Canadians are cutting back on tipping and getting creative with money-saving strategies when dining out
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Canadians are changing their habits to contend with the rising cost of dining out. Looking for ways to stretch their dollar, diners are tipping less and embracing money-saving strategies such as doggy bags, happy hours and value meals, according to Lightspeed Commerce’s survey of more than 7,500 diners, including 1,500 in Canada.
Of all the regions surveyed, Canadians are cutting back on tipping the most, with 25 per cent tipping less than diners in countries including the United States, the U.K. and France, which all saw a 19 per cent decrease. Though Canadians feel pressure to tip (67 per cent) — primarily because they don’t want to seem stingy — more than half (53 per cent) say inflation has hindered their ability to do so.
Compared to their U.S. counterparts, Canadians are less likely to tip at higher percentages. Just over a quarter (27 per cent) of Canadians are open to tipping between 16 and 20 per cent, while 38 per cent of Americans are willing to do so. Nearly half (47 per cent) of Canadians prefer to tip between 10 and 15 per cent, with 15 per cent tipping less than 10 per cent.
Besides expectations at restaurants, respondents support tipping delivery drivers (48 per cent) but are less enthusiastic about gratuities when placing an order at cafés (22 per cent) or counters (15 per cent).
In addition to on-screen tipping prompts, Canadians have disdain for QR code menus, which became standard during the pandemic. They might appreciate their hygiene benefits (20 per cent), but most prefer to peruse a physical menu (90 per cent), especially at fine-dining restaurants (93 per cent).
“Value is certainly top of mind for restaurant diners at the moment,” said Dasilva. “Restaurateurs need to adapt to an environment of cost-savings, but also perceived value. Customers don’t want to sacrifice the experience of dining out; they still want to feel like they are treating themselves. Keeping this in mind encourages repeat visits and a better overall customer experience.”
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