentage of consumers who answered “I pay more than 20%” was 24%, and the percentage of consumers who answered “I pay 18%” was 12%.
Americans also expressed resistance to marketing methods that encouraged them to tip more. 40% said they disliked the increasing number of restaurants displaying recommended tip amounts on receipts or kiosks. Only 24% of respondents said they preferred it. In particular, 72% opposed the ‘automatic tip charging’ measure introduced by some restaurants.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.