Consumers report tipping practices are ridiculous and reduce unnecessary gratuities
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Apr 24
Consumers report tipping practices are ridiculous and reduce unnecessary gratuities
5 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Apr 24
A Popmenu survey finds 78% of consumers believe tipping has gotten out of hand, with 44% tipping less this year and average unnecessary tip spending dropping to $130 from $150.
The share of people feeling compelled to tip on digital screens fell to 59%, and tipping 20% or more for servers and delivery drivers also declined since September 2025.
Many consumers now skip gratuities for certain services, and 56% would prefer higher menu prices to eliminate tipping, as digital prompts and inflation drive widespread tip fatigue.
If most diners are willing to pay more for meals, why haven't more restaurants abolished tipping for good?
With 78% of consumers calling tipping 'ridiculous,' is the century-old practice on the verge of collapse?
Are digital screens creating a 'guilt tipping' crisis, or just making gratuity more convenient?
With new laws targeting the subminimum wage, is the government about to end tipping as we know it?
Could servers actually earn less money under a 'fairer' no-tipping wage model?
Is the new 'effort-based' tipping trend a fair solution or just more confusion for consumers?