Canadians are becoming increasingly tired of “tip-flation” and “tip creep,” according to a new Angus Reid poll. 62 percent of Canadians reported being asked to tip more, and 64 percent said they’re being asked to tip more often. Even places that didn’t used to request a tip before are now doing so.
The survey reveals that the majority of Canadians (59 percent) would prefer a “service included” model, which would end tipping in favour of higher employee base wages. This is a significant shift compared to the survey results from 2016, when only 40 percent wanted to end tipping.
Restaurants may not be so keen on this system, however, as raising prices by 20 percent to increase employee wages would result in them being taxed on the additional revenue.
78 percent of respondents said gratuities are no longer about showing appreciation for a job well-done, and 73 percent said tips are letting employers underpay staff. In addition, 86 percent of those in favour of ending gratuities also felt the current system is letting employers underpay employees.
On the other hand, 21 percent of respondents said they left a gratuity of 20 percent or more on their last full-service restaurant visit, more than double the 8 percent of individuals who said so in 2016.
83 percent of Canadians reported that too many places are now requesting tips, and only 13 percent thought customer service has improved as gratuities have increased. 42 percent said they were going out to eat less due to the extra cost of tipping.
Those in British Columbia were the most likely to report “tip creep” (74 percent) and “tip-flation” (73 percent). Meanwhile, those in Atlantic Canada were the least likely to say they’re being prompted for a higher tip (42 percent).
The views on tipping also varied by political affiliation, with 73 percent of those who voted Liberal and 76 percent of NDP voters in favour of a service included model.
64 percent of those polled said bartenders, 60 percent said barbers, and 58 percent said food delivery drivers should receive tips. Less than half of respondents said the same for other types of service providers, such as beauty salon personnel, taxi or Uber driver, and hotel housekeepers.