Feeling overwhelmed by tipping culture? You’re not alone. A recent Bankrate survey found that six in ten Americans view tipping negatively, with 35% saying it’s gotten “out of control.”
Persistent inflation adds to the frustration, making the tipping dilemma even more prominent.
“People dislike the pre-entered tip prompts at food trucks and coffee shops. I was even asked to tip at a self-checkout machine at Newark Airport,” says Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate. “There’s been a lot of tip creep.”
However, it’s important to note that while tipping fatigue is real, some professionals rely on tips to make ends meet. For instance, only 67% of respondents in Bankrate’s survey said they always tip in sit-down restaurants, an 8 percentage-point drop from three years ago.
“The Federal minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13 an hour,” Rossman points out. “If you’re not tipping in those scenarios, you’re really taking money out of the server’s pocket.”
Yet, etiquette experts say there are situations where tipping is not required, despite any pressure you might feel. Here are five interactions where leaving a tip is entirely up to you:
1. When a Plumber or Repair-Person Comes By
You don’t need to tip anyone who earns a salary or performs a trade. This includes doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, and cable technicians.
“Not only would it not be expected, it would be highly unorthodox and very awkward,” says Thomas Farley, an etiquette expert and keynote speaker known as Mister Manners. In some cases, tipping could even be seen as attempting to curry favor or as a bribe.
2. When You Buy at a Counter
Typically, counter workers earn a wage, unlike those who deliver food, who often rely on tips. Thus, tipping a cashier is not a requirement — even if the tablet they show you suggests otherwise.
“When they turn that device around, it’s this glaring thing, and people feel shamed into tipping, but you don’t have to,” says Elaine Swann, a lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of the Swann School of Protocol.
While some service-industry workers might see this advice as controversial, tipping at the counter is discretionary. Reserve gratuity for workers who provide a great experience.
“It’s a nice gesture to offer a tip to a worker who goes above and beyond,” Swann says. “For example, maybe you frequent the establishment regularly and they have your order memorized.”
3. When You’re at an Open-Bar Event
If you attend an event with an open bar, the host likely has already taken care of the tip.
“That tip would be included in what they’ve had to pay for the venue or bartending service,” says Swann. Thus, you’re not obligated to tip. However, throwing in a couple of extra bucks is appreciated and may help you get better service throughout the night.
“If there is a busy bar, and there are multiple people to take orders from, acknowledging them may get you a heavier pour,” Farley says. “A dollar here or there isn’t much to ask.”
4. When It Seems Like Double-Tipping or Fees Are Built In
You don’t have to tip twice for the same service. Swann notes that some women have tipped their nail technicians only to be prompted to tip again at the counter.
“That is just the establishment trying to get more money out of you.”
In cities with minimum wage requirements for tipped workers, some restaurants apply a 20
