Get All Access for $5/mo

Tipping Is Everywhere — and People Are Very Confused The question of how much to tip continues to baffle many Americans.

By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas

SDI Productions | Getty Images

You place your coffee order, and the barista spins the payment screen toward you as you pull out your card — a daily experience across the U.S.

Yet the question of how much to tip continues to baffle many Americans, and increasingly popular digital tip screens are only further confusing the issue, CNN reported.

Related: Starbucks Customers Are Furious Over New Digital Tipping System

"The American public feels like tipping is out of control because they're experiencing it in places they're not used to," Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute and its namesake's great-great-granddaughter, told the outlet. "Moments where tipping isn't expected makes people less generous and uncomfortable."

People might still be navigating how much to tip the retail employee who rings up their jeans or the Frontier flight attendant who refills their water cup, but when it comes to the common practice of tipping in food service, it's (somewhat) more straightforward.

Elena Brouwer, director of the International Etiquette Centre, told USA Today that you should be tipping 15% or more on a restaurant bill — and ordering less expensive items if you can't. Still, experts remain divided on tipping for takeout, according to the outlet, with some even finding the pre-set tips on payment systems "offensive."

Related: Small Businesses That Encourage Tipping Are Killing Their Brand

But Post told CNN that it's typical to leave a 10% tip for takeout food or even change or a single dollar per order.

And if you're stumped, she says, you can always ask what's customary.

Amanda Breen

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

'Jaw-Dropping Performance in 2024,' Says a Senior Analyst as Nvidia Reports Earnings

Nvidia reported its highly-anticipated third-quarter earnings on Wednesday.

Business News

Looking for a Remote Job? Here Are the Most In-Demand Skills to Have on Your Resume, According to Employers.

Employers are looking for interpersonal skills like teamwork as well as specific coding skills.