In US, ‘tip fatigue’ raises questions about sacrosanct habit
- Experts warn of scenario where Americans, overworked and hit by inflation, will no longer know where to tip, or how much
- ‘Digital kiosks’ offer an option not to tip or an amount beyond the usual rate, adding pressure and guilt on the customer
To tip, or not to tip? That is the question many Americans are grappling with in a country where the tip is king – but even at a grocery store? Or for a bunch of flowers?
“Either way, you feel guilty,” said Matt Schottland, 41, in downtown Washington, a salad and a fruit juice in hand.
In the United States, tipping is not a matter of debate in restaurants. A gratuity of around 15 to 20 per cent of the value of a meal is a must, as it often makes up the bulk of the waiter’s salary.
But for a sandwich to go? For Schottland, outside of restaurants, the answer is generally no. Unless the employees are “super nice”, or he is feeling particularly generous.
But no solution is perfect. If he tips, he may feel “guilty in some way or annoyed or resentful” for spending more money.
And if he doesn’t leave anything, he feels “guilty” toward the employees.
