Columbus poll reveals surprising attitudes about digital tipping. Is cash still king?

Sundi Rose
·2 min read

Recently, The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer did a poll asking readers to weigh in about their attitudes around tipping. Based on a national survey conducted by Forbes, that revealed some negative feelings about the recent trend of digital tipping, we wanted to see if local attitudes measured up to the larger values on the issue.

Digital tipping is the ability for customers to leave tips for service workers electronically or through cashless payment systems, often with the workers standing nearby or offering the device. Even though most people report they tip more since the pandemic, the trend toward cashless tipping has created resentment in customers.

Further, digital tipping is thought to create “tipping fatigue” in which consumers are left wondering who should and shouldn’t be tipped. For instance, 40% of people think food truck workers should receive tips and 38% think “fast casual” restaurants shouldn’t solicit tips whatsoever.

The national trends suggest that people tip more when presented with the digital option and 95% of customers report tipping “at least sometimes.” How do the local votes compare to the national results?

The results are in:

How much do you typically tip?

  • 60% of voters reported they tip 16% to 20%

  • 17% tip 11% to 15%

  • 17% tip 21% to 25%

  • 3% tip less than 10%

  • 3% tip more than 25%

What factors influence the amount of tip you will leave?

  • 73% of voters reported it was the quality of service

  • 17% - level of complexity or amount of time for a service or order

  • 7% - wait times

  • 3% - personal budget

How would you characterize your general attitude about the practice of tipping?

  • 40% of voters felt pressured

  • 40% felt happy to do it

  • 20% felt annoyed

  • 0% of voters felt embarrassed, proud or excited

Do you find yourself tipping more or less if presented with the digital option?

  • 83% of voters say less

  • 17% say more

This data suggests that even though customers are tipping more since the pandemic, they feel pressured to tip the standard amount of 20%. This survey also implies this is trending down since the popularity of digital tipping.

Does this align with your experience when giving or receiving services? Let me know what you think: email me or find me on Instagram.

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