The majority of consumers say they spent more than 20% on restaurant staff during the pandemic, according to a report Recent survey by restaurant technology company Popmenu.
Although tips of 15 to 20% at sit-down restaurants have often been suggested in countless articles over the years, just over half of customers are referring their servers 20% or more, and 1 /5 tip over 25%. However, only 38% of customers tip food delivery staff from 20% or more.
But does this mean that social norms have changed when it comes to tips? 20% has become “new 15%” and should you tip 25% or more for special service?
“The base rate is 15% for the basic service, but if you have extra money or you’re feeling inspired, go ahead and tip more,” said Lizzie Post, great-grandson of etiquette expert Emily Post and The host said Emily Post’s Great Etiquette Podcast. “I wouldn’t tell people out there that they absolutely have to tip 20%, especially if it doesn’t fit your pocket.”
That said, the Post says that people shouldn’t overlook paying a minimum of 15% tip for good service either, as restaurant workers are more dependent on tips than other jobs. Under federal law, employers can pay restaurant employees less than the minimum wage – as little as $2.13 per hour – if the tip they receive totals $7.25 an hour.
Post said: “If you had left me a 5% tip when I was a waiter, I would have assumed you were an idiot or unfamiliar with our custom of tipping, unless something went awry. significantly worse, such as if I spilled a drink on a friend.”
The survey also found that 6% of customers usually don’t tip at all, which the Post considers “ridiculous”.
“My advice to these people is never to tip for you,” Post says. Instead, she recommends paying 15% and talking to a manager to address your concerns if service is subpar.
“Ultimately, I would like to see workers paid more appropriately,” Post said. “That way we don’t need to rely so much on tipping and handing over money to customers, which is a discretionary thing.”
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