Awkward! Starbucks' New Tipping System Has Baristas Unhappy

According to multiple media reports, Starbucks recently rolled out a new tipping system in the North American market that lets customers who pay by card tip baristas — and it has annoyed its own staff.

The system presents customers with the option to leave $1, $2, "other amount," or "no tip" after they insert their card to pay for drinks or baked goods. Baristas say it is awkward to ask customers whether they would like to leave a tip.

Some users on social platforms said Starbucks should simply pay employees more instead of relying on customer tips. Even Starbucks' own employees do not approve of the move, they said, because it adds awkwardness at checkout.

Other users commented that they never tipped before, but now the card machine asks. Looking at the machine in front of the barista, with the tipping question right there, it feels awkward to select "no tip."

Of course, some pointed out that you can simply choose not to tip — the staff are just following procedure, and whether you tip is entirely up to you if you do not feel awkward about it.

Starbucks' Official Statement

According to the foreign media outlet Fox News Channel, Starbucks had previously said 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 update not only let customers order on their phones but also added electronic tipping and a "shake to pay" feature. Opening the app and shaking it would immediately bring up the barcode of a linked Starbucks membership card for payment. After paying, customers could select a tip of $0.50, $1, or $2 based on the 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 the shopping experience by adding rich features." It added that the update brought great convenience to the 10 million active users of the Starbucks app who pay tips, and that making the digital experience easier would extend the company's leadership in mobile payment.

According to reports, however, the digital tipping function is currently available only in the United States and only at roughly 7,000 company-operated Starbucks stores. Franchised stores generally accept only cash tips.

What do you think of the tipping system Starbucks has launched?

Image source: Internet

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