logoalt Hacker News

efitz08/01/20255 repliesview on HN

There’s very little empirical evidence correlating tipping with better service.


Replies

CalRobert08/01/2025

There is evidence correlating being attractive to getting better tips, interestingly.

show 3 replies
tombert08/01/2025

Anecdata, but I go to Taco Bell way more often than I should. There’s no tipping culture at Taco Bell, but the staff, at least at the one near my house, are always very nice to me and as far as I can tell my food is made with a sufficient amount of care.

When I do go to a restaurant that has tipping, people are usually nice to me as well, but I don’t feel like they’re really any nicer or better at their job than my local Taco Bell workers.

frollogaston08/01/2025

No, they're definitely more attentive for the tip, I just don't like it. If they're going to be extra nice, I don't want it to be for money. Felt nice going to other countries like Australia where the customer isn't always right but they still do their jobs.

show 1 reply
jppope08/01/2025

Anyone who has worked in a restaurant or bar can provide plenty of observational data that if you provide better service you will be tipped better. I would recommend trying out working as a server/bartender you will understand tipping a lot better.

show 1 reply
JasonBorne08/01/2025

There is definitely a huge difference in countries where they tip and countries where they don't tip.

show 6 replies