AP: Is tipping getting out of control? Many consumers say yes

[Omaha Steve]

By HALELUYA HADERO January 28, 2023

NEW YORK (AP) — Across the country, there’s a silent frustration brewing about an age-old practice that many say is getting out of hand: tipping.

Some fed-up consumers are posting rants on social media complaining about tip requests at drive-thrus, while others say they’re tired of being asked to leave a gratuity for a muffin or a simple cup of coffee at their neighborhood bakery. What’s next, they wonder -- are we going to be tipping our doctors and dentists, too?

As more businesses adopt digital payment methods, customers are automatically being prompted to leave a gratuity — many times as high as 30% — at places they normally wouldn’t. And some say it has become more frustrating as the price of items has skyrocketed due to inflation, which eased to 6.5% in December but still remains painfully high.

“Suddenly, these screens are at every establishment we encounter. They’re popping up online as well for online orders. And I fear that there is no end,” said etiquette expert Thomas Farley, who considers the whole thing somewhat of “an invasion.”

FULL story: https://apnews.com/article/tipping-fatigue-business-c4ae9d440610dae5e8ff4d4df0f88c35/gallery/072801d170e041ddac4dbe7a7f68d176

[no_hypocrisy]

1. When I go to the commercial Green Grocer/"Farmers' Market",

I put in a dollar or more at the check-out cashiers' booths. I know they're being paid less than minimum wage and the price I pay for produce is reflected in that substandard wage.

[hlthe2b]

2. It isn't so much they ask if you want to add an electronic tip but that some of those apps DEFAULT

to 20% or higher. Now, I'm willing to tip 20% for full and very good in-restaurant service-- I consider it part of the "splurge," and if someone goes the extra mile--even at a drive-through for coffee, but I don't want it to default to 20, 25, 30%. Include the old 15% standard and a blank option--as well as no tip if the service was poor.

Don't get me wrong, I have great empathy for those who are working at less than liveable wages and dependant on tips to make some difference. That is why I do tip-- and whenever possible, tip very well, but just let the customer make the choice.

Honestly, I think the jars on the shelf of the drive-through or counter inside remain better ideas. Percentage-wise they probably do better with customers habitually dropping all their returned change or a dollar or two in there. But, there is something about those digital apps with their default programming that I think is ranking people.

[Ferrets are Cool]

3. I guess I am the "get off my lawn guy" when it comes to this subject.

If I am FORCED to tip, they will NOT get my business.

[AllyCat]

4. It is! We are paying their salaries and the establishment gets cheap

Labor! I go to pick up cookies at the counter of the gourmet place and it prompts me for a 20% tip!

[Firestorm49]

5. I went to a wine bar, gave them my charge card and they handed me a glass.

I went to the wine selection area, chose my wine, paid for it, took it to my table. No food. No service other than my own effort. At checkout was the optional tip portion on the computer. For what?

I went to a hot dog stand last summer. I walked up to the counter, placed my order, paid for it, ate the food and cleaned up after myself. A tip? For what?

Yes. Tipping is getting out of hand. Pay the damn workers a livable wage!

By the way, for good service I’m happy to tip.

[MichMan]

7. What makes you think if they receive a living wage, that the tip requests will stop ?

I have no idea what wages people make at various establishments I frequent.

[Native]

6. Even if you do tip, do you really think the workers are getting that money?