ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / ECONOMY & WORK

How Businesses Trick Customers into Over Tipping

The evolution of payment methods and the introduction of touchscreens have given rise to new strategies aimed at maximizing tips.
PUBLISHED APR 4, 2024
Cover Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Patrick Tomasso
Cover Image Source: Pexels | Photo by Patrick Tomasso

In the age of digital payments and touchscreens, tipping has not only become more convenient but also more contentious. A recent surge in anger towards tipping stems from what experts are calling "tipflation," a practice where businesses attempt to extract higher gratuities from customers through various tactics. While tipping has long been a customary practice, the evolution of payment methods and the introduction of touchscreens have given rise to new strategies aimed at maximizing tips. But before you succumb to the pressure, it's important to understand these tactics and protect your hard-earned money.

Image Source: Unsplash|Photo by Viacheslav Bublyk
Image Source: Unsplash | Photo by Viacheslav Bublyk

One of the most insidious methods employed by businesses is the inclusion of sales tax when calculating suggested tips. According to a Square spokesperson, some establishments sneakily incorporate sales tax into the total bill before suggesting a tip, significantly inflating the gratuity amount. This practice can catch customers off guard, leading them to unknowingly leave a larger tip than intended.

Etiquette experts at the Emily Post Institute recommend tipping between 15% and 20% on the pre-tax total at sit-down restaurants. However, the decision of whether to calculate tips before or after taxes can have a substantial impact on the final amount, especially for larger parties. In some states, this discrepancy could mean leaving nearly 10% extra on your overall gratuity, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant when tipping.

"People are really feeling imposed upon," Etiquette expert, Thomas Farley says. "We’re already living through inflationary times. Everything is crazy expensive. And on top of that, you’re being asked, every time you turn around, 'How much would you like to tip?' It feels pushy."

Moreover, the rise of digital prompting has exacerbated the pressure to tip. A report by Forbes Advisor revealed that nearly 75% of Americans admitted to leaving higher tips when prompted digitally, such as through tablets or smart card readers. This phenomenon, dubbed "guilt tipping," affects roughly 31% of Americans, who feel compelled to pay it forward when prompted digitally.

Image Source: Photo by RDNE Stock project | Pexels
Image Source: Photo by RDNE Stock project | Pexels

Some restaurants have even gone as far as making tipping mandatory by adding a fixed gratuity percentage to bills, regardless of party size. While this move is often justified as catering to international tourists unfamiliar with tipping customs, it has faced opposition from hospitality workers who believe in leaving gratuity decisions to the discretion of customers.

Besides restaurants, other businesses have also adopted creative ways to solicit tips. Tip jars have started appearing in unexpected places like dry cleaners and hardware stores, signaling a shift towards a culture of tipping in traditionally non-tipped industries. Additionally, online businesses are now prompting customers to tip employees they never interact with directly, further blurring the lines of traditional tipping etiquette.

Image Source: Photo by Helena Lopes | Pexels
Image Source: Photo by Helena Lopes | Pexels

In recent months, consumers have also expressed frustration over additional fees sneaked onto bills, including "wellness charges" and even a "bad parenting" fee in one brazen restaurant. These hidden fees, coupled with aggressive tipping practices, highlight the need for consumers to be vigilant when making payments and to question any unexpected charges.

MORE ON MARKET REALIST
Guests on the show would run with it if they ever got that kind of money on Pawn Stars.
12 hours ago
The guest even said to keep the kids in the dark about how valuable these items were.
14 hours ago
The company had fantastic sales but a crushing debt with a high interest rate that the sharks hated.
17 hours ago
It was only Carey's second season in the show and he could have been part of a massive scandal.
1 day ago
“I won’t say anything, and you know why,” he said, with a gesture to zip his lips.
1 day ago
The ring was rescued by the guest's mother thanks to a stranger early in the morning.
1 day ago
"She blanked out. It happens to the best of us," a fan sympathized with the player.
1 day ago
The instrument originally belonged to the guest's grandfather who suffered a horrific injury.
2 days ago
The contestant's wife seemed embarassed at that point of time, and worried as well.
2 days ago
The co-founders of Dino Don got the shark that they always wanted on board.
2 days ago
One can understand why the measure is in place but the shopper was having none of it.
2 days ago
"My husband and I definitely noticed it! We had to rewind it a few times," a fan reacted.
2 days ago
All of the sharks agreed that she had a great product and the drive to be successful a businesswoman.
3 days ago
It's possible that the dog played a little part in making it easier for them to get a deal.
3 days ago
Without the help of his wife, the contestant would have gone home empty-handed.
3 days ago
The pawn store owner had a valid point since the item the guest had brought had numerous issues.
3 days ago
The contestant got the first part of the puzzle right but wasn't able to solve it in time.
3 days ago
"It's a lady's robe. A robe from 1750 is a very rare robe. The only other ones I know of this type, you'd have to go to Beijing," the appraiser said.
4 days ago
Harvey also got other hilarious answers, but nothing could match the woman's sass.
4 days ago
The Gronkowski family is famous for their contributions to America's sporting culture.
4 days ago