unilad homepage
unilad homepage
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • World News
    • Crime
    • Health
    • Money
    • Sport
    • Travel
  • Music
  • Technology
  • Film and TV
    • News
    • DC Comics
    • Disney
    • Marvel
    • Netflix
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Customers left ‘confused’ after being asked to leave a tip at self check out
Home>News>US News
Published 11:56 23 Oct 2023 GMT+1

Customers left ‘confused’ after being asked to leave a tip at self check out

Many customers have voiced their concerns as tipping at self check out machines seems to be on the rise.

Callum Jones

Callum Jones

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover
Featured Image Credit: Grace Cary/Getty / SDI Productions/Getty

Topics: Shopping, US News, Money, Weird, Business

Callum Jones
Callum Jones

Advert

Advert

Advert

There is no questioning that there is a huge tipping culture in the US, something that has divided opinion online over the past few months.

While there have been many examples of tipping working well, there has been - well let's say - questionable decisions in recent months.

Earlier this year, one DoorDash driver was sacked after saying 'f*ck you' to a woman who tipped him 25 percent.

Footage captured the guy delivering the pizza, albeit with a slight pause as the woman in the house got her dog under control, and telling her: "I just wanna say it's a nice house for a $5 tip."

Advert

Clearly the implication was that he didn't think the tip was enough, so while the woman said 'you're welcome', she got the response 'f**k you' in return.

Tipping at self check out machine is becoming more common.
Getty Stock Photo

However, this particular tipping story has left many customers 'confused' though, as they were asked to leave a tip at a self check out machine.

Typically, you are giving a tip to an individual for a service, whether that be a pizza delivery driver or a waiter at a restaurant.

So, with this, you are essentially giving extra money to machines.

Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal reported on the rise of digital, self-checkout kiosks and how many customers were prompted to provide tips.

After speaking to many customers, the journal found that a large number of them were left frustrated after being asked to tip workers with whom they had zero interaction with.

The report spoke to a half dozen customers across the US, with just a small number willing to pay the extra fees.

Business owners have said that automated tipping cues can significantly increase gratuities, subsequently boosting staff's pay.

Tipping is typically more common when a face-to-face service is provided.
Getty Stock Photo

But a lot of customers are not buying it, with many asking the question as to what exactly the tips are for.

"They’re cutting labor costs by doing self-checkout. So what’s the point of asking for a tip? And where is it going?" Ishita Jamar, a senior at American University, told the Journal.

Another customer voiced his dismay after taking a beer from a self-service beer fridge at San Diego's Petco Park, only to be asked to include a tip with the order.

"I was confused, because it wasn't entirely clear who I was tipping," the customer told the Journal, though he did still tip 20 percent anyway.

A spokesperson for the stadium told the Journal all tips went to employees.

Choose your content:

4 hours ago
9 hours ago
10 hours ago
  • Luke Hales/Getty Images
    4 hours ago

    Merlin the jersey-wearing duck officially becomes the World Cup’s first viral mascot

    The two-year-old pet went viral after joining thousands of roaring fans in a custom mini kit—and now FIFA has officially gotten involved.

    News
  • McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc. / Getty Images
    4 hours ago

    World Cup stars left terrified after venomous snakes invade training camps in the US

    From copperhead alerts in North Carolina to strict cycling bans in California, footballers are learning the hard way about US wildlife.

    News
  • Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
    9 hours ago

    5 warning signs of prostate cancer as Jeremy Clarkson reveals 'aggressive' diagnosis

    The former presenter of Top Gear has revealed that he received the diagnosis in an episode of Clarkson's Farm

    News
  • Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
    10 hours ago

    McDonald's brings back fan-favorite item to celebrate America's 250th birthday

    The food was swapped out for a healthier alternative in 1992

    News
  • How AT&T customers could receive up to $7,500 in $177 million settlement after two major data breaches
  • Customer hits out after being asked to tip 50%, 70% or 90% for a walk-in haircut
  • Woman stunned after grocery store asks for 25% tip at checkout
  • People slam 'truly baffling' rules on tipping after being told to tip 20% at coffee carts and bodegas