The Free Mint That Makes You Tip More

This might sound a bit silly, but whenever I eat at a diner or a steakhouse, I always look forward to their giveaway mints. There’s something about it that feels rewarding—especially since you don’t usually get freebies from places that charge premium prices. 

Some restaurants hand out mints with the check, while others leave them in a bowl near the reception desk. If they’re in a bowl, I make sure to grab more than one to indulge my little addiction.

When I was younger and was offered a mint at a restaurant for the first time, I wondered why they gave out mints instead of free drinks or desserts, which seemed much more appealing. Later, I learned that restaurants choose to offer mints for a few practical and symbolic reasons. 

One of the most common reasons is to freshen the customers’ breath. After a meal, especially one with strong-smelling ingredients like garlic, onions, or spices, a mint helps customers feel more refreshed and confident as they leave.

Mints also serve as a simple digestive aid. The menthol in mints helps soothe the stomach and promote digestion, leaving diners feeling more comfortable after their meal. It’s a small but thoughtful gesture that enhances the overall dining experience. 

Beyond practicality, offering mints creates a positive final impression. A small treat like a mint adds a touch of hospitality and thoughtfulness, ending the meal on a pleasant note and making the experience more memorable. 

Over time, diners have come to expect mints as a standard part of a quality restaurant visit, and providing them is an easy, low-cost way for restaurants to meet that expectation.

But here’s something no restaurant will tell you—those little mints at the end of your meal do more than just freshen your breath or aid digestion. The way restaurants offer mints can have a surprisingly significant impact on their sales. 

There’s some clever psychology at play here, and it goes far beyond simple generosity. Research has shown that the method of giving mints can directly influence customer behavior, especially tipping. In one study, restaurants tested different approaches to offering mints. 

When servers gave customers a single mint, tips increased by an average of 3%. When two mints were offered, the increase jumped to 14%. But the most fascinating result came when the server handed out one mint, started to walk away, and then turned back to offer a second mint. This simple adjustment led to an incredible 23% increase in tips. 

Why did this work so well? Because it leveraged three powerful psychological principles: the act of giving a gift, the personalization of the gesture, and the unexpected delight of receiving a little extra.

The first principle, reciprocity, plays a significant role here. When someone gives you something—even a small token like a mint—you naturally feel compelled to give something in return. In this case, that "something" was a higher tip. 

Reciprocity is a deeply ingrained human behavior, which is why offering a small, thoughtful gift can have an outsized impact on customer satisfaction and generosity.

The second principle, personalization, adds a sense of care and attention. When the server returned with the second mint, it gave the impression that the gesture was specifically tailored for the customer. People value personal touches, and when they feel uniquely appreciated, they are far more likely to respond positively.

The third principle, surprise, amplifies the impact of the gesture. The unexpected second mint creates a sense of delight and appreciation. Surprise triggers a stronger emotional response, making the gesture more memorable and impactful.

This same psychological principle works wonders for online businesses. Offering small, unexpected gifts to customers can significantly boost loyalty, referrals, and even sales. 

For example, you can include a handwritten thank-you note or a small freebie—such as a branded sticker, discount coupon, or free sample—in their packaging. 

A study by Packlane found that adding a personalized note or gift to orders increases customer retention by 23%, mirroring the boost in tips observed in restaurants.

Take an online subscription box business as an example. Instead of sticking strictly to the expected items, you could surprise your subscribers with a bonus product tailored to their interests. 

For instance, if your box includes self-care items, adding an extra face mask or a scented candle could bring unexpected delight to your customers. This small gesture not only encourages them to keep their subscription but also makes them more likely to recommend your service to others.

To make this strategy truly effective, it’s essential that your gift feels personal and thoughtful. A generic, mass-produced item won’t have the same impact as something that feels carefully chosen for the customer. 

For example, including a handwritten note thanking them by name or acknowledging a special occasion—like their first purchase or a holiday—adds a meaningful, personal touch. 

Timing is also key. Offering a surprise at the end of their experience, whether it’s during checkout or upon delivery, enhances its impact and leaves a lasting impression.

According to HubSpot, 75% of customers are more likely to make another purchase after experiencing exceptional customer service. Small gestures, like personalized gifts, are a powerful way to deliver that kind of experience. 

Similarly, Shopify reports that businesses with strong customer engagement—especially those that include surprise perks—see up to a 70% higher customer retention rate compared to those that don’t.

By incorporating the psychology of gifting into your business, you can create a more memorable and engaging experience for your customers. It’s not just about the mint; it’s about making people feel valued, appreciated, and pleasantly surprised. That’s the secret to boosting sales and building lasting loyalty.