Americans Overwhelmed by Tipping Expectations, Surveys Show
A growing number of U.S. consumers express frustration over the expanding culture of tipping, with many feeling it's becoming a social obligation rather than a reward for service.
- Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe tipping culture has become excessive, with tipping requests now appearing in unexpected places like retail stores and self-service kiosks.
- Over half of survey respondents think businesses are increasingly offloading the responsibility of paying fair wages onto customers through tips.
- The federal tipped minimum wage remains at $2.13 per hour, leading to concerns about the financial stability of tipped workers in several states.
- Experts argue that the proliferation of tip request screens at points of sale has exacerbated tipping expectations, contributing to consumer fatigue.
- Calls for higher wages and the elimination of subminimum wages for tipped workers are growing amid concerns over the fairness of the tipping system.
USA TODAY 
