'Does This Make Me A Cranky Grump?' — Millennial Asks If He's Wrong In Not Tipping For Anything Other Than A Sit-Down Meal

In a popular Reddit post, a millennial user sparked a discussion about tipping, a topic many feel has gotten out of hand. The user asked, "I am now not tipping for anything but a sit-down meal. And only if they don't have a ‘service fee'. Does this make me a cranky grump?"

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The poster explained further, "Yesterday I told my wife I am now refusing to tip for anything except sit-down meals and personal services like haircuts, and only if the restaurant does not charge a service fee. We went to a gas station yesterday, and there was a tip option. I kept calm, but in the car, I told her I'm done with this."

The vast majority of users in the millennial subreddit agreed with the user. The shift in tipping habits raises concerns about the impact on employees. Some argue that the widespread tipping culture, especially with digital payments, is more about corporate benefits than employee support. "At Starbucks, they take the card scanner out for you to use just so you can select a tip amount. It's drive-through," one user pointed out, adding, "It definitely feels like they're trying to pressure you into tipping more."

Another commenter added, "It's very much a corporate move to try and look more benevolent while attempting to get customers to subsidize their employee wages more." The concern here is that the responsibility of fair wages is being shifted onto consumers, rather than being borne by employers.

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The sentiment extends to other services as well. "It's why I'll never use a food delivery service in the US – the low/no tip orders get left. You're bribing the delivery dude to bring yours over somebody else's," shared one individual, highlighting the inconsistencies in service delivery based on tipping.

Some users in the discussion argue for a return to simpler times when tipping was less obligatory and more about genuine appreciation. "I don't tip where I live even though it's starting to creep in. You provided a service for a listed price, why do you feel entitled to ask for more money afterwards?" another user questioned.

Others noted that the tipping culture in the US contrasts sharply with practices in other regions. "They pay people wages in the EU – no tipping," one commenter observed, pointing out the fundamental differences in compensation models.

The overarching theme in the discussion is a pushback against what many see as an overreach in tipping culture. "I'm over tip culture. It's gotten out of hand," one user summarized, capturing the frustration shared by many in the thread.

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Recent studies and surveys highlight the changing nature of tipping culture in the United States. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 72% of Americans say they are being asked to tip more frequently than five years ago, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "tipflation." Despite this increase, only a third of people find it easy to know when and how much to tip for different services .

Data from a survey by BentoBox reveals that 66% of diners feel that too many places are asking for tips these days, and 62% would not miss tipping if it were gone. Interestingly, the survey also found that while 80% of diners believe tipping rewards good service, 68% think that establishments should pay their staff a living wage instead of relying on tips.

This conversation reflects a growing dissatisfaction with tipping for services that traditionally didn’t require it. Millennials may have ignited the debate, but it’s become a widespread issue. Finding the right balance between fair compensation for workers and transparent pricing for consumers is a complex challenge. Where do you draw the line?

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