Starbucks Introduces New Tipping Scheme That Has Customers Steaming Over
Tipping culture is a discussion that often leaves people divided. On the one hand, you’ll feel bad or looked down on for not leaving a tip, and on the other, it raises the question of fair wages and whether it should be put upon the customer to pick up the slack when companies refuse to pay their workers.
Starbucks is taking this “mandatory” practice of tipping in the US and “forcing” customers to do so with its latest scheme.
The new system will ask customers paying by card if they want to leave a $1, $2, $5, or a custom amount when checking out. This applies to those in the drive-through as well.
The company announced the feature in May and claimed it was a way for people to “recognize their favorite baristas.”
The option has left fans of the coffee chain feeling uncomfortable and rude if they do not oblige. As a result, many have already taken to the internet to rant about their feelings.
I’m really not trying to be rude bc I know customer service jobs are hard work but now they want tips at the drive-thru at my Starbucks when you pay with a card… you’re literally just handing it to me…
— Kel L. 👸ðŸ½âœ¨ (@doll_kelkel) November 19, 2022
Tip culture is getting insane smh Starbucks got 7 dollar coffees and Is one of the wealthiest companies in the world. Pay your damn employees and stop trying to push the cost on your customers 🙄🙄
— kirstënâ¤ï¸ðŸ”¥ (@kdrizzle___) November 26, 2022
Some baristas have even taken to TikTok to share how they don’t fully agree with the new implementation. This comes after customers have shouted at many due to not understanding how the system works or for making them tip.
@kniifes so embarrasing when customers go “its not going through!!!!” bae theres an extra step now ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ #starbucks #starbies #starbucksbarista #baristalife #baristatok #starbucksdrinks ♬ EHHHHHHH EH EH EH - sk.Ninga
According to Insider, the baristas against the scheme say getting berated by people isn’t worth the few extra dollars, while some other employees are rejoicing that their tips have increased significantly since Starbucks rolled it out.
This all comes at the heels of Starbucks’ newest “reinvention plan”, aiming to increase its profits and digital and physical footprint over the next few years.
[via Entrepreneur and Fortune, Photo 262313351 © Iryna Tolmachova | Dreamstime.com]
