To Tip or Not To Tip: That is the Question

By MARIA VALASQUEZ/Contributor

Tipping culture has gone beyond traditional means within service industries, sparking debate among consumers about where and when gratuity is important.

“I feel like tipping is really important because that is where servers make the majority of their money,” Emily Clark, a junior and mass communications major, said. “When going out to eat, an average tip should be around 20% of the bill.”

Clark believes businesses need to do more to support their employees.

“I still feel that businesses should pay employees better for certain jobs depending on the difficulty of the job,” Clark said. “The employees are taking the time to provide standard work, therefore they should be paid appropriately by the company.”

For years, tipping was expected in service industries where workers earned a sub-minimum wage. However, the rise of digital payment platforms has changed that.

According to a new Bankrate survey on tipping culture, 59% of Americans view tipping negatively, down from 66% in 2023. In addition, 35% of Americans believe tipping expectations has gotten out of control.

Hear what one UT Tyler student has to say about when to tip.

As businesses increasingly rely on digital payment systems, consumers are being asked to tip in situations where gratuity previously was unheard of. Many fast-food chains, including McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Shake Shack have implemented self-ordering kiosks to streamline ordering.

“I was at a self-service kiosk ordering my meal when the screen asked me if I wanted to tip,” Blake Pennington, a customer in Tyler, said. “Who exactly am I tipping, the screen?”

While some customers see tipping prompts as an unfair burden, others feel pressure to tip regardless of the situation. Customers grow frustrated with the feeling that tipping has shifted from a reward for service to an obligation.

“I have no problem tripping my waiter or delivery driver, but I don’t necessarily agree with being forced to tip at a coffee shop for a cup of coffee that was handed to me over the counter,” Jessenia Espinoza, of Tyler, said.

Some customers say their decision to tip depends on the quality of service they receive.

“When it comes to tipping, I don’t mind doing it when a service is provided and it is done well,” Farra Storey, a senior and health sciences major, said. “However, I don’t feel like I should be pressured into doing it, especially when the service I feel is bad.”