There are some places where tipping is expected and is part of the social contract like at restaurants. Places where you receive good service like at the hairdresser are also appropriate places to tip. Recently, however, a phenomenon called tip creep has infiltrated many places we are patrons of. Now, we are asked to tip at all kinds of establishments on checkout screens that have suggested tip amounts. Some call this tipflation. According to Bank Rate, 6 in 10 Americans have negative views about tipping. Here are 6 places you shouldn’t feel guilty about not tipping at.
1. Self-Service Restaurants
If you perform most of the work like at self-serve frozen yogurt shops, then you shouldn’t feel like you have to tip at checkout. The same is true at a buffet, if you are serving yourself, should you be expected to tip? Some people also question whether tipping is necessary when you pick up takeout at a restaurant. Many people reserve tipping only for sit-down service with a server.
2. Doctor’s Offices
Any employee that receives a salary shouldn’t need to be tipped. Doctors and nurses not only make a salary but the practice is also paid by insurance. You can imagine the surprise when patients check out from their visit and are asked if they would like to tip the nurses. One patient said that the nurses’ Venmo’s were displayed on the desk! If you received exceptional care from your doctors or nurses it’s more appropriate to send a card or a snack for the office, not give a tip. Plus, it can be seen as unethical.
3. Airports
At every checkout counter at an airport, there’s an option to leave a tip. Sometimes you don’t even interact with a human at checkout. Airports already have inflated prices for last-minute essentials like snacks, water, and reading materials. Businesses say that it’s incredibly expensive to operate in an airport with high rent costs, delivery fees, and low staff retention. Regardless, the price for goods has already been inflated for consumers, should we be expected to leave a tip as well?
4. Car Mechanics
Let’s face it car repairs are already expensive. Mechanics are also paid a salary for their work. They can make up to $39 an hour for their work depending on their location. Why is the consumer then asked to give a tip? Some shops prohibit tipping, while others ask for tips. Taking this one step further, do you tip other service professionals like plumbers or electricians?
5. Self-Checkout Kiosks
Believe it or not, retailers and restaurants are asking for tips at self-checkout kiosks. Where do these tips actually go when you service yourself? Businesses claim that they are split between all of the staff working that shift. But aren’t tips supposed to reward exceptional service? What service was provided if there was no human interaction?
6. Online Transactions
According to some consumers, online checkouts at some stores are asking for a tip at checkout. One person also recounted donating money using GoFundMe and was then asked to leave a tip to keep the platform going. Mind you, GoFundMe already takes a portion of the donations as well as levies a transaction charge. A tip should not be necessary in this instance.
When Tipping Becomes Too Much
Many countries around the world don’t tip. Instead, service charges are added to bills and workers are paid more. There’s no guilting customers into leaving tips with every transaction. In fact, in some states, minimum wage increases for tipped workers is on the ballot this election. Many say that this will only hurt restaurants, and tipped workers will earn less. What’s the strangest place you’ve been asked to tip?