Tipflation Has Arrived

 Do you ever find yourself wondering how much to tip when a service is performed for you? I know I do. Usually, I'm a darned good tipper. When I go to the barber I'll leave a 33% tip.  In warmer months there are a couple of pre-teen kids who live near our home who set up a lemonade stand. They charge $1.00 a cup. I'll double that price due to their entrepreneurial spirit.There are other times I'll turn into Mr. Scrooge and this is when a tip is demanded. I don't tip at the pizza carry out shop.

Regardless, a study on tipping has been done. I think it must have come out of New York City and not Podunk Center, Iowa. You decide.

The American mind can’t comprehend tipping in 2023. A new study from the Pew Research Center discovered that 72% of people said the long-standing practice of tipping is now expected in more places than five years ago, which appears to be sowing confusion among Americans. “Even as Americans say they’re being asked to tip more often, relatively few have a great deal of confidence about when and how to do so,” the authors wrote. About a third say it’s extremely or very easy to know whether or how much to tip for different types of services. 21% say tipping is more of a choice, while 29% say it’s more of an obligation. So, where are Americans tipping? The situations when people add a gratuity offer insight into the new tipping landscape. Dining at sit-down restaurants (92%). Of note: A majority said they would tip 15% or less for an average sit-down meal. Getting a haircut (78%) Having food delivered (76%) Using a taxi or rideshare service (61%) Buying coffee (25%) Eating at fast-casual restaurants (12%)