Hi!
During the height of the pandemic, tipping became more than a courtesy; it became a way to support workers facing uncertainty, reduced hours, health risks, and financial instability. Many of us willingly tipped extra because restaurant staff, delivery drivers, and service employees were helping keep everyday life functioning during an incredibly difficult time. But 6 years later, the expectation surrounding tipping has shifted from appreciation to obligation, and it feels excessive. Why have we returned to normality, yet that tip line is still present? Guilting people if left empty.
Self-checkouts, coffee counters, retail stores, and even automated kiosks have a tipping option. Meanwhile, prices have already increased significantly due to inflation, service fees, and rising costs. Customers are now expected to absorb those increases while also adding 20 to 30 percent tips on top of already expensive purchases.
Tipping should return to what it was originally meant to be, and employers should take greater responsibility for fair wages instead of relying on customers to bridge the gap. Generosity is important, but so is creating reasonable expectations that don’t leave everyday consumers feeling financially exhausted every time they make a purchase.
One Response
Tipping is another way for corporate America to pass part of their labor cost to customers by guilting them into it. Typical fast food job pays $11-15/hr based on state yet it’s always advertised in recruiting as $2-3 more per hour (including tips) to attract applicants. As a former waiter many yrs ago I had to bust my… to earn my tips now in Panera Bread where I do all the work as a customer, expect 18-20-22% tips for what??? I’m already paying $15 for a sandwich.
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