EndTippingCulture

Author: Jim Roberts

  • When Tipping Becomes a Customer Experience Problem

    In their Harvard Business Review article, “When Tipping Becomes a Customer Experience Problem,” authors Mark Bender, Marco Bertini, Oded Koenigsberg, and Rob Waiser explore the evolving landscape of tipping and its implications on customer satisfaction and service dynamics.

    Tipping, once a gesture of appreciation in the hospitality industry, has now permeated various sectors, including airlines, medical offices, auto repair shops, logistics providers, and even butcher counters and impound lots. This proliferation, accelerated by digital payment systems, the gig economy, and the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to customer frustration. Surveys indicate that nearly half of Americans are irritated by the current tipping culture, feeling pressured by preset tip screens and unexpected gratuity requests.

    The Expanding Scope of Tipping

    The shift towards pre-service tipping diminishes customer agency, as it removes the ability to reward service quality post-experience. This practice can also weaken worker motivation, since payment is no longer contingent on performance. Moreover, the ubiquity of tipping prompts in non-traditional settings contributes to a sense of obligation rather than appreciation, undermining the intended purpose of gratuities.

    Impact on Customer Experience

    To address these challenges, businesses should focus on three principles when designing tipping programs:

    Distinctiveness: Ensure that tipping is reserved for discretionary services where customers can observe and assess the quality of service. Visibility: Make tipping options clear and transparent, allowing customers to make informed decisions without pressure. Proportionality: Align tip amounts with the level of service provided, avoiding standardized percentages that may not reflect the actual experience.

    Implementing solutions such as private tipping, eliminating tip pooling, and linking tips to service ratings can reduce stress and make tipping fairer for both customers and employees.

    Proposed Solutions

    The evolving tipping landscape presents a complex challenge for businesses aiming to maintain positive customer experiences. By reevaluating tipping practices and adopting the proposed principles, companies can foster a more equitable and satisfying environment for both customers and service workers.

    (more…)

  • Global Tipping Customs: A Country-by-Country Guide

    Tipping customs vary widely across the globe, influenced by cultural norms, economic structures, and local expectations. While some countries view tipping as a generous gesture, others may see it as unnecessary or even inappropriate. This guide offers a regional breakdown of tipping practices to help travelers navigate gratuity etiquette worldwide.

    🇺🇸 North America

    United States

    Restaurants: Tipping is customary, with 15–20% of the pre-tax bill expected for table service.

    Other Services: Tips are common for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and hairdressers. Note: Tipping is considered a significant part of service workers’ income.

    Canada

    Restaurants: A tip of 15–20% is standard. Other Services: Tipping is customary for various services, including taxis and salons.

    Note: While tipping is widespread, there is growing discussion about “tipping fatigue” among consumers. 

    Mexico

    Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary if not already included in the bill.

    Other Services: Small tips are appreciated for services like hotel staff and taxi drivers.

    🇪🇺 Europe

    France

    Restaurants: A service charge is typically included; however, leaving an additional 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated. Note: Be cautious of establishments that may pressure tourists into tipping more than customary. 

    Germany

    Restaurants: Tipping is customary, usually rounding up the bill or adding 5–10%.

    Other Services: Tips are appreciated for services like taxis and hairdressers.

    United Kingdom

    Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary if a service charge isn’t included.

    Other Services: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory for services like taxis and hotel staff.

    Italy

    Restaurants: A service charge (coperto) is often included; additional tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.

    Other Services: Tipping is not customary but appreciated in tourist areas.

    Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark)

    Restaurants: Tipping is not expected; rounding up the bill is sufficient.

    Other Services: Tipping is rare due to higher service wages.

    🌏 Asia

    Japan

    Restaurants: Tipping is not customary and can be considered rude.

    Other Services: Exceptional service may be acknowledged with a small gift rather than cash. Note: Tipping is generally discouraged in Japanese culture. 

    China

    Restaurants: Tipping is not customary and may be refused. Other Services: Tipping is uncommon, except in tourist areas where it may be accepted.

    India

    Restaurants: A 5–10% tip is customary.

    Other Services: Tipping is common for services like hotel staff and drivers.

    Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia)

    Restaurants: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; small amounts or rounding up the bill is common.

    Other Services: Tipping is appreciated for services like hotel staff and tour guides.

    🌍 Africa

    South Africa

    Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary.

    Other Services: Tipping is expected for services like taxi drivers and hotel staff.

    Morocco

    Restaurants: Tipping is customary; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.

    Other Services: Tipping is appreciated for services like guides and hotel staff.

    🌎 South America

    Brazil

    Restaurants: A 10% service charge is often included; additional tipping is not expected.

    Other Services: Tipping is appreciated for services like hotel staff and taxi drivers.

    Argentina

    Restaurants: A 10% tip is customary.

    Other Services: Tipping is common for services like hotel staff and taxi drivers.

    🌐 Middle East

    United Arab Emirates

    Restaurants: A 10–15% tip is customary if a service charge isn’t included.

    Other Services: Tipping is expected for services like hotel staff and taxi drivers.

    Egypt

    Restaurants: A 10% tip is customary.

    Other Services: Tipping is common for various services, often referred to as “baksheesh.”

    🇦🇺 Oceania

    Australia

    Restaurants: Tipping is not customary; rounding up the bill is appreciated in fine dining establishments.

    Other Services: Tipping is not expected due to higher service wages.

    New Zealand

    Restaurants: Tipping is not customary; appreciated for exceptional service.

    Other Services: Tipping is not expected.

    Tipping practices can vary within countries and regions. It’s advisable to research local customs or ask locals when in doubt.

  • Dining & Tipping in the Post‑COVID Era: What’s Changed — and What Stays the Same

    When the pandemic hit, dining out went from social outing to logistical feat. As restaurants closed or shifted to takeout and delivery, tipping norms changed dramatically. Now, with dining rooms reopened and life settling into a new rhythm, we’re seeing long-lasting shifts in how people eat — and tip.

    A recent survey from CouponCabin offers a revealing look at these post-pandemic habits. You can view their original infographic here.

    Key Stats from the Survey

    • 1,007 U.S. adults were surveyed in August 2025 about their current dining and tipping habits.
    • 33% of Americans say they tip more now than they did before the pandemic.
    • 62% tip about the same, and only 5% say they tip less.
    • The most common tipping amount was 20%, with 34% of respondents selecting it.
    • 8% of people tip more than 20%, while 19% tip less than 10%.
    • 35% of people now dine out more than they did pre-pandemic.

    (Sources: CouponCabin, Newsweek)

    What This Means for Tipping Culture

    1. Tipping is rising — even with inflation

    Despite rising prices and economic uncertainty, many Americans have continued to tip generously. That pandemic-era empathy for service workers seems to have stuck — but is it sustainable?

    2. The 20% standard holds, but extremes are growing

    While 20% remains the tipping “anchor,” more people are moving above or below that range. This signals growing frustration on one end — and growing pressure on the other.

    3. Dining out feels more premium

    Dining out is no longer the default. Many people treat it as a special experience — and tip accordingly. But when expectations rise in casual or takeout settings, it raises questions about fairness.

    4. Tips are replacing wages

    As tipping becomes universal — even for counter service or takeout — it’s clear that businesses are still relying on customers to cover what should be base wages. The line between tip and wage has never been blurrier.

    What Can You Do as a Diner?

    Be intentional. Tip when it feels appropriate, not just because the screen prompts you to. Don’t be afraid to customize. You don’t have to accept a default of 25% for a muffin and coffee. Support businesses that pay fairly. The best way to end tipping culture is to reward places that bake fair wages into their pricing.

    Related Reading on EndTippingCulture.org

    Tipping on Rideshare and Delivery Apps

    Tipping at Dog Groomers: Private vs. PetSmart

    Extreme Tip Prompts: What to Do When 100% Is an Option

    Final Takeaway

    The pandemic didn’t just change how we live — it changed how we tip. What started as a show of solidarity has evolved into a system that too often feels obligatory and unbalanced. As tipping culture continues to grow in scope and expectation, it’s time to have an honest conversation about where the responsibility lies — and whether this is the system we want to keep.

  • The Rise of Extreme Tip Prompts: What’s the Highest You’ve Seen?

    You’re checking out at a casual cafe. The total is $16.66. The screen flashes:

    Add a Tip – 40% | 60% | 100%

    No 15%, no 20% — just sky-high suggestions that make you pause, sweat, and wonder…

    “Wait, is 100% a real option now?”

    Welcome to the newest phase of tipflation — where businesses, kiosks, and digital checkouts push gratuity prompts that border on the absurd.

    📈 How Did We Get Here?

    Tipping has long been a social norm — originally reserved for full-service restaurants where servers earned below minimum wage. But as more businesses adopt digital POS systems (like Square and Toast), tipping has crept into all corners of commerce:

    Cafes Retail counters Self-service yogurt shops Even automated kiosks

    Now, businesses can set default tip ranges — and many are pushing higher and higher percentages under the guise of “supporting staff.”

    🚨 100%? Really?

    It’s one thing to ask for 15–20%. That’s still (barely) within cultural expectations. But tip options of 40%, 60%, or 100% shift tipping from gratitude to pressure-driven upsell.

    And that creates serious problems:

    Customers feel manipulated, not generous. Workers are blamed if tips don’t meet expectations — even when prices are already high. Businesses benefit by outsourcing wage increases to the customer instead of adjusting pay structures.

    This tactic is subtle — it doesn’t require you to tip that much — but it places social guilt squarely in the middle of a financial transaction.

    🤔 So, What Should You Do?

    Don’t feel bad for skipping or customizing You’re allowed to tap “No Tip” or “Custom Tip.” It doesn’t make you a bad person. You’re reacting to a system designed to make you feel cornered. Consider the service context Did someone prepare food, handle your order, or go above and beyond? A small tip may feel appropriate. Was this self-service, takeout, or cashier-only? No tip is fine. Many agree that these scenarios don’t warrant gratuity. Support fair wages, not forced generosity If you’re uncomfortable with extreme prompts, support businesses that pay their staff fairly and include costs transparently in their prices — rather than relying on guilt-tipping.

    💬 Join the Conversation

    We want to hear from you:

    What’s the highest tip percentage you’ve ever been prompted to give?

    Have you seen 100%… or more?

    🟢 Send us a photo, a story, or just vent.

    📸 Tag: @EndTippingCulture on FB

    We’ll feature the most outrageous examples in our upcoming article:

    “Screenshotted & Shamed: Tip Prompts Gone Too Far”

    📌 Final Thought

    When tip screens push triple-digit suggestions, the problem isn’t generosity — it’s expectation creep. Let’s return tipping to what it was meant to be: a thank you, not a tax.

  • No-Tip Business Models: How Restaurants, Salons & Hotels Are Making It Work

    For decades, tipping has been baked into American culture — a system that often shifts the responsibility for fair pay from employers to customers. But across the U.S., a growing number of restaurants, salons, and even hotels are breaking the mold by eliminating tips altogether and replacing them with higher wages and transparent pricing.

    The result? A movement toward fairness that challenges long-held assumptions about how service work should be rewarded.

    Why Some Businesses Are Ditching Tips

    The “no-tipping” model is gaining traction for a few reasons. First, service industry employers are increasingly aware that the traditional tipping system often creates wage instability, inequality, and even bias.

    Many no-tip establishments now pay hourly rates well above the tipped minimum wage — sometimes double or triple what employees previously earned before tips. Instead of relying on unpredictable gratuities, workers receive steady paychecks, benefits, and more predictable schedules.

    “It’s about giving people dignity and security,” says one restaurant owner in Seattle who replaced tipping with a service-included model. “I want my team to know exactly what they’re earning — without wondering if a slow night means they can’t pay rent.”

    How They Make It Work Financially

    Eliminating tips doesn’t mean cutting corners. Most no-tip businesses adjust their menu or service pricing to include what would normally be the tip — typically a 15–20% increase.

    For customers, that means slightly higher prices but no math or awkward decisions at the end of the meal or service. For businesses, it creates a sustainable structure that rewards staff fairly and consistently.

    Some companies use a “revenue share” model, where a small portion of total sales goes toward a staff compensation pool. Others focus on higher base wages and bonuses for performance or longevity.

    Where the Model Is Succeeding

    Restaurants in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Washington, D.C. were among the first to test the model, but it’s now spreading into smaller markets — from Midwestern cafés to Southern boutique hotels.

    Salons have also found success: stylists at no-tip studios often earn higher hourly rates, while customers appreciate knowing exactly what their service costs upfront.

    Hotels are experimenting, too — replacing bellhop and housekeeping tips with a clearly listed “hospitality service charge” included in the nightly rate. Guests often report that it feels fairer and less awkward.

    Customer Reaction: Mixed but Evolving

    At first, some customers resist higher prices — even though their total spend is about the same once tips are factored in. But over time, many begin to prefer the simplicity and transparency of all-inclusive pricing.

    “Once we explained that staff are being paid a real living wage, most guests were thrilled,” said a boutique hotel manager in North Carolina. “People want to do the right thing — they just need to understand where their money’s going.”

    The Bigger Picture: Rethinking Value in Service

    The no-tipping movement isn’t about punishing generosity; it’s about rethinking fairness. By removing tips, businesses can create environments where workers are treated like professionals, customers know exactly what they’re paying for, and the industry moves closer to true wage equity.

    As more states debate raising or eliminating the tipped minimum wage, these pioneering no-tip businesses offer a real-world glimpse of what a post-tipping America might look like — one where everyone at the table is treated with fairness and respect.

    Want to Learn More?

    Explore how tipped wage laws differ by state in our related article:

    State by State: How Tipped Wage Laws Differ Across the U.S.

  • State by State: How Tipped Wage Laws Differ Across the U.S.

    Tipping culture in the United States is deeply intertwined with labor law—and nowhere is that more visible than in the laws that govern the wages of tipped employees. While many consumers assume that servers and other tipped workers make the same minimum wage as every other worker, the reality is far more complex: states vary widely in whether they allow a tip credit, how large that credit can be, whether the tipped wage equals the full minimum wage, and how the wage laws are enforced.

    In this article, we’ll walk through the major dimensions of variation, highlight some key state-by-state examples, and explore why these differences matter for workers, businesses, and consumers.

    Key Concepts & Legal Framework

    Before diving into state comparisons, it’s helpful to define a few terms and frame the federal baseline.

    Tipped Employee: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), a tipped employee is one who “customarily and regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips”.  Tip Credit: A tip credit is the amount an employer may legally count toward the minimum wage by virtue of the tips the employee receives. For example, at the federal level, the cash wage could be as low as $2.13/hour and the maximum tip credit is $5.12/hour—which combined equal the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.  State Minimum Wage & Cash Wage Requirements: States can set their own higher minimum wages, higher tipped minimums, or even ban tipped wage differentials entirely. The federal standard sets a floor, but states may provide stronger protections. For example, some states require that tipped workers be paid the full state minimum wage before tips (effectively no tip credit allowed).  “No Tip Credit” States: Some states forbid employers from using any tip credit—so tipped workers must receive the full minimum wage in cash before tips. These states essentially remove the differential between tipped and non-tipped wages. For example: California, Washington, Oregon. 

    Understanding these dimensions sets the stage for seeing how state laws diverge.

    Patterns of Variation Across States

    Here are some of the major patterns you’ll find when comparing state tipped wage laws:

    States that pay tipped workers the full minimum wage (no tip credit allowed) These states treat tipped and non-tipped workers equally in terms of minimum hourly wage. Example: In California, tipped employees must still receive the full state minimum wage before counting tips.  The effect: Workers have a base wage guarantee, reducing dependence solely on tips and lowering risk of failing to make the minimum if tips are low. States that allow a tip credit, but with a high tipped wage (cash wage + tips) or higher base cash wage than federal minimum These states allow tipped employees to be paid less than the standard minimum wage in cash, but the total (wage + tips) must hit the state minimum or some set threshold. Example: Arizona allows a cash wage of $11.35 (as of one data set) plus a tip credit up to $3.00 to reach a total minimum of $14.35.  These laws still leave workers partly dependent on tips, but offer stronger protections than the federal minimum. States that apply the federal baseline (or near-baseline) with minimal state enhancements Some states simply default to the federal tipped wage rules or make only modest improvements. Example: Many states list the cash wage as $2.13/hour (federal level) and allow the full federal tip credit.  In such states, tipped workers may face higher income volatility, and their base wage is very low unless supplemented heavily by tips. Ongoing reforms / phase-outs Several states are in transition—proposals, ballot measures, or legislative action to phase out tip credits and move toward equal base wage for tipped workers. Example: In Massachusetts and Arizona, voters were set to decide on measures related to tipped worker sub-minimum wages.  This indicates momentum in some states toward stronger worker protections in the tipped wage sector.

    Select State Examples

    Below are snapshots of how different states approach tipped wage laws—illustrating the diversity.

    California (CA): Tipped employees must receive full state minimum wage before tips; effectively no tip credit allowed.  Washington (WA): Similarly strong protections; tipped workers receive the full minimum wage regardless of tips.  Arizona (AZ): Cash wage of about $11.35 + tip credit of $3.00 = total minimum wage of ~$14.35.  Florida (FL): At one point cash wage around $8.98 + tip credit $3.02 = ~ $12.00 minimum combined for tipped employees.  Missouri (MO): Cash wage of ~$6.15 + tip credit up to 50% of the applicable minimum wage (around $6.15) in one data table.  New York (NY): Tipped worker minimum wages vary by region and type of employer; the structure is more complex. 

    Why These Differences Matter

    These variations have important implications for several stakeholders:

    For workers: A higher base wage or prohibition of tip credit generally means more stable earnings and less dependence on luxury levels of tips or customer generosity. In low tipped wage states, workers may face more income volatility, and on slow shifts or in less tip-rich venues they may struggle to reach minimum wage. For business owners: States without tip credits may have higher payroll costs, which can affect pricing, staffing decisions, or service models. States with tip credits can maintain traditional tipping models but may face criticism around worker fairness and unpredictability of tipped income. For consumers and culture: In states where tipped workers are guaranteed a full wage, tipping becomes more of a genuine “bonus” rather than a substitute for fair pay. In states with minimal protections, consumers may bear more of the wage burden via tipping, often without full transparency. For policy & advocacy: The variation shows a patchwork of protections—with some states moving toward elimination of tipped sub-minimums. It also highlights the intersection of labor law, minimum wage policy, and the evolving service economy (gig work, delivery, etc.).

    Key Takeaways & Trends to Watch

    A growing number of states (and worker-advocacy groups) are pushing toward eliminating tip-subminimum wages (i.e., ensuring tipped workers get full minimum wage regardless of tips). The federal minimum wage for tipped employees remains fixed at $2.13/hour with a tip credit of $5.12/hour in many states—but these standards are increasingly seen as the floor only, not the norm.  Businesses and policymakers will need to adapt to changing service models (online ordering, delivery, self-service) which may shift tipping norms and thus wage models. For your audience (workers, business owners, consumers) it’s crucial to monitor both state laws and local ordinances (cities may have additional protections) because the nominal “tip rules” may differ by region, employer size, or venue.

    Conclusion

    Tipped wage laws across the U.S. vary dramatically—from states that require tipped workers to receive the full minimum wage regardless of tips, to states where the cash wage remains extremely low and tips are required to bring the worker up to the standard. For workers in the service industry, business owners navigating wage law, and consumers wanting fairness and transparency, understanding these differences matters. As the service economy evolves, so too will the laws and norms around tipping—and tracking those changes is essential to building solid content and advocacy.

  • The Digital Dilemma: Tipping on Rideshare and Delivery Apps

    Once upon a time, tipping was a simple act of gratitude — a few dollars handed to a cab driver or pizza delivery person for great service. Today, it’s a digital maze of tip prompts, default percentages, and guilt-inducing reminders that appear before you’ve even received the service.

    From Uber to DoorDash to Instacart, tipping has become a central — and controversial — part of the app economy.

    Rideshare: When the Tip Comes Before the Ride

    With Uber and Lyft, tipping was originally not expected. In fact, both companies launched on the promise of “no tipping required” — a clean, cashless system where the fare covered everything.

    That changed once drivers began speaking out about low pay and high commissions.

    Now, both apps prompt riders to tip — sometimes before the trip begins — with suggested amounts of 15%, 20%, or 25%.

    Here’s the issue:

    Riders feel pressured to pre-tip, fearing worse service if they don’t. Drivers depend on tips to make the job viable. The platform still takes a significant cut of the fare, leaving the customer to fill the gap.

    This shifts a business problem (fair driver pay) onto consumers, disguised as a moral decision.

    Food Delivery: From Appreciation to Obligation

    If you’ve ordered from DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, you’ve probably noticed this:

    “Your order may take longer without a tip.”

    That’s not just a warning — it’s a subtle form of coercion. Most delivery apps let drivers see your tip before accepting the order. Low-tip orders often get passed over or delayed.

    Result: You’re effectively paying an unofficial “priority fee” just to get what you already paid for.

    Meanwhile, delivery drivers shoulder expenses like gas, maintenance, and time — all while being classified as independent contractors with no guaranteed wage or benefits.

    In numbers:

    The average delivery driver earns $2–$6/hour before tips, according to reports from the Economic Policy Institute. Tips often make up 50% or more of their total income.

    It’s not generosity — it’s survival.

    Grocery Delivery: The Newest Tipping Frontier

    Apps like Instacart and Shipt now bring the tipping model into grocery aisles. Shoppers handpick and deliver your groceries, but like food delivery drivers, they often rely on tips to reach minimum wage levels.

    Pre-tipping is encouraged, and some shoppers admit to “tip baiting” — adding a large tip upfront to get faster service, then reducing it afterward. This creates tension, mistrust, and instability in what should be a straightforward transaction.

    The Bigger Problem: Shifting Responsibility

    Across these platforms, tipping isn’t just about gratitude — it’s a business model. By design, companies:

    Keep base pay low. Outsource wage fairness to customers. Use psychological prompts (“Your driver keeps 100% of tips!”) to normalize the imbalance.

    This system ensures platform profits stay high, worker pay stays unstable, and consumers carry the guilt.

    The Ethical Fix: Transparency and Fair Wages

    If apps want to be fair:

    Pay workers directly and transparently. Base rates should reflect time, distance, and expenses — not rely on unpredictable tips. Make tipping optional again. Tips should reward exceptional service, not be a built-in wage supplement. Show where the money goes. Many users still assume the platform takes a cut of tips — and some apps have been caught doing just that.

    Bottom Line

    Rideshare and delivery apps revolutionized convenience — but they’ve also redefined tipping as an expectation, not a choice.

    Rideshare: Pre-tipping pressures riders and hides low driver pay. Food delivery: Tip-based prioritization punishes low tippers. Grocery delivery: Expands the problem into essential services.

    Until platforms stop offloading responsibility onto customers, “tipping culture” will keep spreading — not as gratitude, but as a symptom of an underpaid gig economy.

  • Tipping in Top Travel Destinations for Americans: What You Should Know Before You Go

    Tipping Abroad: What Americans Get Wrong

    Many U.S. travelers carry their tipping habits overseas—leaving 20% tips in countries where it’s unnecessary or even awkward. But tipping norms around the world differ greatly. In some places, tipping is welcome. In others, it’s included—or considered unnecessary. Here’s what to expect in the most popular international travel spots for Americans.

    🇲🇽 Mexico

    Tipping Expected: Yes Restaurants: 10–20%, especially in tourist areas Resorts: Tips appreciated—even at all-inclusives Hotel Staff: $1–$3 per service

    🇨🇦 Canada

    Tipping Expected: Yes Restaurants: 15–20% Taxis: 10% or round up Hotels: $2–$5 per service

    🇫🇷 France

    Tipping Expected: No (Service Included) Restaurants: 15% is already on the bill Cafés & Casual Dining: Round up or leave change Taxis/Hotels: Not required, but €1–€2 is polite

    🇮🇹 Italy

    Tipping Expected: No Restaurants: A coperto (cover charge) is often added Leave: €1–€2 only if service was exceptional Taxis/Hotels: Rounding up is fine

    🇯🇵 Japan

    Tipping Expected: No Restaurants/Hotels: Tipping is seen as confusing or even rude Alternative: Show appreciation with a bow or a small gift

    🇬🇧 United Kingdom

    Tipping Expected: Sometimes Restaurants: 10–12.5% if not already included Pubs: No tipping Hotels/Taxis: Rounding up is polite

    🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

    Tipping Expected: Yes (especially in resorts) Restaurants: 10% service charge is added, but more is expected Hotels/Resorts: $1–$5 per service Tours: $5–$10 per person

    🇯🇲 Jamaica

    Tipping Expected: Yes Resorts/Hotels: Bring $1 bills; tips expected throughout Restaurants: 10–15% Tours: $5+ per guest

    🇹🇭 Thailand

    Tipping Expected: Sometimes Restaurants: Round up or leave loose change Hotels/Drivers: $1–$2 for good service Tours: $5–$10 per person

    Why This Matters

    When Americans overtip abroad, they can unintentionally contribute to tip creep—raising expectations in cultures where tips were once symbolic or nonexistent. Knowing the local customs protects both your wallet and cultural balance.

    Traveler Tip: When in doubt, ask your hotel concierge or a local guide what’s appropriate—and always check if service is already included on your bill.

    Related Articles:

    Tipping While Traveling Internationally

  • Should You Tip Your Dog Groomer? The Unclear Line Between Service and Obligation

    If you’ve ever picked up your freshly groomed pup and hesitated at the payment screen, wondering whether to add a 15%, 20%, or even 25% tip, you’re not alone. Tipping at dog groomers has quietly become a new frontier in the expanding world of “tipflation.”

    But unlike restaurant servers or baristas, dog groomers occupy a unique professional space — one that mixes skilled labor, pet care, and customer service. And depending on where you go, tipping expectations can vary dramatically.

    Private Groomers vs. Big-Box Chains

    Private or Independent Groomers

    Independent groomers typically set their own pricing and often run small, locally owned businesses. Many operate as sole proprietors or in boutique grooming studios where they handle everything from booking to bathing.

    How they’re paid: They usually keep most (if not all) of the grooming fee. Typical tipping expectation: 10–20% is commonly “suggested,” but not universally expected. Customer experience: Many private groomers view their rates as fair compensation for skilled labor — so tips are appreciated, not required.

    In these smaller settings, tipping can be a personal gesture of appreciation rather than an obligation. Some groomers even discourage tips, preferring long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals instead.

    Corporate Grooming Chains (PetSmart, Petco, etc.)

    Large pet retailers like PetSmart and Petco operate under a different model. Their groomers are often hourly employees or commission-based workers who may receive only a portion of what you pay for the service.

    How they’re paid: Commission rates vary, but groomers might receive around 40–50% of the grooming fee. Typical tipping expectation: 15–25%, often prompted by digital checkout systems. Customer experience: Automated tip prompts make tipping feel mandatory, even though the store sets the prices and pay structure.

    At these chains, tipping becomes more about supplementing low pay than rewarding extra effort — mirroring the same systemic issues that plague restaurant and hospitality workers.

    Why It’s So Confusing

    There are no standardized tipping rules in the pet care industry. Online advice ranges wildly — from “always tip 20%” to “only tip for exceptional service.” Meanwhile, businesses themselves rarely clarify expectations, leaving pet owners to guess what’s right.

    That confusion leads to social pressure:

    Customers fear being seen as stingy. Groomers depend on inconsistent gratuities to make ends meet. Businesses get to advertise “affordable” grooming while offloading part of labor costs to the customer.

    It’s the same cycle playing out across dozens of industries — from coffee shops to car washes — where tipping is replacing fair wages.

    A More Honest Approach

    If tipping feels uncomfortable or unclear, it’s okay to ask directly how groomers are compensated. Many appreciate transparency.

    At private salons: A polite “Is tipping customary here?” works fine. At big-box chains: You can assume groomers earn a lower base pay, so a small tip might help them directly — but the real issue is structural, not personal.

    The Bigger Question

    Should skilled pet care professionals depend on tips at all?

    Dog grooming requires training, physical effort, and patience — it’s far more than a “service job.” If these workers were compensated fairly through transparent pricing, tipping could go back to what it was meant to be: a thank-you, not an expectation.

    Bottom Line

    Private groomers: Usually better compensated; tips are optional appreciation. PetSmart / Petco groomers: Often underpaid; tips fill the gap left by corporate wage structures. Consumers: Caught in the middle, forced to solve a pay equity problem they didn’t create.

    Until grooming businesses — especially large chains — pay fairly and price honestly, tipping confusion will persist. The best way to “tip” might not be with cash at all, but by supporting businesses that pay their workers what they deserve upfront.

  • Tipping in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean: Expectations, Exceptions, and Tourist Traps

    North American Neighbors, Different Expectations

    Tipping norms shift quickly across borders. In Canada, tipping culture mirrors the U.S.—though not as intense. Mexico blends local hospitality with tourist expectations, while the Caribbean often includes automatic service charges that visitors still end up tipping on top of.

    🇨🇦 Canada: U.S.-Lite Tipping Culture

    Restaurants: Tipping 15–20% is expected. Servers rely on tips as part of their income. Cafés/Takeout: 10% or spare change is common. Digital tip prompts are now widespread. Taxis: Round up or 10%. Hotels: $2–$5 per service (bellhops, cleaning staff). Salons/Spas: 15–20% is standard.

    💡 Canadians are polite—but that doesn’t mean they like tip creep. Tip fatigue is growing, especially with pre-set digital options.

    🇲🇽 Mexico: Blending Tradition with Tourist Tipping

    Restaurants: Locals typically tip 10–15%. In tourist areas, staff expect up to 20%. All-Inclusive Resorts: Tips may be “included” but are still heavily expected in practice. Taxis: Not expected. Round up if they help with luggage. Hotels: Tip bellhops and housekeeping ($1–$3 USD). Street Vendors: No tipping expected.

    💡 Tipping in U.S. dollars is widely accepted and often preferred, especially in tourist zones.

    🇧🇸🇯🇲🇩🇴 The Caribbean: Built-In Gratuities and Double-Tipping Pressure

    Restaurants: A 10–15% service charge is often included—but many guests don’t notice. Additional tips may be expected on top. All-Inclusive Resorts: Tipping is technically optional, but heavily encouraged for bartenders, servers, and bellhops. Many tourists bring stacks of $1 bills. Tours & Activities: Tip $5–$10 per person for guides or boat crews. Taxis: Not required, but rounding up is appreciated. Hotels: Expectation for $1–$5 per service.

    💡 Workers often rely on tourist tips, but resort marketing may mislead guests into thinking “all-inclusive” means no gratuities.

    Takeaway: Know Before You Go

    Travelers often over-tip out of habit or guilt. But understanding local tipping customs ensures you don’t contribute to global tip creep or double-tipping scams. Ask if gratuity is included—and don’t feel pressured to tip twice unless you truly want to.

    Related Article:

    Tipping While Traveling Internationally