Consumer group calls for tighter controls on tipping in Quebec stores

As Quebecers are being solicited for tips more than ever, a consumer protection group is calling for tighter controls.

Quebecers are growing frustrated with constant and excessive requests for tips outside bars and restaurants.

“There are a variety of merchants who ask us for tips now, such as bakeries, chocolate shops, retail stores, professionals, and mechanics.” said Alexandre Plourde, a lawyer with Option-Consommateurs, a consumer advocacy group.

Plourde published a study Tuesday into consumer sentiment around tipping that suggests Quebecers are fed up with how often they are being solicited for tips.

“Consumers really complain that in too many places the suggested tip percentages are too high,” Plourde said.

In May, Quebec passed a law forcing businesses to calculate tips based on pre-tax totals. The law also prohibits merchants from using emojis or descriptions on their payment machines.

Often, consumers would be faced with three options: 15 per cent would have a “good” written next to it, the 18 per cent option would say “better,” and 20 per cent or higher would say “wow” or “best.” That practice has now been banned.

“It’s a good first step,” said Plourde, who believes the law could go further to protect consumers who he says often feel pressured to give tips when they feel they should not have to.

“We are also suggesting that certain types of businesses be restricted from asking for tips,” he said, clarifying that customers should never be prohibited from leaving a tip.

Option-Consommateurs is also recommending the 15 per cent tip option should be mandatory. The survey found that many businesses set the lowest option on the payment machine to 18 per cent, frustrating many consumers.

“It’s the social norm (to leave 15 per cent),” Plourde said.

“What sucks about (tipping culture) really is that the workers are just not getting paid a fair wage,” said Jess Gagne, a Montreal woman who works part-time as a server. “Then, it falls back on the consumer.”

Gagne said she has seen her earnings from tips decrease since the new rules about tipping on pre-tax totals came into effect. Still, she understands why people are frustrated.

“It should be like a nice, extra thing,” she said “Whereas, it kind of feels like an obligation right now.”