Tipping culture: Consumers divided on service fees, tips

February 22nd, 2024

Pew Research Center found that 72% of U.S. adults believe tipping is expected in more places than five years ago. (Blake Wisz and Sam Dan Truong)

Surveys show a growing amount of tipping fatigue among consumers. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 72% of U.S. adults believe tipping is expected in more places than five years ago, while Bankrate.com reports that 66% of people are unhappy about it.

However, an expert with the Pew Research Center wants consumers to know that service charges and tips are not the same. Drew DeSilver, a senior writer and editor for the Pew Research Center, says tipping is optional and service charges are added fees.

On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” show host Rose Scott talked with DeSilver about tipping trends and negative consumer sentiment.

Emily Chan, the co-owner of Cabbagetown restaurant JenChan’s, also explained the ongoing challenges small business owners face while trying to stay afloat during unsteady economic times and how outrage over a 4% employee health insurance surcharge put her business at risk.