Americans are taking a stand against runaway tipping etiquette as hard-core workers finally get tired of paying extra for everyday things.
Though tipping has a long history in the nation, rampant inflation and the expectation of tipping for as little as a cup of coffee has left people wondering if it’s time to change unspoken tipping codes .
DailyMail.com took to the streets to find out what people really think of the practice – with a big bugbear being iPads at checkouts that caused them to tip up to 30%, making them feel compelled to spend extra money.
But DailyMail.com readers say they’ve had enough, going so far as to avoid places that rush their customers to tip.
Despite the long tradition of tipping in the US, the recent rise of service iPads has sparked anger among those who feel the custom is out of control
Tipping was originally intended as a free tip and was seen by many as an added bonus for good service and a pleasant experience.
But one of the most offensive aspects of modern tipping is the expectation that customers should now pay extra “no matter what the service.”
In response, one commenter said, “I’m not sure why I should tip a bartender who reaches for a bottle of beer and takes the lid off for 5 seconds.”
“I don’t mind tipping a waiter who’s been waiting for me for an hour. I mind tipping someone if they hand me a drink. Are grocery store checkouts now going to start requiring tips too?’ asked another.
And while tipping has long been a custom in the US, the noticeable rise in prices in recent years has led one commentator to brand the tradition as “ridiculous.”
“They always ask for tips for everything,” they continued.
“Tipping used to be optional and 10%, but only if the service was good. European countries don’t demand tips in the militant way they do here.
“It has been abused and abused for far too long and we need to put a stop to it. NO MORE TIPS.’
The newfound prevalence of tipping iPads in major US cities is one of the main points of contention, with the system implicitly designed to force people to add extra tips even if they don’t want to.
Numerous readers agreed that the technology is inappropriate, with one person noting, “You go to the counter to pay and the tip button is right there while the staff stares at you.” Unpleasant.’
“I’ve really put myself off going to places that have these tip screens,” said another disgruntled reader.
It seems many are constantly put off by the techs, as another reader noted, “I would always tip until they shoved the screen in my face and asked for a tip.”
DailyMail.com readers have offered their take on modern tipping culture, branding the tradition “ridiculous”.
Many people also protested that tipping has now become a subsidy for low-wage workers.
One reader called the tip “another tax,” while another agreed it’s “getting out of control.”
Another said they only tip “based on the level of service,” adding, “That’s what a tip is meant to be, not as a wage bonus, but as a reward for good/great service.”
“Tipping, regardless of amount or lack of service, is the adult equivalent of minor league attendance trophies. And we saw how well THAT worked.”
And while some have said they now go so far as to avoid eating out or driving into town, others have seen the weird side of the weirdest situations they should pay extra for.
“The worst tipping situation I’ve ever seen was at a Chinese buffet,” said one commenter.
“There was a tip jar at the sushi station, a tip jar at the station where they had grilled meat, and the expectation that customers would also tip their waitress, who did nothing but bring your drinks to your table .
“Everything else was self-service, of course.”
Another person said they were once expected to tip for room service at a hotel, adding, “Not only is the food expensive, but you add all the service charges, then a tip.
“If you arrive late and just need something even tea or coffee and a snack is very expensive but we still have to tip.”
“I’m a pilot and nobody has ever tipped me,” joked another reader.
In 66 countries, it is customary to tip 10 percent, while Americans are expected to routinely tip over 20 percent
How much should you tip according to The Cut magazine?
Gastronomy – 25%
Cafes, Coffee Carts, Cafes, Bodegas – 20%
Food Delivery – 20%
Take away pickup – 10%
In a bar – $1 per drink, 20% for a cocktail
At a grocery counter or deli – 10%
Uber Driver – 20%
Everything else – 20%
Debates over tipping etiquette erupted this month after New York magazine The Cut published new “guidelines.”
The proposals, intended as a new code of honor, sparked fury after advising people to routinely tip 20 percent no matter what to avoid being seen as “rude”.
And while one of the suggestions was to add an extra 10 percent even if you go out for takeout, readers lashed out at the absurd new “rule.”
“The magazine article is the biggest culprit here, trying to brainwash young people who read it into paying (even cash they don’t have) by manipulating guilt and peer pressure,” said one reader.
‘I type according to the service.’
Another agreed, adding: “No tipping on a takeout order, never has been, this is super unreasonable for these establishments to require.”
“I never tip when I go in and pick up the food. sorry not sorry
“I tip 20% for waiters, hairdressers, pizza delivery men. But never for them to pass food over the counter.’
In the UK, Germany and the Netherlands, tipping is around five to ten percent, according to maps published by HawaiinIslands.com.
But according to The Cut, those who resist tipping on everyday items are “stingy,” while those with disposable incomes should splash well over 25 percent at restaurants and bars.
For coffee shops, coffee carts, cafés and bodegas, customers should tip at least 20 percent due to the “tense environment” and “complicated orders”, the magazine says.
But while it argued that Uber drivers should also get 20 percent since they earn less than regular cab drivers, some lashed out at the pricey demands.
Kirsten Fleming agreed with many of our readers, writing in the New York Post: “You have absolutely no connection with real New Yorkers struggling to pay rising rents and inflated food bills.
“The list should have been reduced to a few useful ideas.”