Tipping is a topic that tends to ignite strong opinions. Some people have no problem with it, while others absolutely despise it. It’s a conversation that can’t seem to find common ground.
But what happens when the concept of tipping creeps into unexpected places, such as self-service checkout counters? Yes, you read that right. Even at these automated counters, where you check out your own items, there’s now an option to leave a tip.
You might be scratching your head, wondering why on earth a self-checkout machine would request a tip. It’s a valid question.
This surprising phenomenon recently made an appearance at Petco Park in San Diego. Customers were left baffled when, after scanning their items and completing their transactions, they were prompted to leave a tip. Confusion ensued.
One customer admitted to being perplexed about who they were actually tipping, but ultimately decided to leave a 20% tip anyway. Others, on the other hand, viewed this as “emotional blackmail” and refused to tip, arguing that they had done all the work themselves.
According to a spokesperson for the store, any tips given at the self-checkout counter are distributed among the employees. In the United States, tipping is not just a kind gesture; it is often essential for those working in the service industry. Some establishments allow servers or bartenders to keep their tips, while others pool them together for distribution among all employees.
This emerging trend of tipping at self-service checkout counters raises some questions. Should we be expected to tip when we’re essentially doing the work ourselves? Is it fair to pressure customers into leaving a gratuity in these situations?
The answer to these questions is muddled, and opinions will differ. However, it is clear that tipping has become a hot topic and one that deserves further discussion. We would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Do you feel compelled to tip at a self-service checkout? Let’s start the conversation.
