Current:Home > FinanceAre Americans tipping enough? New poll shows that many are short-changing servers. -ProfitPioneers Hub
Are Americans tipping enough? New poll shows that many are short-changing servers.
Poinbank Exchange View
Date:2025-04-10 14:44:32
A new poll shows that when it comes to tipping, many Americans are shortchanging their servers.
The Pew Research Center poll of 12,000 people, which came out on Thursday, shows that 57 percent of American diners tip 15% or less for a typical sit-down meal, "including 2% who say they wouldn’t leave any tip," Pew researchers wrote.
Only about 22 percent of people said they would leave a tip of 20% or more," Pew found.
Are we at a 'tipping' point?You're not imagining it. How and why businesses get you to tip more
What factors into how Americans are tipping?
The amount that people tip varies depending on their age, income, and other factors, the poll found.
Younger adults are slightly more likely to be more generous with their tips than their older counterparts, who tend to be more conservative with their wallets, the poll found.
For some, the location makes a big difference. At fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle and Sweetgreen, or quick stops at coffee shops, only about 25% of Americans say they will usually or frequently tip, according to Pew.
Time is money:Customers who don't tip DoorDash drivers will wait longer for deliveries, company warns
Americans are upset growing expectations to leave tips
Among concerns of those surveyed was frustration over expectations to leave tips in increasingly more situations outside of restaurants.
According to Pew, 72% of people said that tipping is now expected in more places than five years ago. Only about a third of respondents said they find it easy to determine when and how much to tip for different types of services, like food deliveries and pet sitters.
In hopes of taking out some of the guesswork and ensuring their staff get adequate tips, many bars and nightclubs now include gratuity in the bill, typically ranging from 18 to 25%.
"I'll look at the bill and see a 20 percent gratuity charge," Lawrence Edgerton of New York City told USA TODAY about some of his experiences getting drinks with co-workers.
"Like, how they even know I like the service?" said Edgerton, a membership coordinator at a private club. "In cases like this I don't add an extra tip."
Kaia Grey, a 24-year-old flight attendant in Washington, D.C., says it seems like service fees are the norm at bars, restaurants and lounges in the country's capital.
"I literally can't go anywhere in D.C., and it will be a service fee," she said. "I have to be mindful when ordering because the more I order, the higher the surprise fee is."
Feds investigating:Elections officials in multiple states get fentanyl-laced letters
When to tip?
It's a common practice for most Americans to leave a gratuity when dining at a restaurant, but there seems to be some uncertainty around tipping in other situations. Many people are unclear about when and how much to tip in situations such as hotel stays, haircuts, or rideshares.
“Even as Americans say they’re being asked to tip more often, relatively few have a great deal of confidence about when and how to do so,” Pew researchers said.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- 3 years after the NFL added a 17th game, the push for an 18th gets stronger
- Los Angeles police officer injured when she’s ejected from patrol vehicle after it’s stolen
- 3 dead, including 6-year-old boy, after Amtrak train hits pickup truck in New York
- Many remember solid economy under Trump, but his record also full of tax cut hype, debt and disease
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Timeline of the Assange legal saga over extradition to the US on espionage charges
- Simone Biles brings back (and lands) big twisting skills, a greater victory than any title
- A California doctor said his wife died in an accidental fall. Her injuries told a different story.
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Is iMessage not working? Thousands of users report Apple service down Thursday afternoon
Ranking
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- San Diego deputy who pleaded guilty to manslaughter now faces federal charges
- Alice Stewart, CNN political commentator, dies at 58
- Rough return to ‘normal’ sends Scheffler down the leaderboard at PGA Championship
- NCAA President Charlie Baker would be 'shocked' if women's tournament revenue units isn't passed
- NBA Game 7 schedule today: Everything to know about Sunday's elimination playoff games
- Preakness Stakes payouts 2024: Complete betting results after Seize the Grey wins
- Michael Cohen to face more grilling as Trump’s hush money trial enters its final stretch
Recommendation
How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
How Controversy Has Made Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Stronger Than Ever
Max Verstappen holds off Lando Norris to win Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and extend F1 lead
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he’s sorry, calls his actions ‘inexcusable’
Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
Bodies of three hostages, including Shani Louk, recovered by Israeli forces in Gaza, officials say
'SNL': Jake Gyllenhaal sings Boyz II Men as Colin Jost, Michael Che swap offensive jokes
7 dead, widespread power outages after Texas storm. Now forecasters warn of high heat.