Is ‘tipflation’ out of control? Most say pressure to tip has gone too far, poll finds

To tip or not to tip?

It’s the question many Americans are faced with when paying for a product or service, and many say the pressure is beginning to be too much, according to a new Upgraded Points study.

A whopping 90 percent of respondents feel tipping expectations have gotten out of control, the report found, leaving some customers reeling from so-called “tipflation.”

A majority (70%) said they resort to “guilt-tipping” when faced with a digital tip screen, and 54% said the preset suggestions are enough to make their blood boil.

“As tipping becomes far more common, it’s interesting to see where Americans feel most pressured to tip — and where they’re refusing to,” Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points, said in an Oct. 1 news release.

Where do Americans tip the most?

The report, published Sept. 30, examined attitudes toward tipping and identified the kinds of businesses Americans were the least and most likely to add a gratuity, according to the travel and finance site.

The study was based on responses from 3,328 Americans polled across 46 states from Aug. 30 to Sept. 5, Upgraded Points said. Alaska, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming were excluded due to a lack of survey responses.

Several business categories were included, though there was a focus on those where tipping is less common — think fast-casual restaurants, auto repair services and sporting event concessions.

Upgraded Points found Americans were most likely to leave a tip for food delivery, grocery delivery and rideshare services. On the flip side, respondents opted against a gratuity at auto shops, fast-casual eateries and concession stands, according to survey results.

Customers’ willingness to leave a tip also varied from state to state.

Vermont was the most impacted by “tipflation,” with 71% of residents saying they tip regularly across business categories included in the study, results show. In fact, three of the top five states for tipping were in New England.

Tipping culture was far less intense in California, Utah, Arkansas, Connecticut and Kansas, according to the Upgraded Points report.

Despite the rise in tipping fatigue, almost 91% of people surveyed said their gratuity is based on the level of service they receive rather than a set percentage.

“Americans still want to reward excellent service — just on their own terms,” the company said.

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