Despite how commonplace tipping is in the U.S., it can still seem confusing to understand how much to tip for which services. Though common advice says to tip 15 percent to 20 percent, it may not always be obvious how much to tip for a service — or even when to tip at all.
Around two-thirds (67 percent) of Americans who dine at sit-down restaurants always tip their server, according to Bankrate’s Tipping Survey. For other services, whether or not to tip can be less clear. Fewer U.S. adults always tip when they go to coffee shops (at 20 percent) or when pick up takeout food from a restaurant (at 11 percent).
Customers are also increasingly prompted to tip for other services, such as car maintenance, retail stores and self-serve food, and many are feeling confused and frustrated as a result. More than 1 in 3 (35 percent) Americans believe tipping culture has gotten out of control, and 11 percent are confused about who and how much to tip.
Tipping may feel frustrating, but it’s vital for some fields. Because the expectation is that tipped workers will make more through tips, they legally only need to make $2.13 an hour in the U.S, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. As you plan your next local outing or luxurious trip, here’s how to show your thanks and tip appropriately for a wide range of services.
Bankrate’s insights on tipping behaviors
- Tipping etiquette isn’t always obvious.…
