Once upon a time it was a very rare thing, but in recent years, tipping in Australia has almost become customary, to the point where it's often expected in some parts of the service industry. These days, change is more and more frequently given back on a tip plate at bars, tip jars are becoming more prevalent, and if you wait for your change in a taxi you are increasingly likely to encounter an awkward pause with no coins forthcoming.
Do you believe in tipping in Australia?
The custom of tipping varies greatly around the world. In the
US, tipping forms a significant part of the income of wait staff in particular, who are subject to taxation and award laws built around gratuity. In most cases, customers are expected to tip hotel staff, restaurant wait staff, bathroom attendants, taxi drivers, fast-food couriers and many others in the service industry, with standard tips on bills and fares usually around the 15-20% mark.
Tipping is the norm in the US. Photo credit: Scott Sanchez
In
Japan, on the other hand, tipping is unnecessary and can often be deemed an insult, while in many other countries, tipping is generally reserved as a reward for exceptional service or as a convenience to save counting out loose change. This has traditionally been the way of it in Australia, though there has been a decided turn towards the American tipping customs of late – to the chagrin of some. Let's take a look at a few of the different attitudes towards tipping in Australia.
Exact Weight Coin Counting
Many Aussies hold to the idea that a fee for services rendered is exactly that. Why pay twice? Wait staff in Australia are guaranteed a wage that is deemed appropriate by law, and this is part of the operational expense of bars and restaurants, paid out of the profits made when charging set menu prices. Therefore, staff members are already in effect paid for their services by the patronage of the customer. Likewise, the fare paid for a taxi covers running costs as well as the time and services of the driver. Some would say that tipping is therefore not fitting in Australia, and may even go the extra step and argue that tipping every Tom, Dick and Harry that does the basics of their job cultivates an expectation that undermines the tenets of good customer service.
Keep the Change, Mate
This is a common phrase in Australia that seems to stem more from our reluctance to wait about for shrapnel than anything else. This is perhaps why cabbies are slower to get out their coin dispensers these days, though any show of unwillingness to offer change is usually unappreciated.
Recognition and Reward
Above-and-beyond service is more commonly rewarded with a tip than a tip of the hat in recent times. While many establishments are happy enough with a thankyou and the prospect of return business in recognition for doing what they can to satisfy customers, tips are usually welcomed by staff and are often gladly given by patrons who have had a particularly good experience.
Gratuitous Gratuity
Perhaps it's the influence of American TV and film, but many Aussies are feeling the pressure of the perceived etiquette of tipping, even for lacklustre service. We may resent it, but it can be difficult to take change off a tip plate or leave without adding a supplementary charge to a bill when it's clear an establishment expects something extra – regardless of the service experience. A tip is not compulsory, and so is a gift of sorts, which means the 'giving' can be soured by an obvious expectation on the part of the venue or staff member, even if the service was excellent and a tip had already been intended. Likewise, if the service is not good but a tip is evidently expected, customers can be left feeling shamed into giving one, which just makes a bad experience worse.
What are your views on tipping in Australia? Are you more likely to tip-toe around tipping or splash cash willy-nilly? Do you identify with one or more of the four scenarios above, or do you have a different take on things? We'd love to know what you think – leave a comment and tell us your Aussie tipping tips.
