Tired of tipping? 5 On Your Side finds when to tip and when it is okay not to

In a nation grappling with evolving norms and shifting economic landscapes, the longstanding practice of tipping is facing scrutiny from a significant portion of the population.

Recent surveys reveal that 66% of adults in the United States hold a negative perspective on tipping, reflecting a growing discontent with the ambiguities and pressures associated with this tradition.

"I'm trying to lower how much I tip in certain situations. I'm in tip-resistant mode,” explained Tony Barwick.

Barwick, a Raleigh resident, admitted he was much more likely to tip 20% to 30% for takeout orders during the pandemic when the option for table service was obsolete.

He now feels that tipping for a lunch takeout order is unnecessary; however, he fears the potential consequences of not tipping when approached to tip.

"I worry that they'll put something in my food if I don't tip,” Barwick said.

The uncertainty surrounding why substantial tips are still expected on takeout orders post-pandemic is shared by many.

"Sometimes I wish I had the self-dignity to tip a little less," said Emily Stratton, another Raleigh resident.

WRAL's 5 On Your Side scoured the web and spoke with business experts like Chris Weeks, director of entrepreneurship at Wake Tech, to determine what an appropriate tip is. Here’s what they found:

Here are the recommended tipping guidelines for various services:

-Sit-down restaurants, salons and spas: A 20% tip is recommended due to the often-minimal wages earned by workers in these industries.

-Drivers, meal, and grocery delivery personnel: A 15% tip is suggested, since these workers often receive small wages and provide a major service.

-Takeout orders: If your takeout order is brought to your car, a 10% tip is considered appropriate. But don’t feel a need to tip on traditional takeout.

-Hotel services (bellhops, valet parking): Reward with a few dollars for services like bellhops and valet parking.

-Housekeeping: For housekeeping services, consider giving $5 per night. Don’t wait until the last night of a stay, as you may not have the same housekeeper each day.

-Counter Service, plumbing, electrical work, open bar staff at weddings: These workers do not need to be tipped as their compensation is typically covered through salaries or event hosts.

-Do not tip for online services or retail.

-Baristas at coffee houses occupy a unique tipping landscape. Weeks advises that, while tips are appreciated, there's no obligation to give a specific dollar amount. Personalized tipping strategies, like rounding up, are becoming more common to navigate this scenario.

However, Hillsborough barista Riley Williams advocates for a more substantial change in approach, noting that tipping should not solely rest on the shoulders of patrons.

She suggests that employers should ensure livable wages, as exemplified by the coffee roasting company she works at, Joe Van Gogh.

Scott Holmes, co-director of the Social Justice and Racial Equity Institute at NCCU Law School, emphasizes that consumers should not take your tipping fatigue out on workers who traditionally earn tips.

In other words, continue to tip restaurant workers and other people who work in the service industry. Why? Because in the state of North Carolina tipped employees can earn as little as $2.13 an hour by their employer if the difference is made up in tips.

As for tipping using a tablet, consumers should know that companies providing tablet interfaces often take a percentage of the overall transaction, leaving patrons wondering about the destination of their generosity. However, circumventing this issue is possible by carrying small bills, ensuring direct support for service workers.