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The restaurant tipping system in the U.S. is a controversial topic. Many people believe hospitality workers shouldn’t have to rely on the moods and habits of customers to make a living wage. Data shows that tipping continues to reinforce racism, sexism, harassment, and exploitation in the service industry.
In the middle of a pandemic, with Philly restaurants closed or operating at half capacity, and workers putting themselves at risk while making less money than before, the question of how much to tip takes on even higher stakes.
Back in the spring, when restaurants were limited to takeout and delivery, Eater Philly asked readers how they were feeling about the prospect of dining out again and what they would be looking for at restaurants. The survey also asked if changes to service during the pandemic — such as limited contact between diners and servers — would impact how people tip. More than 65 percent said they would tip more than they might have prior to the pandemic. Almost 33 percent said they’d tip the same. (Four people out of 1,149 said they’d tip less).
Now that the U.S. is more than six months into the pandemic and the new rules of dining it created, Eater Philly wants to know: What is the new normal for tipping? Are people really tipping more than in the past? How does takeout factor in?
Let us know what you think via the polls below. They will close on October 14 at 11:59 p.m.
Editor’s Note: These polls may not show up if you reached this article via Google AMP or Apple News, so head to the Eater Philly homepage to find it there.
Poll
On average, how much do you tip on meals served at restaurants now? We’re talking about onsite dining, indoors or outdoors.
This poll is closed
-
0%
10 percent or less
(2 votes) -
3%
15 percent
(21 votes) -
32%
18 to 20 percent
(222 votes) -
31%
25 percent
(213 votes) -
19%
30 percent or higher
(133 votes) -
0%
I don’t tip
(1 vote) -
12%
I don’t eat at restaurants
(86 votes)
Poll
On average, how much do you tip when picking up takeout?
This poll is closed
-
22%
10 percent or less
(125 votes) -
18%
15 percent
(102 votes) -
29%
18 to 20 percent
(161 votes) -
8%
25 percent
(46 votes) -
6%
30 percent or higher
(36 votes) -
13%
I don’t tip
(75 votes)
Poll
On average, how much do you tip on delivery orders?
This poll is closed
-
15%
10 percent or less
(73 votes) -
22%
15 percent
(105 votes) -
40%
18 to 20 percent
(192 votes) -
14%
25 percent
(71 votes) -
6%
30 percent or higher
(29 votes) -
1%
I don’t tip
(5 votes)
Poll
Have your tipping habits changed during the pandemic?
This poll is closed
-
75%
I’m tipping more than I used to
(398 votes) -
1%
I’m tipping less than I used to
(6 votes) -
22%
It’s about the same
(120 votes)
