Key facts
- 78% of consumers believe tipping practices have become ridiculous.
- 74% of people have noticed restaurants raising suggested gratuity amounts on digital screens.
- 59% of surveyed adults feel compelled to tip when faced with digital prompts.
- 36% of consumers typically enter a custom tip amount instead of selecting preset options.
- Restaurateurs warn against making customers feel pressured to tip.
A recent Popmenu survey indicates widespread dissatisfaction among Americans with current tipping practices, with 78% of consumers deeming them 'ridiculous.' The study found that 74% of respondents have observed an increase in suggested gratuity amounts on digital payment screens, and 59% feel pressured to tip when presented with these prompts. Many consumers, 36%, opt to enter custom tip amounts rather than choosing preset suggestions. Restaurant owners like Vicki Parmelee and Derek Simms acknowledge the awkwardness of modern tipping screens, especially for counter service, and emphasize that tips should be earned, not expected. They caution that overly aggressive tipping prompts could alienate customers and damage loyalty. While consumers are pushing back against 'tip creep,' traditional tipping at full-service restaurants, often around 20%, remains common, particularly for good service.