Starbucks Tipping System Leaves Employees Uncomfortable

Baristas express discomfort with the awkward tipping system at Starbucks.

Davy

• Published in Interesting
• March 2, 2024

Starbucks, known for its ubiquitous presence and popular coffee beverages, is facing criticism from its employees over its tipping system. Baristas are feeling uncomfortable with the awkwardness surrounding the process, raising concerns about fairness and transparency.

While tipping may be prevalent across the globe, there's no denying the unique tipping culture in the US.

Recent times have seen some wild tipping stories emerge across the country, such as a delivery driver getting fired for his reaction to a meager tip.

To accommodate the growing demand for tipping, many establishments, including Starbucks, have introduced credit and debit card options for leaving tips. However, this move has also brought about its own set of challenges and discomfort for Starbucks employees.

The tipping system, implemented nationwide in 2022, presents customers who pay by card with options to leave a $1, $2, 'other amount', or 'no tip'.

While some customers may feel a bit annoyed by the tipping prompt, it has also left Starbucks workers feeling uneasy.

In the comments section, Rylee lamented, "Unfortunately we can't [turn the option off], I wish we could."

Since the TikTok video was uploaded in late 2022, thousands have flocked to the comments section, expressing their opinions on the matter.

Many users suggested that Starbucks should increase their employees' wages instead of relying on tips."This tipping thing is way outta hand now. I make sure to absolutely destroy the no tip button at every location I go to," one person wrote.

"Did Starbucks really add a tipping service?!?! They just need to pay their employees more via their ridiculously expensive products," a second commenter added.

"Companies are banking on us feeling awkward and tipping so they don’t have to pay employees properly. HIT NO TIP!!!!!!" a third commenter implied.

Speaking to the Daily Dot, Rylee expressed, "We don’t really have that many technological issues, but it’s very awkward when we have to mention it. Every time someone uses their credit card, this tipping system pops up before they can move on and actually pay. I’ve had some people be rude about it and think it’s ridiculous, others glad that we have the option in place."

She continued, "As baristas, me and my friends agree that holding out the entire pin pad out the window is super awkward for us, and on top of that makes people weirded out. Personally, it feels like we’re almost desperate-looking when we have to do this."

Davy