The Tipping Fatigue Struggle Is Real

The rising cost of goods and services has given some consumers pause over how much gratuity they are willing to leave at restaurants. With inflation continuing to reach near 40-year highs, tipping for takeout and delivery dropped to 14.5 percent in the second quarter of 2022. With the holidays coming up, restaurants don’t want to be caught short-staffed and underprepared for the increase in customer volume, as this can contribute to patron dissatisfaction and lower tips. They still have time to set themselves up for success and higher tipping potential. 

Food costs have been rising due to inflation, but Americans’ appetite for professionally prepared food remains. The Consumer Price Index for September shows an 8.5 percent increase over the last year for food away from home, indicating that inflation has made a significant impact. But a recent Deliverect global survey of 7,000 consumers shows more people today are purchasing up to three takeout or delivery orders per…