"It becomes anything": in the United States, tipping questioned

A restaurant looking for employees in New York City, August 5, 2022. © Andrew Kelly / Reuters

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

In the United States, the tipping system is usually a headache for tourists and remains a must when you go to a restaurant. But with inflation and high prices, more and more Americans are asking the question before leaving a bonus.

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With our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki

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It's really everywhere " says Sam Morgan, for whom it is now difficult to escape the obligation to leave a tip. "You go to the butcher, you have a coffee, a bagel to go... Everywhere! It becomes anything! For example, I'm going to get waxed and I have to leave at least 20-30 dollars tipped! It's crazy! " says one man.

Just like this New Yorker, more and more Americans are complaining about this widespread tipping culture. Some experts even speak of tip fatigue in this country where the "tip" – leaving 15 or 20% in addition to the bill – is a sacred rule in restaurants and cafes.

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If you eat out, of course you have to leave a tip. But when you take away, it's weird! The person is just on the machine, I could do it myself on my phone! You can't say it's complicated! " says one woman.

« I find it very aggressive »

This widespread tipping has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, as many establishments and shops have equipped themselves with electronic machines to avoid cash exchanges. Machines that automatically offer a tipping option, regardless of the service. "Any place that has these screens, you're going to have to leave a tip. I find it very aggressive ," says one man.

While Americans say they are tired, they still say they understand the difficulties faced by employees in service trades, where much of the salary depends on tips. Some suggest that it is time to reform the system.

And in some places, things are changing. The capital Washington joined states in November imposing a minimum wage, even for tipped employees.

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  • United States
  • Economy