Consumers feel tipping is becoming less of a choice, CCPC research finds
A growing number of consumers believe tipping is shifting away from being a voluntary gesture, according to new research published by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).
The study found that almost two thirds of people feel tipping has become less voluntary, while three out of four want businesses to make it easier to opt out when paying. Concerns were also raised about unexpected charges, with one in five respondents saying they had recently received a bill that included an additional cost they did not anticipate.
Technology appears to be a key factor behind these concerns. One quarter of consumers who encountered standalone tipping terminals said they had tapped them by accident, highlighting confusion around modern payment systems. Despite this, tipping remains common practice, with nine out of ten people saying they tip at least occasionally. Women and people aged over 35 were identified as the groups most likely to leave a tip.
Tipping habits vary by setting. Consumers are most inclined to tip when seated in cafés or restaurants, and least likely to do so for delivery services. Among those who tip in cafés or restaurants, around half said they typically leave between 10% and 14% of the bill. However, nearly six in ten respondents admitted they sometimes feel obliged to tip, even when they would prefer not to.
Alongside the research, the CCPC has issued updated guidance for businesses such as restaurants, cafés and hair salons, reflecting what it describes as a changing tipping landscape driven by digital payment methods. The guidance stresses that tipping should be clearly optional, with payment terminals designed to make declining a tip straightforward. It also advises businesses to avoid accidental tipping by clearly labelling terminals, communicating any mandatory service charges in advance, and never automatically adding optional charges to a bill.
Simon Barry, Director of Research, Advocacy and International at the CCPC, said that newer payment technologies are reshaping how people tip and must be used in a way that protects consumer choice. He emphasised the importance of transparency, noting that mandatory charges should always be clearly flagged, optional charges should not be added automatically, and tipping terminals should be positioned separately from standard payment screens to prevent confusion.
The research was carried out by Ipsos B&A on behalf of the CCPC, based on interviews with 1,048 people conducted in October.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for general guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, details may change and errors may occur. This content does not constitute financial, legal or professional advice. Readers should seek appropriate professional guidance before making decisions. Neither the publisher nor the authors accept liability for any loss arising from reliance on this material.
