TRENTON, NJ – Tips matter a lot to workers in the service industry and in New Jersey, where the cost of living is the highest, those tips mean even more.
A new study shows that Americans, including New Jerseyans are open to tipping, and expect to tip in more settings, but they are not clear on how much to tip or when to tip.
A recent Pew Poll indicates a significant shift in American tipping customs, with 72% of U.S. adults acknowledging increased expectations for tipping in various service sectors compared to five years ago, a phenomenon informally termed “tipflation.”
The survey, encompassing nearly 12,000 participants, reveals a lack of confidence among Americans regarding tipping protocols. Only about one-third find it extremely or very easy to determine when (34%) and how much (33%) to tip for different services. This uncertainty reflects the absence of standardized tipping guidelines.
Views on tipping as a consumer choice or obligation are divided. Twenty-one percent view it more as a choice, while 29% consider it an obligation. The majority (49%), however, believe it depends on specific circumstances.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Opposition to Suggested Tip Amounts: Forty percent of Americans oppose businesses suggesting tip amounts, while 24% favor it. Thirty-two percent are neutral.
- Disapproval of Automatic Service Charges: Seventy-two percent oppose automatic service charges or tips added to bills, with half strongly against this practice. Only 10% support it.
- Varied Tipping Habits: Tipping habits differ across services. Ninety-two percent always or often tip at sit-down restaurants, while only 12% do so at fast casual restaurants without servers. Other services like haircuts (78%), food delivery (76%), and bar drinks (70%) see varying tipping frequencies.
- Preference for Smaller Tips: Fifty-seven percent of Americans prefer tipping 15% or less for an average meal at a sit-down restaurant. Only 25% would tip 20% or more.
- Service Quality as a Primary Factor: Seventy-seven percent cite service quality as a major influence on their tipping decisions.
The survey comes amidst significant changes in tipping practices, influenced by technological advancements in digital payment platforms and the growing trend of mandatory service charges. These changes highlight the evolving nature of tipping, a custom deeply rooted yet contentious in American culture.