Starbucks fans rage over new ‘awkward’ tipping system
FOX Business’ Lydia Hu reports from a shop in Brooklyn, NY on how rising fertilizer costs and inflation are affecting the coffee industry.
Starbucks recently launched a new tipping system that allows customers paying by card to tip the barista. The new system has ruffled feathers, with baristas saying it’s difficult to ask customers if they choose to leave a tip.
The new tip feature, which is being rolled out across North America, asks customers who have paid by card to have the option to leave a $1[ads1], $2, “other amount” or “no tip” after inserting their card for to pay for the drink or baked goods. .
The logo of the coffee shop chain Starbucks. Customers and employees of the coffee shop are frustrated with the chain after it launched its new tipping system in September 2022. (Davide Bonaldo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Not everyone is happy about the new tipping system, including employees, who took to TikTok to express how uncomfortable it makes them feel.
TikTok user @greenfanclub posted a now-removed video on Nov. 21 showing himself working at the Starbucks drive-thru window, hiding the card machine with the flip screen open.
“When the new betting system comes out” it says in the video. She captioned the video with “social anxiety #baristaproblems.”
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With more than 6.7 million views, the viral video sparked a discussion about tipping food service workers.
In another viral social media post, a Reddit user and Starbucks barista shared why the new tipping system is “awkward” for employees and customers.
“I hate the new credit card tip… drive thrus are the worst. It’s hard to put my hand out and wait for them to figure out what’s on the screen…” wrote Reddit user, Swimming_Ad_2163. “I realize it might be more convenient for people who don’t carry cash, but it’s just hard…”
Starbucks reveals its new Christmas cups and drinks that will hit stores on November 3, 2022. (Starbucks/Fox News)
Many argued that Starbucks should simply pay its employees more instead of relying on customers for tips.
“Did Starbucks really add a tipping service?!?! They just need to pay their employees more via their ridiculously expensive products,” one user wrote.
“I’m all for this tipping system as long as it’s a small business. Definitely don’t tip for a Starbucks,” added another.
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“Here’s a tip – you charge $6 for caffeine and sugar. Your employer has your tip,” wrote another.
Some disagreed and shared that they would like to tip the barista.
“FINALLY! I’m so glad you guys are taking them now – I always feel so bad when I don’t have money,” wrote one user.
“Also let me tip you! I tip 100% because I don’t know how to make a fancy coffee,” one person said.
A Starbucks barista dispensing coffee through a drive-through window. (Starbucks/Fox News)
A Starbucks spokesperson said the popular coffee shop is “rolling out” card tips across the United States
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“Starbucks is rolling out the ability for customers to tip for credit card transactions at the register in the cafe and drive-thru. This ability began in select stores in the United States in September 2022 and will continue to roll out to all stores where this can apply through the year.” Starbucks said in a statement. “It’s our goal to let our customers recognize baristas no matter what payment method they use, and we’re excited to bring this new enhancement to stores.”
