21 Services Where Tipping Is Pointless
In many cases, tipping is an expected courtesy, but there are times when it’s entirely unnecessary.
There are specific instances of when to tip and when to hold back that can save you money and stress. Self-serve frozen yogurt shops and automated parking garages for example, simply don’t warrant an extra gratuity.
So let’s discover why these services make tipping a waste of money and how you can confidently keep your cash.
Pickup Orders
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When you order food for pickup, you’re doing all the legwork yourself. The kitchen staff is compensated for preparing your meal, not for delivering it to your car. Reserve your tips for delivery services.
Food Delivery Apps
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Many food delivery apps already include a service fee. Drivers receive a portion of this fee, which compensates them adequately. Consider the built-in costs before adding an extra tip.
Non-Interactive Museums
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Museums that provide a self-guided experience don’t typically require tipping. The staff maintains exhibits and answers questions, which is part of their role. Enjoy the educational experience without tipping anxiety.
Hotel Housekeeping
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While tipping hotel housekeeping staff can be a nice gesture, it’s not always necessary. Many hotels include service charges in their rates, covering the cleaning services. Check your bill before deciding to tip.
Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt Shops
When you’re doing all the work of dispensing your yogurt and adding toppings, why tip? These shops are designed for a self-serve experience, minimizing staff interaction. Save your tip for a service where someone is actually serving you.
Airport Shuttle Buses
Airport shuttles are often part of a service you’ve already paid for with your airline ticket or hotel stay. The drivers typically receive a fair wage, and tipping isn’t expected. Focus on a polite thank you instead.
Fast Food Chains
Fast food establishments pride themselves on efficiency and low prices. Employees are generally paid hourly wages, and tipping isn’t part of the culture. Enjoy your meal without feeling the pressure to tip.
Movie Theater Concessions
Buying popcorn and soda at the movies is expensive enough without adding a tip. Concession workers are usually paid above minimum wage, reflecting the non-tipping norm. Relax and enjoy your film without tipping guilt.
Automated Car Washes
When you drive through an automated car wash, there’s minimal human interaction. The machinery does all the cleaning, and employees are often there just for maintenance. Keep your cash for manual services that involve more effort.
Counter Service Cafes
In counter-service cafes, you place your order, pay, and then pick it up yourself. The staff is paid for their work at the counter, not for table service. Appreciate the efficiency and skip the tip jar.
Self-Checkout Grocery Stores
Self-checkout stations in grocery stores are becoming increasingly common. You’re essentially doing the cashier’s job, so tipping isn’t applicable. Instead, enjoy the speed and convenience these machines offer.
Buffet Restaurants
Buffet restaurants require you to serve yourself from the food stations. The minimal staff interaction involves clearing plates, which is part of their job. Save your tipping for full-service dining experiences.
Gas Station Attendants
In many places, gas stations are self-serve, with attendants only present in specific areas. Tipping for pumping your own gas is unnecessary, as attendants are usually paid accordingly. Focus on safe driving instead.
Salon Product Purchases
Buying products at a salon doesn’t involve the same service as getting a haircut or manicure. The transaction is similar to retail shopping, where tipping isn’t expected. Enjoy your new products without the added expense.
Public Transportation
Buses, trains, and subways offer essential public services with no tipping culture. Drivers and conductors are paid through fares and salaries. Travel confidently without worrying about extra gratuities.
Chain Coffee Shops
Large coffee chains pay their baristas hourly wages, and tipping is often optional. The quick service model doesn’t necessitate additional tips. Savor your coffee without the pressure to tip every visit.
Laundromats
Self-service laundromats require you to do your own washing and drying. The minimal staff present are there for maintenance and support. Save your tips for services that involve personal assistance.
Retail Stores
Retail workers are compensated through their wages and not through tips. Their role is to assist with purchases and provide information, not service for tips. Shop freely without tipping concerns.
Automated Parking Garages
Automated parking systems don’t involve human interaction beyond maintenance staff. The convenience comes from technology, not personal service. Keep your cash for valet services instead.
Convenience Stores
Purchasing items at a convenience store is a straightforward retail transaction. Employees are paid hourly, and tipping isn’t part of the experience. Enjoy your quick purchase without extra costs.
Kiosks and Vending Machines
Using kiosks and vending machines is a fully automated process. There’s no staff interaction, making tipping unnecessary. Focus on the ease and convenience of these services.
Josh Dudick
Josh is a financial expert with over 15 years of experience on Wall Street as a senior market strategist and trader. His career has spanned from working on the New York Stock Exchange floor to investment management and portfolio trading at Citibank, Chicago Trading Company, and Flow Traders.
Josh graduated from Cornell University with a degree from the Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management at the SC Johnson College of Business. He has held multiple professional licenses during his career, including FINRA Series 3, 7, 24, 55, Nasdaq OMX, Xetra & Eurex (German), and SIX (Swiss) trading licenses. Josh served as a senior trader and strategist, business partner, and head of futures in his former roles on Wall Street.
Josh's work and authoritative advice have appeared in major publications like Nasdaq, Forbes, The Sun, Yahoo! Finance, CBS News, Fortune, The Street, MSN Money, and Go Banking Rates. Josh currently holds areas of expertise in investing, wealth management, capital markets, taxes, real estate, cryptocurrencies, and personal finance.
Josh currently runs a wealth management business and investment firm. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Top Dollar, where he teaches others how to build 6-figure passive income with smart money strategies that he uses professionally.