Saving at all costs: Canadians are increasingly reluctant to tip

While Canadians aren't avoiding going out to restaurants, they are nevertheless paying more and more attention to saving a few dollars, whether by cutting back on tips or eating out extra. doggy bags.

One in four Canadians have reduced the number of tips they give during a meal, much higher than in other countries such as the US or the UK (19%), according to a poll backed by commerce platform Lightspeed.

67% of Canadians surveyed feel compelled to leave a tip when 54% admitted that inflation has affected their ability to leave a little money on top of their bill.

77% of them also do not appreciate the messages you receive at payment terminals inviting you to leave a pre-determined tip.

Overall, nearly half of Canadians (47%) tip between 10 and 15%, while 15% tip less than 10%.

Just over a third (34%) of them are also convinced of the need to do away with tipping completely.

Other ways to save

Lower tips aren't the only way to spend less money at restaurants. Some Canadians (36%) prefer using a “dog bag” or being able to take advantage of “5 to 7” deals (26%).

“Value for money is a big concern for restaurant owners right now,” said Dax DaSilva, CEO and founder of Lightspeed. “Restaurateurs must adapt to an environment of cost-cutting, but also perceived value.”

In its survey, Lightspeed surveyed more than 7,500 consumers around the world, including 1,500 in Canada, during May 2024.