How the 'tip button' is disrupting Germany's tipping culture
Briefly

The introduction of tip buttons on digital payment systems in Germany is changing traditional tipping practices. Customers often encounter pre-set tipping options of 10, 15, or 20 percent when paying by card. Ten percent, while above the average, appears reasonable next to the higher percentages. However, critics note that the 'no tip' option is sometimes difficult to find. Traditional tipping in Germany revolved around voluntary gestures based on service quality, with customers typically rounding up payments, but digital prompts are making tipping more frequent and standardized.
The tip button introduced on digital card readers suggests automatic tipping options, significantly increasing the frequency of tips in Germany, despite complaints about its format.
A study revealed that the average tip in Germany for a €50 bill was €4.50 in 2024, highlighting a trend towards higher tipping amounts due to the tip button.
Read at The Local Germany
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