Merrill Dubrow: My name is Merrill Dubrow, CEO of M/A/R/C research and a 35 plus year veteran of the insights community and the host of our podcast, On the M/A/R/C. Welcome to another Merrill-ISM segment. When it comes to tipping, I'm very confused. You know, I gotta tell you, I miss the good old days, when I think leaving a tip was easy. Some man provided you a service, he did a good job, went above and beyond, and you tipped him. Now, tipping appears to be an art. To be something that's very creative. Something that frankly, at times, it feels wrong. And I will admit, deceiving at times. And all of it confuses me. Some restaurants automatically put a tip in there for let's say 15, 18 or 20%. And some of those restaurants, they do the right thing. They mention it, or it's posted at the hostess stand or someone points it out to you or it's on the menu and it says it or it's in bold or circle. Other restaurants, many in airports. They don't mention it. And then lots of people don't notice and they leave another tip on top of what they were already charged. I must admit, that really bothers me. Does that bother you? Now, look, most people who know me know that I'm a lot of things. I am not cheap. I'm not frugal. But tipping does really confuse me in 2023. Do I tip at a 7-Eleven or a Wawa team member for ringing up my soda and Rice Krispies treat. Please don't judge, I'm clearly a health nut. And that's what I like to eat. But you walk into some of these convenience stores. They're on their iPhone, they don't look up, they don't say hello and they expect a tip. Really? For what? Should I tip my dry cleaner for handing me my clothes? Yes. I tip a doorman for getting me a car or a worker who fixes something at my house. But the cashier at just at a regular store? A retail store? I don't know. I don't know what to do. Am I the only one confused? How do you handle tipping? Who do you and who do you not tip? Have you noticed more and more restaurants automatically including a tip on the bill? My name is Merrill Dubrow. Thanks for listening to today's podcast, when it comes to tipping I am very confused. I look forward to hearing from you. Stay well, stay safe and please, please stay in touch.