In America, tipping has become both a cultural norm and an expected obligation, making any decision to not tip a socially deviant act that puts customers in a difficult position.
While graciously accepted, tipping is not legally required in the US. Still, Americans are often prodded by service staff in the hopes of receiving greater compensation. With the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic pushing wages even further out of reach, the potential for tipping to make up the difference calls attention to the growing wage gap.
Though it looks different from state to state, tipping is generally offered to staff that deals directly with customers. This includes positions like restaurant servers, valet parkers, cab drivers, and salon professionals. Many Americans accept that tipping is a normal part of dining out or getting a service, but they don’t always realize how essential a part it can be to a service worker’s overall pay. The National Restaurant Association estimates that tips account for an average of 44.7% of restaurant workers’ earnings, greatly boosting their regular compensation.
Though it may be uncomfortable to say, customers refusing to tip can have an out-sized impact on a service or hospitality worker’s income, leaving little to no room for negotiating wages.
When deciding not to tip, customers should put themselves in their servers’ shoes. Tips should be based on the quality of the service provided, not just a social obligation based on the fact that they are dining out. It’s also important to recognize the importance of the tip for a service worker’s livelihood. If customers don’t have the means to do so, they can still politely thank their server and explain the situation.
In the end, customers have the freedom to refuse to tip as they see fit: that is how the American system works. But if they choose to do so, they should stand firm yet courteous and always consider the financial stakes for the person they’re deciding not to leave a tip for.
In America, tipping has become both a cultural norm and an expected obligation, making any decision to not tip a socially deviant act that puts customers in a difficult position.
While graciously accepted, tipping is not legally required in the US. Still, Americans are often prodded by service staff in the hopes of receiving greater compensation. With the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic pushing wages even further out of reach, the potential for tipping to make up the difference calls attention to the growing wage gap.
Though it looks different from state to state, tipping is generally offered to staff that deals directly with customers. This includes positions like restaurant servers, valet parkers, cab drivers, and salon professionals. Many Americans accept that tipping is a normal part of dining out or getting a service, but they don’t always realize how essential a part it can be to a service worker’s overall pay. The National Restaurant Association estimates that tips account for an average of 44.7% of restaurant workers’ earnings, greatly boosting their regular compensation.
Though it may be uncomfortable to say, customers refusing to tip can have an out-sized impact on a service or hospitality worker’s income, leaving little to no room for negotiating wages.
When deciding not to tip, customers should put themselves in their servers’ shoes. Tips should be based on the quality of the service provided, not just a social obligation based on the fact that they are dining out. It’s also important to recognize the importance of the tip for a service worker’s livelihood. If customers don’t have the means to do so, they can still politely thank their server and explain the situation.
In the end, customers have the freedom to refuse to tip as they see fit: that is how the American system works. But if they choose to do so, they should stand firm yet courteous and always consider the financial stakes for the person they’re deciding not to leave a tip for.
