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Do you feel obliged to tip at a restaurant? 1.8 million Aussies do! - featured image
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Do you feel obliged to tip at a restaurant? 1.8 million Aussies do!

Do you tip when dining out at a restaurant?

Unlike in the United States, tipping isn’t an integral part of Australian culture, but new finder.com.au research shows 1.8 million diners have felt obliged to tip anyway.

The survey of 1,845 diners shows one in nine (11%) have felt pressured when presented with an EFTPOS machine showing ‘$0.00’ after their meal, and half of these diners have left a tip due to this pressure. Give Money

However, the majority (51%) of Australian diners simply refuse to tip.

The main reason Australians don’t tip is because they believe they’re already paying a fair price for their dining experience (28%).

A further 14% say they don’t tip because they believe hospitality staff get paid well enough, and 10% of respondents said they don’t tip for a variety of reasons.

Some respondents went as far as to say “We’re not the United States”, stating that tipping isn’t part of local Australian culture.

Aussie Tipping Habits

Bessie Hassan, Money Expert at finder.com.au, says there are many reasons why Australians may not feel inclined to tip.

“Whether it’s not embedded in our culture, a belief that hospitality workers receive a fair wage, or simply that Australians don’t have the surplus cash or are struggling to pay off personal debt, there are multiple reasons why Aussies don’t tip,” she says.

Ms Hassan says with a minimum wage of $18.29, Australians may not feel required to leave a bonus for hospitality staff. 

“Most people dine out in the evening or on the weekends which are time periods often dominated by casual workers who receive a 25% loading, which boosts the minimum wage to over $22 per hour.

“Unlike in the United States, Australian workers do receive a fair wage and this is well-known among locals.

“Rather than tipping, Aussies may be more likely to thank staff or the venue on social media if they have a great experience, perhaps even leave a glowing online review.

“Social praise and reviews speak volumes of the venue and their staff, and could be more valuable to the business in the long-term,” Ms Hassan says.

However, the research shows 22% of Australian diners will tip but only if the service is exceptional with the main tipping destinations being at restaurants, cafes and taxis.

“If you feel compelled to tip, you may want to shell out around 5-10% of your total bill as a guide.

“While it’s not expected, it’s certainly appreciated in service industries,” she says.

About Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.
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