Self-Checkout Tip Requests Face Backlash From Customers

Self-Checkout Tip Requests Face Backlash From Customers

(TheConservativeTimes.org) – It seems that nowadays, tipping is expected in every purchase, and many believe it’s reached the level of absurdity. Customers aren’t happy that self-service checkout kiosks in cafes, stadiums, and airports now expect gratuities.

Digital kiosks are fast and convenient, but customers are asked to leave gratuities even when a human rendered no service. An even newer checkout fad that’s making people uncomfortable throughout the United States involves electronic tip jars.

You use your phone or credit card to order coffee, ice cream, salad, or pizza. The attendant then slides a touchscreen monitor around the counter and rotates it to face you. The display lists gratuity amounts such as 10%, 15%, and 20%. You have to choose in a flash. It’s a lot of pressure, and it’s designed that way to make you hand over your hard-earned cash.

Some clients leave their server money, no matter what. Others feel ashamed if they leave a small tip or none at all. Some people think that a $5 iced coffee is too expensive and refuse to leave a tip.

According to etiquette experts, customers shouldn’t feel bad about not tipping in situations when workers receive an hourly salary, such as with Starbucks baristas. It’s appreciated when customers do, but it isn’t required. Advocates and experts agree that one should tip people working under the minimum wage, such as bartenders and wait staff.

Regarding the touch screen option, etiquette experts suggest that customers treat them as a tip jar. Users can drop some spare coins or a nominal tip into the jar when requested on the display.

Customers have not, however, ceased leaving gratuities. According to a representative from the payment platform Block, the total tips collected by full-service restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2022 were up 16.5% compared to the same time in 2021. The total tips received by quick-service restaurants were up 15.86%.

All gratuities, not simply those from automated teller machines, are included in this total.

Copyright 2023, TheConservativeTimes.org