Summary

Tipping in America has expanded into unexpected areas, with 72% of Americans saying it is expected in more places than five years ago, according to Pew Research.

While tipping can release feel-good neurotransmitters, a Bankrate survey found two-thirds of Americans now view it negatively, and one-third feel it’s “out of control.”

Critics highlight issues like social pressure and wage inequality, while businesses attempting no-tipping models, like a New York wine bar, have struggled to sustain them.

Many believe tipping culture has become excessive, with calls for reform growing.

  • robocall@lemmy.world
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    2 days ago

    I hate that tipping culture is a thing in the US and wish the culture would change. But as a former waiter, I’d never take a job at a no-tip restaurant (or even a pooled tip restaurant) because I always made higher than average tips than my coworkers.

    • Dharma Curious (he/him)@slrpnk.net
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      2 days ago

      If you were still waiting tables, what would you have done/felt had tipping been outlawed? Change of jobs, looked for something at a certain rate of pay for waiting?

      • robocall@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        As a waiter, I made a lot more money from tips than the wage itself. So making an impression on the customers was a huge priority, and I was good at it. If that was no longer a factor, I imagine it would result in a lower quality of customer service provided by me, even if the employer tried to compensate with a higher wage.

        • boreengreen@lemm.ee
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          2 days ago

          When i order food, i want it brought to my table and for the bringer to be as invisible and quiet as can be. I also avoid places where i can’t pay up front. I never understood the tiping thing.

          • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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            2 days ago

            When i order food, i want it brought to my table and for the bringer to be as invisible and quiet as can be.

            I agree. I can’t stand a chatty server because I know they’re performing for tips. Unfortunately, most of them have to because in the U.S., servers can be paid less than minimum wage since they’re expected to make up the difference in tips.

        • 9488fcea02a9@sh.itjust.works
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          2 days ago

          I hope the rest of society gives you lower quality service every day since you’re not tipping them… What a shit attitude

          Also anyone who claims tipping results in better service has never left north america

          I regularly get shit service here and still expected to tip 15%

          Service in most of europe is WAY better and there is generally no expectation of a tip

          • robocall@lemmy.world
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            2 days ago

            I hope the rest of society gives you lower quality service every day since you’re not tipping them… What a shit attitude

            I tip. Not sure where you got the impression that I don’t. and not sure why you are wishing me a bad life.

            Also anyone who claims tipping results in better service has never left north america

            Is this assumption made because I admitted to have worked as a waiter?

            • 9488fcea02a9@sh.itjust.works
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              2 days ago

              Do you tip your grocery store cashier? Do you tip your baker? Do you tip your mail carrier? Do you tip your garbageman? Do you tip your local librarian? Do you tip your child’s teachers (if applicable)? Did you tip your lemmy instance admin? Do you tip your local city councillor?

              If not, then you should expect shit tier service from them too

              I dont wish you a bad life. I’m just pointing out how bad life would be if everyone had your attitude and work ethic

              • robocall@lemmy.world
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                2 days ago

                There is an established culture in the US in regards to tipping full service waitstaff. Good luck trying to break that culture without understanding the servers perspective, and why many of them defend the status quo.

                • 9488fcea02a9@sh.itjust.works
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                  1 day ago

                  It’s clearly not as established as you think… The goalposts keep moving. here are some (un)welcome changes i’ve noticed in my lifetime…

                  • tipping people we didnt used to tip
                  • tipping for takeout
                  • increase in rate of tip
                  • tip calculated AFTER tax

                  “this is the way it’s always been done” is not only a stupid defense, but is totally false in this cse