Tipping fatigue is real — and it’s spreading.

What was once a gesture of appreciation has become an increasingly opaque and frustrating part of dining out. In our cashless, digital economy, Canadians are now routinely nudged — or guilted — into tipping more, often through emotionally manipulative interfaces.

Sad emojis for selecting a 15% tip? Prompts for 20% on a $6 latte? This phenomenon, known as “tip creeping,” has become a serious irritant for consumers.

But there’s a deeper issue, one that many don’t notice. In most provinces, tips are calculated after sales tax is added to the bill. That means a 20% tip on a $100 meal with a 15% tax becomes $23, not $20. This hidden markup adds confusion and undermines consumer trust, especially when it’s unclear........

© Castanet