It seems that Americans might be reaching their limit with the ever-increasing expectations surrounding tipping. Once considered generous, a 15 percent gratuity for average service is now often seen as inadequate.
In the pre-pandemic era, leaving a 15 percent tip was generally deemed more than sufficient by most diners. However, the landscape of dining etiquette has shifted, and today, anything under 20 percent risks being perceived as an affront to service staff.
In a recent incident at a casual seafood restaurant in Maryland, patrons found themselves taken aback when they received their bill. The server had crossed out the 15 percent tip option on a $260 meal, leaving them feeling pressured to tip more.
The diners, who were enjoying a meal at G&M Restaurant in Linthicum Heights, described their waitress as friendly and the service as satisfactory, though not exceptional. Despite this, the server’s actions suggested that the standard 15 percent gratuity, which would have amounted to $36.75, was insufficient.
This experience highlights a growing tension in the dining world, as patrons and servers navigate evolving norms and expectations around tipping.
But when the check was returned, the 15 percent gratuity — amounting to $36.75 — had been scratched out. It made it appear, the diners said, as though it ‘wouldn’t be good enough for her’.
The waitress had also written ‘Thank you’ on the receipt in advance — a move the diners described as ‘entitled’ and ‘infuriating’.
‘I was not the one footing this bill, or else I would’ve given a big fat zero for this alone,’ one of the diners complained on Reddit.
Customers at a casual seafood eatery in Maryland were outraged when they received their bill for a $260 meal with the 15 percent tip option scribbled out by the server
Just a decade ago, 15 percent was considered the standard tip for average service. Now, that number has spiked to 20 percent — or often more
‘The entitlement is infuriating, and just another reminder of how screwed up the whole system is,’ they continued. ‘We have got to end this nonsense, I’m so sick of dining out.’
Others on the forum echoed the anger.
‘Its just crazy to me that they think they deserve 50 bucks for bringing out a handful of plates and refilling drinks,’ one wrote.
‘I wonder how many servers understand just how off putting the entitlement is,’ another said.
Someone else wrote: ‘It’s insane how normalized the idea of tipping on any transaction involving food is becoming, even if no service is involved. Best to nip it in the bud by not tipping.’
Users also questioned why tips should increase simply because a bill is higher.
‘I’ll never understand why me ordering something more expensive means you expect a better tip,’ one commenter wrote. ‘The plates weigh the same.’
The incident has become a flashpoint in the growing backlash against so-called ‘tipflation’ — the expanding expectation to tip more often, in more places, and at higher rates than ever before.
When a customer ordered themselves a pizza for pick-up, they were horrified to find that they were being forced to tip
Another industry to spark outrage amongst customers is the frozen yogurt business, where diners are being asked to tip on desserts they create themselves
In another recent example, a Reddit user said they were shocked to be effectively forced to tip when ordering a pizza for pickup.
As they were paying, they were hit with a message saying ‘Don’t forget a tip!’ and given options of 15, 20 or 35 percent.
There was also a ‘custom’ box, but no option to leave nothing.
However, when the customer attempted to make the custom amount $0, the screen wouldn’t allow the order to move forward — displaying a bright red message: ‘Please enter a valid tip amount.’
‘How can it be a tip when I don’t have a choice,’ the customer asked on Reddit. ‘Well I did have a choice and went elsewhere,’ they wrote.
Self-serve frozen yogurt shops have also become a lightning rod for customer anger.
Chains such as 16 Handles and Yogurtland have drawn criticism after customers say they are asked to tip despite serving themselves entirely — from selecting flavors to adding toppings.
‘For what?’ frustrated froyo fans have asked online, arguing that the workers do not serve the frozen yogurt or scoop the toppings.
A survey last year found that three-quarters of Americans believed tipping culture has gone too far.
The research also found that two in three Americans often ‘guilt tip’ — where they feel forced to add gratuity by prompts at check-out machines.
