COVID-19 increased tipping generosity of Canadians, data finds

According to Square, new data shows that Canadians continue to show generosity at an elevated level than they did before the pandemic.

Square reports that in-person tipping was 17.9% across all businesses during the first three months in 2022. This is in comparison to Canada’s 16.6 per cent pre-pandemic.

Square observed that despite the increase in tipping, Canadians still fall behind American counterparts. U.S. in person tipping averaged 21.1 percent across all businesses in the early 2022.

Square’s Global Head for Product Hardware Mike MacLennan stated to CTV News Channel that Canadians are “very compassionate” for people who have been affected by COVID-19 or lockdown measures such as bars and restaurants.

He saidIn an interview Friday, they indicated that this probably affected how much they tip. MacLennan also mentioned this. saidTo support small businesses, Canadians tended to shop more locally.

MacLennan said that Canadians are spending more money with local businesses during the pandemic. This means that they are finding businesses in their area that they support and putting their money there, rather than national chains. said.

Square data also showed that tipping generosity differed between provinces.

Square found that Alberta and the Prairies had the highest average tip at 18.8 percent, Ontario at 18.1 per cent and Quebec at 18.1 per cent respectively. British Columbia was at 17 per cent.

MacLennan saidCanadians are well aware that tipping accounts for a significant percentage of the salary of service employees.

MacLennan said, “It’s an important part of supporting these local businesses staff.” saidThis generosity is necessary to assist small businesses in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

MacLennan saidThe recovery depends also on local businesses being flexible in meeting the changing needs of customers, such as curbside pickup and same-day delivery. This is something that he believes business have done well during the pandemic.

“They adapt to different business models, online or pick up at the curbside or on-demand,” MacLennan said. They are looking for ways to be flexible to help sellers and buyers feel at ease,” MacLennan said. said.

Watch the full video from CTV’s News Channel at the top of this article for MacLennan explains how tipping has changed in the wake of the pandemic.