Tipflation Moderating

[JJReyes]

Tipflation, referring to demands for an increase in the amount expected as tips, has finally started to moderate.  It is returning in the United States to the 15% to 20% level that was common pre-pandemic.  Social media is also criticizing restaurants using tablets that prompt their customers to start giving at a minimum 20% with one Alaska restaurant suggesting up to 100%.  Customers are likewise ignoring requests for tips from a wide variety of services where a tip wasn't previously expected.  Examples include travel agents, dental offices, lawyers, plumbers, purchases at farmers markets, and self-service counters.  

An observation after two weeks in the Philippines is more Metro Manila restaurants are adding 7.5% to 10% service fee compared to a year ago.  One unusual item on a recent bill was a "table usage" fee of P80.  Four of us had dined at a restaurant and then moved to a cafe' for coffee and dessert, and a long conversation.  I guess the conversation was too long, thus an additional charge for the table.

[Jack Peterson]

 Service charge that is business Table charge? we all pay waiting time in Taxis, Tips to me, are personnel and dependent on service given. I have never and will never bow to a % tip routine, there are plenty of other Place far more deserving of my cash  

[Gator]

1 hour ago, Jack Peterson said:

Tips to me, are personnel and dependent on service given. I have never and will never bow to a % tip routine, there are plenty of other Place far more deserving of my cash  

I feel the same way. Yesterday I went to a cafe near my apartment that I used to frequent 3-5 times a week for an iced coffee and occasionally a piece of cake or a meal.

They’ve been closed for about a month and just reopened. New owners / new management. Price of an iced coffee up from 100 pesos to 140 pesos and in a smaller glass (12oz instead of a 16oz). Plus it’s more of a resto-bar now, no cake or pastries and a limited bar type menu. That alone was about enough for me to take my business elsewhere, but the kicker was they now add a 7% service charge. When I questioned it, I was told it was for the wait staff and the cook. The waiter also said it’s pointed out on the menu, but when I looked I couldn’t read it. Talk about fine print, you need a magnifying glass to read it!

I used to leave at least a 20% tip. The new place got me for the 7% and nothing more. Plus it’ll be the last time I patronize them as there are many other choices in the area.

Edited December 19, 2023 by Gator

[hk blues]

1 hour ago, Gator said:

I feel the same way. Yesterday I went to a cafe near my apartment that I used to frequent 3-5 times a week for an iced coffee and occasionally a piece of cake or a meal.

They’ve been closed for about a month and just reopened. New owners / new management. Price of an iced coffee up from 100 pesos to 140 pesos and in a smaller glass (12oz instead of a 16oz). Plus it’s more of a resto-bar now, no cake or pastries and a limited bar type menu. That alone was about enough for me to take my business elsewhere, but the kicker was they now add a 7% service charge. When I questioned it, I was told it was for the wait staff and the cook. The waiter also said it’s pointed out on the menu, but when I looked I couldn’t read it. Talk about fine print, you need a magnifying glass to read it!

I used to leave at least a 20% tip. The new place got me for the 7% and nothing more. Plus it’ll be the last time I patronize them as there are many other choices in the area.

I believe they can rent you one for 50php! 

[BrettGC]

21 hours ago, JJReyes said:

One unusual item on a recent bill was a "table usage" fee of P80.

Is the owner French?  Paris is the only place I've seen this and as a result many stand to drink their coffee. 

[JJReyes]

3 minutes ago, BrettGC said:

Is the owner French?  Paris is the only place I've seen this and as a result many stand to drink their coffee. 

Possibly based on the name of the cafe'.  We have previously encountered multi-pricing situations in such countries as Spain and Italy.  You paid one price for drinking coffee and eating a breakfast sandwich while standing around the bar, another for taking a seat, and the highest price by occupying a table on the sidewalk.  But this was a first in the Philippines.

[JJReyes]

In some countries tipping is not expected or they automatically add gratuities (10% or 15%) to your restaurant bills.  In Japan, it is considered rude to leave a tip.  In Singapore, they have a double standard.  Locals don't tip, but visitors are expected to give.  List includes:

Japan

Dubai

Switzerland

China

French Polynesia

South Korea

Denmark

New Zealand

Vietnam