Services

You Never Need to Tip on These 27 Things

24/7 Wall St. Staff

Published: May 21, 2024 10:59 am

Last Updated: May 23, 2024 8:00 am

Sometimes it feels like every job in the United States relies on tipping. In recent years, it’s gotten so much worse. For those using new services for the first time, or for those who aren’t used to the tipping culture in the country, it can be hard to know what you’re expected to tip on and where it’s not needed. Thankfully, 24/7 Wall Street is here to make life easier by explaining 27 things you should never have to tip on. Now that you’re no longer spending money on unnecessary tips, consider investing that money into something, such as these five sizzling stock picks under $10 with great upside potential.

Why It’s Important to Talk About the Tipping Culture in the United States Today

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What started out as a small gesture of gratitude for a job well done has mutated into a corrupt practice of labor exploitation. Modern tipping is a scam that large corporations use to get out of paying a living wage to their employees and to make customers carry most of the load.

Tipping is now a tool that restaurants (and now most large service companies) use to force the burden of paying their employees fair compensation onto their customers. In some states, servers are paid as low as $2.13 per hour, with the rest of their livelihood resting on the generosity of the customer instead of fair pay from their bosses. Though it’s primarily used in restaurants, many other businesses are looking to save money by incorporating this system. One of the best ways to stop this from happening is to not tip unless it’s necessary.

By not tipping on these 27 things, you’re saving yourself some much-needed money in this economy, and are fighting against companies trying to cut corners to save money and pay their staff less.

#27 Anything That Does Not Include Human Interaction

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: No one is actually helping you and machines don’t need a tip.
• Exceptions: If someone comes to help you when you’re struggling with the self-service kiosk.

Robots Don’t Need Tips

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Some jobs are starting to be replaced with self-service kiosks, implying that human help is unnecessary for those tasks. When you use a robot for ordering food or checking out of your hotel, you don’t need to tip. The robots don’t need the extra income, and that money will likely all go to the owners or CEOs.

#26 Anywhere the Company Doesn’t Give the Tips Directly to Employees

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Companies will pretend tips are going to their staff when it’s just going in their back pockets.
• Exceptions: If it’s a small business and the owners are helping you out.

Don’t Help Greedy Companies

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Though they shouldn’t, some companies take all the tips that customers pay. This isn’t the purpose of the tip, and if you know that a place you frequent does this, there’s no need to pay a tip at all.

It’s not always easy to tell which companies do this, but you can always try asking your server if you’re unsure.

#25 Any Service Where It’s Not Up to Standard

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Tips are generally meant as a bonus. If they don’t do well, they don’t get a bonus.
• Exceptions: Restaurants where they’re only making a couple of dollars an hour (you can still reduce your tip though).

Tipping Should Be Extra, Not a Necessity

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For most service jobs, a tip is appreciated if the job is above the standard. Most times the tip is small, just a way for you to show appreciation. If the job performed (like a haircut, manicure, or home cleaning) is terrible, then nobody would expect you to tip for the service.

The only exception would be for restaurants, where servers rely on tips to survive. If there is a real problem that you feel the need to withhold a tip, instead speak to a manager and explain the issue after paying your bill (with tip), or you can reduce our tip if you feel it’s necessary for a really bad service.

#24 When a Restaurant Includes Gratuity in the Bill

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Gratuity is the tip to ensure that your server gets a little money for working for a big group, so there’s no need to tip extra.
• Exceptions: They did a really good job and you want to give a little extra.

Gratuities Are Built-In Tips

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Sometimes, restaurants add gratuity automatically or for certain-sized parties to help ensure servers get paid properly for their efforts. This gratuity is essentially a built-in tip for servers, so you don’t have to pay an extra tip on top of that unless you really want to.

#23 Non-Sitting Restaurants

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: They’re likely getting paid full wage and don’t need the tips.
• Exceptions: You want to, or the person was very helpful.

If You Don’t Have a Restaurant, You Don’t Need to Tip

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Usually, though there’s a tip jar by the register, juice bars, sandwich shops, and restaurants in a similar vein don’t often actually get paid a server wage. Instead, they get full pay and the tips are just a bonus. This means you can tip if you want, but a couple of dollars is fine and there’s no need to go for the full 20 percent.

#22 Self-Service Food Restaurants

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: You’re doing most of the work yourself.
• Exceptions: A worker is going above and beyond in their job, even if it’s not serving you.

If You Serve Yourself, Tip Yourself

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In some restaurants, you need to build or assemble your own meal. Because of this, there’s not generally a server that’s helping you all that much, just someone cleaning up plates. Salad bars, poké shops, and ice cream parlors where you pour your own soft-serve do not require tipping, since you’re doing most of the work.

#21 Almost Anything Anywhere in the Rest of the World

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: It’s not needed and even insulting in some countries.
• Exceptions: You can tip if it is normal in that area, or if you want to help out poorer communities.

Not Many Countries Have a Tipping Culture

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Though other countries are slowly adopting the practice, tipping is still very distinctly an American thing. In many other countries, tipping is unnecessary, unexpected, and even unwanted in some areas. For example, in places like China, it is seen as a sign of unwelcome pity that they need your money. In Fiji, which has a communal culture, it would be seen as recognizing one person’s work as a more valuable part of a communal effort. Do your research before traveling to find out the societal norms about tipping.

#20 Contract Services

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: They already bill you for their work and labor and include a fair price for their services.
• Exceptions: They did extra work for you to be nice, or made sure to clean up after themselves.

They Make Their Own Wages

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Most professionals, especially those who are independent or work for a small company, know how to bill for their services to get the income they deserve. Plumbers, electricians, and other trade professionals neither expect nor need your tips. If you want to be nice, bringing them a snack or drink is usually appreciated more than a couple extra dollars.

#19 In-Flight Services

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: It’s not needed, and it can slow down other services.
• Exceptions: You just want to, or they really helped you out.

Sit Back and Enjoy Your Flight

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In-flight attendants often don’t get paid for their work until the plane is ready to go and the door is closed. Trying to stop attendants while they’re busy getting ready or leaving actually costs them more money than most tips you’d provide. Help your attendants instead by following the rules and not slowing them down.

#18 On a Cruise

Pride of America (CC BY 2.0) by Eric Tessmer

• Why you shouldn’t tip: Cruises usually already include gratuity.
• Exceptions: If your ship doesn’t include gratuity or a staff member is very helpful.

Sail the Seas

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Many cruises include gratuities in your final bill, though not all. If you want to make sure, take time to hunt down a floor manager at the beginning and ask about tips and how the employees are fairly compensated. If your cruise includes gratuity, don’t feel obligated to tip on top of it.

#17 Medical Procedures

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: The doctor’s appointment is already expensive, and they’re just doing their job.
• Exceptions: It’s a holiday and you want to be nice.

Open Wide

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For the most part, tipping a doctor or dentist just isn’t done. Many of them already make a lot of money and don’t need extra tips to do their job. This is one area of business where tips haven’t encroached yet.

Medical professionals are paid a salary in most places in the United States and do not need tips. Big medical procedures in America are going to leave you bankrupt anyway, no need to add a 10% tip on top of it!

#16 Anyone Who Earns a Salary

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Those who are salaried are usually making fair wages and don’t need tips.
• Exceptions: When you want to show your appreciation, or they did extra to help you.

Salaried Employees Get a Set Wage

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Many different types of businesses hire salaried employees. These people are paid a flat wage instead of an hourly income. Usually, they are compensated fairly for the work they do and the hours they are working. While a tip for extra good service is nice, it’s not required.

#15 Any Hotel Service That Isn’t the Valet

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Most jobs get paid full wages and don’t need or expect tips.
• Exceptions: To be nice or to show appreciation.

Hotels Shouldn’t Be Consumed by Tipping Culture

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Tipping valets is already a standard, but it’s a small fee to show your appreciation for them moving and taking care of your car. Every other job in the hotel is optional. If you’re in a nicer hotel with a bellhop, it may be nice to tip them as well, if you use their service. However, room service, the front desk, and the concierge don’t need or expect your tips.

#14 Coffee

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: While it’s becoming more normal, it’s not required.
• Exceptions: They did a great job or you just want to support the business.

Don’t Let Coffee Shops Be Absorbed into the Tipping Culture

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Since COVID, it seems that all coffee shops are asking for tips, and usually at restaurant percents. While some people don’t mind paying a little extra, some are refusing to tip to make sure the practice doesn’t become the norm. At this moment, tips in coffee shops aren’t required, even when they turn the digital keypad with the question towards you.

#13 Fast Food

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Fast food workers don’t expect or need tips.
• Exceptions: You want to thank someone for working hard.

Fast Food Isn’t a Restaurant

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Fast food is meant to be quick, cheap, and easy. It’s never been a place where tips are expected. Like with coffee shops though, it’s become more normal for these workers to do more to serve you, and to ask if you want to tip. While it’s a nice gesture, it’s definitely not a required practice.

#12 Wedding Bartenders

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Usually gratuity and more than enough and pay is already included.
• Exceptions: You just want to, or they work a little differently than most.

Just Drink

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While you usually tip bartenders when going out to drink, bartenders at weddings work a little differently. Because they are working for a specific group all night, they often include a gratuity already. So don’t worry about bringing cash or trying to remember to tip your bartender at a wedding.

#11 Anything That Asks for a Tip Over 25%

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: 20 to 25 percent is considered more than enough.
• Exceptions: You’re feeling very generous.

Don’t Be Scammed

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Restaurants in America typically expect the highest tips, between 15% and 25%. You never need to pay anything more than this anywhere, for anything. It has become common for companies to suggest higher tips than this. Don’t feel pressured. If the tips go straight to the employee, then 20% is the most you should pay for a tip, unless you’re feeling generous. Also, check out this article on 21 things you should never order in a restaurant.

#10 If the Restaurant Says Tipping Is Not Necessary

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Some restaurants are moving away from tips and tipping just slows down this process.
• Exceptions: It’s a holiday.

Support Moving Away From Tipping Culture

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In an attempt to move away from tipping culture, some restaurants have been paying their employees a living wage and moving away from tipping culture. Usually, because it’s such a strange practice in America, the restaurant will tell you in advance or have signs posted.

#9 Unsafe or Unprofessional Taxis/Rideshares

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Don’t support shady and scary practices by tipping bad companies and drivers.
• Exceptions: You had a good ride and felt safe.

Don’t Compromise Your Safety

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Just like you don’t need to tip for bad services, you don’t need to tip for dangerous services either. Getting in the back or a stranger’s car is already a scary process. So if your driver is pressuring you or making you uncomfortable, don’t feel like you need to tip.

#8 Food Trucks

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Usually it’s a small group that doesn’t rely on tips.
• Exceptions: If you want to support your favorite food truck.

Support Local Businesses

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Food trucks are typically owned and operated by the owners. They don’t have servers that need to be tipped. It is not your responsibility to single-handedly keep your favorite food truck in business through tips. Usually, the prices for these food trucks are already high to cover all the costs, so you don’t need to tip. But if you want to support your favorite truck, a few dollars per meal is never a bad idea.

#7 Takeout

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: You’re not eating there, and the kitchen doesn’t usually get the tip.
• Exceptions: You just want to support your local restaurant or you are getting delivery.

Takeout Saves Money

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When you order takeout, the kitchen does most of the work, while a host or a server simply bags up the food and checks you out. It doesn’t matter if this is fast food or a proper restaurant. Kitchens already get full wages and likely won’t receive the tip anyway. Of course, if you’re having someone delivering food for you, the people driving your food probably deserve a tip.

#6 Grocery Stores

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: Grocery store workers usually get paid full wages and can’t accept tips.
• Exceptions: It’s a holiday and you want to do something special.

Tipping the Bag Boy Isn’t the Thing Anymore

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Whether at self-checkout or a line run by a real human, there is no need for a tip. They get paid full wage, and not even the person bagging your groceries needs anything extra.

#5 Lawyers, Accountants, and Other Services

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: They make their money from helping you, and you don’t need to tip.
• Exceptions: You’re very thankful, it’s a holiday.

Lawyers Get Plenty of Money

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Lawyers do get more money the better they do for you, but it’s not due to a tip. Most lawyers get a percentage of the money you get when going to court and winning. This means the harder they work and the better they do, the more money the business gets. The business then pays the lawyer based on their work.

#4 Government Services

Delaware Police Ford Expeditio... (CC BY 2.0) by Raymond Wambsgans

• Why you shouldn’t tip: Can be seen as a bribe and is very illegal.
• Exceptions: There aren’t any.

Don’t Get Yourself in Trouble

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It may seem like a nice gesture to tip the people helping you out with a fire, an accident, or a drive to the hospital. However, tipping government employees and emergency workers is considered a bribe. This includes police, firefighters, DMV employees, and postal workers. Handing cash to government employees is a great way to bring unwanted government attention to your home. Don’t tip them, no matter how good you look in your new license picture.

#3 Online Services

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: No big companies ask for tips. If you have the chance to provide one, it’s a scam.
• Exceptions: You can tip your delivery driver if you really want.

Tip Delivery Drivers, If You Must

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There is absolutely no need to tip for online service. Tipping online is a scam to get you to pay more for something. Most online stores are automated, anyway, so your tips go straight to the pockets of millionaires and billionaires. If you are buying from a boutique shop or from an artist with an online store, you can ask them what their policy for tips is.

#2 Restroom Attendant If You Don’t Need Anything

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: If you don’t use their services, there’s no need to tip
• Exceptions: You want to be extra nice, or you do use their services

Bathroom Attendants Are Tricky

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Fancy restaurants and hotels sometimes have a restroom attendant at the door. They might hand you a towel, help with wardrobe adjustments, or something else. If you go to the restroom just to adjust your makeup or fix your hair, you don’t need to tip these attendants. You will feel the pressure to do so, especially since they stand next to the door, but a simple ‘thank you’ will suffice.

#1 Commission-Based Jobs

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• Why you shouldn’t tip: They are paid by commissions, so you choosing to work with them already helps
• Exceptions: It’s a holiday

Help Commission-Based Employees by Moving Fast

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Commission-based jobs know how much they need to make per sale to survive. Anything you buy from a commissioned professional will include a premium for their time and effort. Whether you’re buying a service or product, tips are not needed.

Car salesmen are already scam artists, so adding a tip to the system would probably make their heads explode! Commission-based jobs are usually used to avoid paying a regular salary to employees, anyway. They are marketed as a means of motivating employees, but usually just end up costing the customer more money while the employee gets paid less.