I went on a tipping rant a few months ago, to which hundreds of thousands of you agreed.

The tipping culture in Canada sucks, especially the pick-up tipping culture, and restaurant owners never give you a reasonable tipping choice. Like ever.

A recent survey by Lightspeed Commerce Inc. has shed light on Canadians’ evolving attitudes towards tipping. The study, which included 1,500 Canadian respondents among a global sample of 7,500, reveals significant trends in tipping behavior and preferences.

Key Findings

1. Tipping Pressure: 67% of Canadians feel increased pressure to tip when dining out.
2. Elimination Support: 34% of Canadian respondents support eliminating tipping, tied with Belgium for the strongest sentiment among surveyed countries.
3. Economic Impact: 53% report that inflation has made tipping more challenging, with 25% tipping less.
4. Situational Tipping: While 48% support tipping delivery drivers, fewer are inclined to tip at coffee shops (22%) or over-the-counter (15%).
5. Auto-Tipping Resistance: 77% dislike prompts for automatic gratuity on payment terminals.

Comparison with the U.S.

Canadian tipping habits appear more conservative compared to their American counterparts:

• 27% of Canadians are willing to tip 16-20%, versus 38% of Americans.
• 47% of Canadians prefer tipping between 10-15%.
• 15% of Canadians tip less than 10%.

Broader Context

• A previous Angus Reid Institute report indicated that most Canadians prefer a “service included” model with higher base wages for service workers.
• North America leads global tipping rates, with the U.S. averaging 20% and Canada between 15% and 20%.

This survey highlights Canadians’ complex attitudes towards tipping, balancing social pressures with economic realities, and a desire for systemic change in service industry compensation.

Are you tired of being handed a point-of-sale machine that starts at 20% and escalates to 35%?

Are you as annoyed as I am when the cashier hands you the machine when you pick up a pizza, and the tip options start at 20 and go to 40? I’ve seen it. You’ve seen it, and the guy/girl on the other side of that machine will make sure you feel like shit for NOT tipping on a meal you picked up yourself.

Build the gratuity into the price. Pay your employees a livable wage instead of passing your cheap ass bullshit on to people who keep your lights on. If you’re in a fast food restaurant, stop it. I’ll never tip 30% on a Yoga mat Subway sandwich.