End Tipping Culture

Tipping in the U.S. is out of control.

72% of Americans say tipping is expected in more places today than five years ago.

90% say tipping culture has spiraled out of control.

66% think negatively of the tipping system.

In Japan, tipping is seen as rude workers are paid well.

In most of Europe, tipping is minimal or built into pricing.

In the U.S., tipping has spiraled far beyond traditional norms. What was once a gesture of appreciation for exceptional service has now become an expectation—across nearly every type of business. Since the pandemic, takeout and counter-service transactions have surged, yet customers are still prompted to tip, often before receiving any service at all.

Tip percentages have steadily increased, with 20% or more now seen as standard—even for minimal interactions. Often establishments are showing 20%-35% as the tipping options on receipts and POS systems. Meanwhile, lawmakers are pushing to eliminate taxes on tips, a move that could further entrench tipping culture and shift even more financial responsibility onto consumers.

The question is: where does it end?