How Much We Spend on ‘Guilt-Tipping’

The people who aren't frustrated by the "tipping epidemic" would argue that it's not required, or it's "just a couple bucks here and there."

The people who aren’t frustrated by the “tipping epidemic” would argue that it’s not required, or it’s “just a couple bucks here and there.” But it does add up. New research claims the average American spends an estimated $454 a year tipping more than they’d like to. And 26% of people say they’re “always or often” put on the spot, and guilted into tipping more than they want. This is not the conventional 15% to 20% tipping at restaurants and for specialized services. It’s the recent, “optional” tipping that’s showing up on credit card screens and digital payment apps. Or when the “suggested” tips are higher than usual percentages. That breaks down to $37.80 extra per month.