New research by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has revealed the tipping habits of Irish customers as the consumer watchdog issues new guidance for service providers. This guidance comes as pervasive digital tipping technologies and discreet service charges have made it harder for customers in Ireland to avoid tipping.
According to the CCPC’s study, tipping culture is alive and well in Ireland with 9 in 10 consumers claiming they tip at least some of the time. The research also found that the demographics most likely to tip were women and those over the age of 35.
Other statistics from the study indicated a growing dissatisfaction with tipping services in Ireland. Three in four consumers stated they would like to see businesses make it easier to avoid tipping while one in four consumers stated they have encountered standalone tipping terminals which they have tapped by mistake.
Based on the results of this survey, the CCPC have issued new guidelines for service providers to follow. This guidance is not legally binding but is intended to set a precedent among businesses.
The new guidelines advise that tipping on a payment terminal should be easy to avoid and that this terminal should be distinct and labelled to prevent accidental tipping. It also states that mandatory service charges should be clearly communicated in advance and optional service charges should not be added automatically.
Simon Barry, Director of Research at CCPC, commented on the innovations affecting tipping culture in Ireland saying that “Newer technologies like payment screens and tipping terminals are changing the way we tip for services. It’s important that businesses using these technologies do so in a way that protects the consumer’s right to decide whether and how much to tip.”
This research was carried out by Ipsos B & A in October 2025, interviewing 1,048 people on behalf of the CCPC.
