- A customer shares their experience with a self checkout machine requesting tips
- Self-checkout kiosks that request gratuity have become popular at retailers
- READ MORE: Furious New Yorkers reject 'truly baffling' new rules on tipping
An outraged customer has a bone to pick with self checkout machines that request tips from customers after they scan their own items.
In a post on Reddit, a user documented going to the self-checkout machine and only scanning one item - a process that took a minimal amount of time.
After he scans the item, he then pans to the checkout screen, which asked 'would you like to leave a tip?'
'Who am I tipping? Myself?' the customer asked rhetorically.
Users in the comments sounded their disapproval as well, cracking jokes about what the tips are actually for.
An outraged customer has posted about their experience with a self checkout machine that requests tips after scanning items, documenting the experience on Reddit
Other major retailers, such as CVS, Target, Walmart, and Costco have also faced backlash for self-checkout procedures
'Tips for what? For installing the machine?' commented one user.
'Tips for yourself for the good job you've done.,' said another. 'It should be deducted from the total price. That is the only sane explanation lol.'
'Next there will be a ”convenience fee” for using the self check-out,' surmised a third,
The name of the store was not revealed in the video. However, other major retailers, such as CVS, Target, Walmart, and Costco have also faced backlash for self-checkout procedures.
This is not the first time a shopper has complained about being asked to tip at self-checkout machines despite having zero interactions with an employee.
Cash registers at airports, stadiums, shops and cafes are reportedly asking customers if they wish to add tips of up to 20 percent.
The revelation comes amidst widespread backlash over 'tipflation' which has seen tipping culture spill out from bars and restaurants and into coffee shops and take-away stores.
The decision to implement the cues at self-service machines has forced shoppers to ask who the money is even for - as experts speculate it is a cynical way for customers to generate more profit.
Ishita Jamar, a senior at American University at Washington D.C., told the Wall Street Journal: 'They’re cutting labor costs by doing self-checkout. So what’s the point of asking for a tip? And where is it going?'
After the Reddit user scanned the item, he then pans to the checkout screen, which asked 'Would you like to leave a tip?' 'Who am I tipping? Myself?' the customer asked rhetorically
Historically tips were only expected at restaurants and bars - or other venues where people were waited on by servers.
But recently stores and coffee shops have started to implement iPad point-of-sale machines which ask customers if they wish to add gratuity before they complete the transaction.
While they can say no, shoppers have often complained they felt 'guilt-tripped' into agreeing to the surcharge.
Square, a technology firm which powers many iPad check-outs, said transactions with tips attached had increased by 17 percent over the last year at full-service restaurants.
At quick-service take-away outlets, they have increased by 16 percent since the final quarter of 2022.
Legally employers are obligated to give tips directly to their workers but businesses have faced lawsuits over the years for failing to do so.
