Give a small, personal extra, and customers give back more
Updated: Oct 11
A small gift works best when it feels personal.
The study. Researchers from four US universities tested how small gifts changed tips in a restaurant. Waiters gave customers no candy, one candy, two candies, or one candy and then a second as a personal extra.
The finding. Compared with no candy, one candy raised tips by about 3.3%. Two candies raised tips by about 14.1%. One candy and then a second candy offered as a special extra raised tips by about 23%.
Why it matters. People feel that they must give back when they get something. The personal extra worked best. It felt like a choice made for that customer, not a rule.
The takeaway. Add a small, personal extra for your customers, such as a handwritten note or a small bonus. Make it feel chosen for them.
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