Awkward! Starbucks' New Tipping System Sparks Barista Dissatisfaction

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According to multiple media reports, Starbucks recently launched a new tipping system in the North American market, allowing customers who pay with cards to tip baristas. This new system has annoyed Starbucks baristas.

The system presents customers with the option to leave $1, $2, "other amount," or "no tip" after inserting their card to pay for beverages or baked goods. Baristas expressed that it's awkward to ask customers whether they'd like to leave a tip.

Some users on social media platforms expressed that Starbucks should simply pay employees more wages instead of relying on customer tips. Even Starbucks' own employees don't approve of this move, which increases awkwardness during checkout.

Other users commented that they never tipped before, but now when using a card, the machine asks whether they want to tip. When looking at the machine in front of the barista and seeing it's asking about tipping, it feels awkward to select "no tip."

Of course, some netizens mentioned that you can choose not to tip, as the staff are just following procedure. Whether you tip or not depends entirely on you if you don't feel awkward.

Starbucks' Official Statement

According to foreign media Fox News Channel, Starbucks previously stated in an announcement: "Starbucks is introducing a feature that makes it easier for customers to leave tips on credit card transactions at the counter in cafés and drive-thrus."

This feature began rolling out in select U.S. stores in September 2022 and will continue to expand to all applicable stores by the end of the year. The goal is to enable customers to recognize baristas regardless of their payment method, and we're excited to bring this new enhancement to our stores."

Mobile Payment Evolution

Earlier, Business Wire reported that Starbucks updated its mobile app back in 2014. The updated app not only allowed customers to order on their phones but also added support for electronic tipping and a "shake to pay" feature. When you opened the app and shook it, the barcode of your linked Starbucks membership card would immediately appear for payment. After completing payment, you could select a tip amount of $0.50, $1, or $2 based on screen prompts, and receive a digital receipt after each tip payment.

Starbucks stated: "As more customers use mobile payment, this update not only makes the app easier and simpler to use but also aims to enhance consumers' shopping experience by adding rich features. After the update, it provided great convenience for Starbucks app's 10 million active users to pay tips. We're happy to make the digital experience easier, and this move will also expand the company's leadership in mobile payment."

However, according to reports, this digital tipping function is currently only available in the United States and can only be used in about 7,000 company-operated Starbucks stores. As for franchised stores, they generally only accept cash tips.

What do you think about the tipping system launched by Starbucks?

Image source: Internet

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