Summary

Tipping in U.S. restaurants has dropped to 19.3%, the lowest in six years, driven by frustration over rising menu prices and increased prompts for tips in non-traditional settings.

Only 38% of consumers tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, reflecting tighter budgets.

Diners are cutting back on outings, spending less, and tipping less. Some restaurants are adding service fees, further reducing tips.

Worker advocacy groups are pushing to eliminate the tipped-wage system, while the restaurant industry warns these shifts hurt business and employees.

Key cities like D.C. and Chicago are phasing in higher minimum wages for tipped workers.

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  • jordanlund@lemmy.world
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    4 hours ago

    I’m not in the best health so I do a lot of order at home.

    GrubHub/DoorDash/etc. all calculate the tip based on the order + their fees, not the order itself.

    If I order a $60 dinner, I’m tipping 20% of $60. Not 20% of $60 + your delivery fee and your service fee.

    • tehmics@lemmy.world
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      2 hours ago

      Tipping has always been a stupidly arbitrary thing to base tips on anyway, especially for delivery drivers.

      As a driver, I accept runs based on dollar per mile because that’s what actually factors into my income. I don’t care what you ordered unless it’s 100 items at the grocery store with cases of water bottles. The price is always irrelevant