It’s official — we’ve reached the point of no return. A new report from Forbes Advisor shows that nearly 75% of Americans are now leaving excessively high tips when prompted digitally on devices such as tablets or smart card readers. Gone are the days of dropping a dollar or two into a counter jar. According to the report, 73% of US respondents stated that they leave a minimum of 11% gratuity when prompted by a cyber device, with 65% admitting to giving more in these situations compared to leaving cash. Interestingly, 31% of Americans feel pressure to pay it forward, a phenomenon known as “guilt tipping.”
This tablet-style tipping practice, which usually displays suggested tip rates while customers are interacting with workers face-to-face, has expanded to include all types of services. However, data shows that many consumers now feel uncomfortable giving extra tips outside of sit-down dining. Historically, gratuity has mainly been targeted towards servers who accept lower wages in exchange for tip credits. Jared Goodman of Brooklyn is one of many who criticize excessive tipping via tablets.
The report also mentions that 40% of people believe food truck workers should not ask for tips, with 38% feeling the same for fast-casual restaurants, and 34% for coffee shops. Starbucks, for instance, faced backlash from customers when it introduced a digital tip system at checkout. Some patrons found the experience “super awkward” and felt that tipping before receiving their drink was unwarranted.
Despite the findings that one in three people are tipping more since COVID, with men typically giving between 21% to 25% and women offering 11% to 20%, there is a group of individuals, comprising a noticeable 32%, who are giving less since 2021 and subsequent price increases. These individuals argue that the suggested onscreen gratuity amounts have become inflated as well.
For example, Jared Goodman, a recruiter from Brooklyn, shared his experience of being confronted with an $8 tip suggestion on a $23 purchase of coffee and pastries. He refused to comply with such an exorbitant request and opted to give a custom tip amount of just a dollar or so instead. Similar sentiments are echoed by many New Yorkers who believe that tablet-style tipping has gone too far. Quick transactions with minimal labor involvement, according to fellow New Yorkers, do not warrant additional tips.
“I don’t tip people who are just doing their jobs by working at the counter,” said Stanley Vogel, a resident of Chelsea. Vogel emphasized that he is willing to give extra during full-service meals but finds tablet suggestions meaningless in other situations. “I’m puzzled that these people who are just doing their job expect a tip for it,” he added.
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