Eating out at a restaurant can put a little gold edge on everyday life, and in summer, restaurant visits often become more frequent. But uncertain economic times affect vacation habits.
Previously, one has continued with one's habits. We have traveled abroad, gone to restaurants and consumed as before. But there are more signals now that we are holding on to our money tighter, says Magnus Hjelmér, everyday economist at Ica Banken, and continues:
Now this has spilled over to the tip.
Lower amounts
When asked if the uncertain economic situation contributes to tipping lower amounts and/or on fewer occasions at restaurants than before, 24 percent answer that it is true. Of these, 15 percent answer that it is very true, shows a Sifo survey conducted on behalf of the bank.
It's probably not that surprising that we're cutting back on tips given the economic situation, says Hjelmér.
Generation issue?
At the same time, 46 percent answer that the statement does not apply. In a previous Sifo survey from 2023, 79 percent of Swedes stated that they tip regularly at restaurants. It also showed that the older generation tips to a greater extent compared to the younger. It may be a generation issue, Hjelmér means.
One may not see it as a matter of course to tip if one does not experience that the service is really, really good.
Some restaurants have introduced systems where guests, for example, go and pick up their food themselves. Such things can make us not tip in the same way as before. Tipping is voluntary, emphasizes Hjelmér.
It may be better to tip some percent than none if you feel you can afford it. But you should not feel forced.
