You’re Being Asked for More—and Bigger—Tips. How Much Further Can This Go? | Global News Avenue

Ever been asked to tip at a self-checkout kiosk? It happens, and it’s probably not the most unexpected request you’ll ever receive.

Americans today think they should Tip more places This phenomenon is sometimes called “inflation,” and it’s growing, according to the Pew Research Center. I’ve seen it myself, where restaurants often put the “suggested” tip percentage—the after-tax amount, rather than the pre-tax level that many have long been accustomed to—at the bottom of the bill.

This is definitely not just me. The LaSalle Hotel in Bryan, Texas is part of Marriott International (MarchTribute Portfolio issued a QR code to guests to leave a tip for those checking in, according to the travel website View from the wing. (Marriott did not respond investment encyclopedia When I mentioned this issue to various friends and family, they offered stories like this:

• Tip jar next to metal detector at concert. (In other words, “Take all the change out of your pocket…and give it to me.”)
• Eat a $100 buffet at the hotel, plus a 20% tip, and include the extra tip on the check.
• A rideshare driver accepted a ride, then canceled it and still asked potential travelers if they wanted to tip.

On its own, any of these instances might have a reasonable explanation. (Rideshare requests, for example, may have been automated.) Overall, though, Americans feel like they’re being hit harder — and for More than ever. Some people can’t help but notice, although others may not blink at many requests.

“I suspect most people, when they see these screens, think this must be the new normal,” said Michael Lynn, the Michael D. Johnson and Family Professor of Services Marketing at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hospitality Administration. “They don’t see what other people are doing.”

“People want to tip more and more”

Travel expert Gary Leff said, View from the wingThe problem has become even more acute since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Tip requirements have really surged during the pandemic as labor shortages have led to wage increases and employers have had to seek compensation, while service workers have continued to serve in customer-facing roles during the pandemic (especially those not serving customers). A cultural tendency to do the right thing (“their own jobs face the same demands”), says Leif. “Tipping was once a business tactic and more culturally acceptable, but it also went some way. Really extreme. ”

When my daughter and I went to see Pearl Jam at Fenway Park in Boston in September, a staff member handed me a hoodie (for her), a T-shirt (for me), and a payment tablet. Prompts for payment are shown above. Tipping – from 15%.

“As tips are sought in more situations, people are becoming more willing to tip,” Leif said.

He said when he tried to buy a bottle of water at an airport retail store last year, the self-checkout machine wouldn’t let him complete the transaction unless he tipped more than $0. “Once the amount changes to $0.01, payments are allowed,” he wrote.

However, Lynn said it appears that may be changing. “Most people don’t (tip at self-checkout machines) and never will,” he said. “Part of what’s happening here is the post-pandemic environment. Now (business owners) know there’s fatigue.”

“I just don’t think this is going to continue,” Lynn said. “It will roll back.”