Tipping in the service industry is a time-honored tradition, a small way of showing thanks for good service. USA Today says the average tip in America is about 18%.
Not every situation requires a tip; it can save you money and make a statement. Here are 13 times when leaving a tip may not be worth it.
Poor or Negligent Service
Many of us have been through it; the server that’s forgotten we’re even in the room. It’s possible that they didn’t spend as much time on your order while chatting with colleagues or maybe not resolving any issues with your order at all.
It’s fine to reevaluate the tipping in such cases. Instead of withholding the tip, you should try talking to management. Improvements can benefit everyone as a result of feedback.
Excessive Charges
Have you ever had a service charge that hit you as harshly as daylight robbery? Some venue service fees are astronomical; you wonder whether you should be paying a tip.
At a certain point, when the charges themselves are already too much, it is quite sensible not to add even more gratuity unless the service is outstanding — downright exceptional.
Unprofessional Behavior
Of course, if you experience rude or dismissal service, you may rethink your habitual spending on tips. Whether it’s a snarky remark, your needs not being addressed, or a total lack of attention, tipping, in this case, is like rewarding bad manners.
Remember, though, to convey your concerns to management — since this can also help rectify the situation.
Non-Service Situations
It’s not necessary to tip on all dining experiences. We don’t leave a tip in self-service eateries, counter-only places, or for takeout orders without extras.
Etiquette expert Melissa Leonard told USA Today you’re not obligated to tip for takeout. Tipping is to reward service, and when it’s you doing the legwork, it’s not necessary.
Pre-included Gratuity
When you eat at restaurants, some establishments automatically place a service charge or gratuity in the bill, especially if you’re a large group or having a celebratory event. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2023 report, 15% of restaurants are now charging a service fee.
That double tipping in these cases is like paying twice for the same ride at the amusement park when you already have a wristband. To avoid leaving a tip, always remember to look at the bill to see what, if any, charges are pre included.
Staff Impoliteness
Unpleasant staff is quick to ruin what could be a good day. If you’ve ever been treated poorly by employees, then skipping a tip can make its point. And remember, if such behavior is reported to management it may help for future experiences.
No Apology for Long Wait Times
We’ve all had days waiting a long time without any explanation. Perhaps you are right to withhold a tip if no one updates you on your order or gives you an apology for the delay. And, after all, tipping isn’t about rewarding inefficiency.
Unprofessional Conduct
When a service provider violates a professional boundary and makes inappropriate comments, or even does other things inappropriate, they deserve to be stiffed on a tip.
If this happens, you should report it to management, and your refusal to tip it to them demonstrates how bad their behavior is.
Overcharging
If your bill has charges on it for items or services you did not receive it is important to flag this before you tip. Disputing the bill to management and making sure it is corrected prevents rewarding bad practices. Withholding a tip might, however emphasize your dissatisfaction if the problem is not resolved.
Hygiene or Safety Concerns
In the service industry cleanliness and safety are essential. Leaving a tip if there’s poor hygiene or unsafe conditions is rewarding someone for their negligence. If that happens, it makes sense not to tip, and speak with management.
Sufficiently Paid Staff
Some countries do pay service staff a wage that isn’t reliant on tips. For example, in Australia and Japan, tipping isn’t the norm because workers are paid salaries that are higher on the whole. If you know the local tipping norms, you can decide when a tip isn’t needed.
Ethical Concerns
If you find a company that operates under unethical conditions (using workers or the environment to its disadvantage), withholding a tip is a form of protest. Don’t tip unethical businesses; you support what they stand for, and your decision not to tip sends a message.
Regulars Experiencing Unprofessional Service
If you are a regular and ordinarily you’re always served astonishingly well, it’s okay to skip the tip if you have a bad day this one time and get unprofessional service.
Tips come because you get good, consistent service, but if the service isn’t good, you aren’t obliged to give one.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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