Round Table China To tip or not to tip?
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Jul 30, 2025 The podcast dives into the heated debate around tipping in China, sparked by a hotpot chain's introduction of QR code tipping. It contrasts Western and Eastern tipping cultures, exploring societal perceptions and historical context. Personal stories from various cultures shed light on the complexities of service appreciation. Additionally, it tackles the pressures of digital sharing on social media, revealing how personal and professional boundaries blur in an age of high scrutiny.
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Tipping Culture Is New in China
- Tipping culture is new and controversial in China as salaries for servers are typically decent without tips. - Shifting to a tipping model would require major changes in business practices and social norms.
Language Reflects Tipping Perceptions
- The Chinese word for tipping (打赏) implies a reward for good behavior, similar to giving a child a treat. - This reinforces a hierarchical, patronizing perception of tipping in Chinese culture.
Korean Bakery Tip Jar Controversy
- In Korea, a bakery's tip jar sparked heated online debate and was quickly removed due to public dislike. - This shows resistance to introducing tipping in cultures without a tipping tradition.