Enough is enough.
There’s no denying that tipping culture in America has gotten out of hand. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $7 coffee or a hefty bill at a bougie restaurant — everyone’s hands are extended out asking for a gratuity.
It’s a hot topic that everyone seems to have an opinion on, including one customer who felt things were taken a bit too far when he was asked to tip kitchen staff at a deli.
The original creator’s video was shared on X by @HistorianUSA1, where over 60,000 users chimed in to debate the topic.
While in his car, the stranger explains how, while out and about, he stopped by Schlotzsky’s, a chain that specializes in pizza and sandwiches, for a sandwich, a place he hasn’t been in 10-15 years.
“I figured I’d go in there and ordering [on] the little credit card thing [which] asks you if you want to tip the kitchen crew before you even get your order. So I’m thinking if I don’t tip the kitchen crew, am I going to get a booger sandwich?” he genuinely asks the camera.
“I’m not cool with that. Why do we have to tip if we’re not being waited on in fear that something’s going to be messed with our food?” the under 60-second clip ends.
The X user kicked off the discussion, writing above the video, “Tipping culture is completely out of control. Guy walks into a deli for a sandwich he hasn’t had in 15 years… and the machine asks him to tip the kitchen crew before he even gets his food.”
“No server. No table service. Just “tip us or maybe get a booger sandwich.” Why the hell are we tipping people who aren’t waiting on us? This isn’t hospitality anymore — it’s a shakedown. Stop putting the guilt (and the risk) on the customer. Absolute nonsense.”
It didn’t take long for the almost 200 people to agree in the thread of the post.
“It should be illegal for a pay machine to ask the tip question, it should be a visible option but not required to respond, then asking for round up donations should be illegal also. Donation is voluntary choice not a demand,” one person wrote.
“I have canceled orders in this exact situation. Food quality being dependent on my tip amount is a shake down,” chimed in someone else.
“Businesses that refuse to pay their employees a living wage don’t deserve you patronage,” quipped another.
“My rule is if I have to stand up to order, im not tipping,” another wrote.
And these opinions speak for how most Americans feel about tipping, according to a Popmenu survey which found that 78% of consumers think tipping culture “has become ridiculous while 74% of respondents noticed that eateries have increased the suggested gratuity amount displayed on screens.
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