Tired of "tip creep"? Here are 5 situations where it's acceptable not to tip, according to etiquette experts.

A recent survey from Bankrate reveals that about six in ten adults have a negative view of tipping culture, with 35% stating that things have become unmanageable.

It's not hard to see why, especially as persistent inflation continues.

""Tip creep is a problem at food trucks and coffee shops, as people dislike pre-entered tip prompts. I personally experienced this when I was asked to tip at a self-checkout machine at Newark Airport," says Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate."

It's not acceptable to skimp on tips when it's crucial for service providers to earn a living. According to a Bankrate survey, only 67% of respondents consistently tip in sit-down restaurants, a 22% decrease from three years ago.

"According to Rossman, the federal minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13 per hour. Therefore, if you don't tip in those situations, you are effectively taking money out of the server's pocket."

Experts suggest that there are certain scenarios where you may feel pressured to tip, but you are not obligated to do so. Here are five instances where leaving a tip is entirely at your discretion.

When a plumber or repair-person comes by

Doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers, and cable technicians are not required to be tipped.

"Thomas Farley, an etiquette expert and keynote speaker known as Mister Manners, states that not only would it not be expected, it would be highly unorthodox and very awkward. Moreover, in certain situations, "you could be seen as attempting to curry some sort of favor or that it might be some sort of a bribe.""

When you buy at a counter

While cashiers typically earn a wage, food delivery workers primarily rely on tips for their income. As a result, tipping a cashier is not considered a necessity according to etiquette experts, even if the tablet they use suggests otherwise.

Elaine Swann, a lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of the Swann School of Protocol, states that when people turn their device around, it becomes a glaring thing that makes them feel shamed into tipping, but it's not necessary.

Many service-industry workers consider the advice to tip at the counter as controversial, and baristas believe that tips are crucial to their income. However, etiquette experts suggest that tipping is a matter of personal choice and should be reserved for workers who provide exceptional service.

"Swann remarks that offering a tip to a worker who exceeds expectations is a kind gesture. For instance, if you frequently visit the establishment and they remember your order, it's a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation."

When you're at an open-bar event

When attending an event with an open bar, the bar staff may or may not provide a tip jar. As a general rule, it's important to remember that the host of the event has likely already taken care of the tip, which would be included in the cost of the venue or bartending service.

Farley suggests that tipping is not obligatory, but throwing in a few extra bucks may improve the service throughout the night.

"If there is a crowded bar and many people need to be served, acknowledging them may result in a larger pour. Perhaps they will give you the ice you requested," he remarks. "A few dollars isn't a big deal."

When it seems like double-tipping or fees are built in

Women who have tipped the technician who worked on their nails at a salon have been prompted to tip again when paying at the counter, which Swann believes is the salon trying to extract more money from them.

In cities with minimum wage requirements for tipped workers, such as restaurant servers, some restaurants may add a 20% service charge to your bill before allowing you to tip.

If the servers and bussers are included in the fee, your tipping obligation is fulfilled, according to Swann.

If you leave money for the house, you may want to leave a tip for the server who took care of you, as Farley did recently, tipping 20% on top of a 20% service charge at a restaurant in Denver.

"He says, "Although we still tip the servers who bring us our food from an etiquette standpoint, I felt that the situation at that restaurant was not sustainable.""

When the service is poor

It is not necessary to tip someone who has provided poor service or if there has been a rude interaction. In the case of a one-on-one service, such as a haircut, this is straightforward. If a barber makes a mistake and ruins your hair, you may be entitled to a full refund, according to Farley.

If you're dining at a restaurant, Swann suggests a sliding scale for tipping, with 20% as the standard. However, if a server exceeds expectations, you may want to tip more. Even if the service is poor, Swann recommends not going below 10%. Before making a decision, consider whether the server is at fault.

"Service issues are limited to delays in food preparation and the environment. If the food took too long to come out, that's a kitchen issue. If it wasn't prepared properly, that's a kitchen issue. If the environment was not pleasurable, say because it was too loud, that has nothing to do with service."

If you had a negative experience with a server, you may be justified in reducing their tip, but it's important to discuss it with management as well, advises Swann.

"Addressing management and leaving a lower tip will make it clear that you were not just being rude or ignorant about tipping."

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