Tipping Takes a Hit: Average Gratuity Plunges by 7%

Americans are cutting back on gratuity as tipping prompts become more pervasive, with tipping for service workers in non-restaurant leisure and hospitality jobs down 7% from last year. Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe tipping is now expected in more places compared to five years ago. The use of touch screens in taxis and coffee shops suggesting high gratuities has led to frustration and social media satire. The pressure to tip on every transaction has reached a breaking point, causing Americans to decrease the amount they tip. However, holiday season and end-of-year tips are still expected to increase for certain professionals.