The screen turns to face you before you've even ordered, asking for a tip on a coffee you're about to pay full price for. Should you feel obligated to tip at a coffee counter?
Tip screens have crept from restaurants into quick counter service, and not everyone agrees the same etiquette should apply.
What happened
Point-of-sale tip screens now appear at coffee shops and other counter-service spots that traditionally did not expect gratuities, often defaulting to prompts of 15-25%.
Why people disagree
Some say a small tip is fair for quick, personal service and helps supplement low wages. Others argue tipping should be reserved for table service, and that being prompted before receiving anything feels like pressure rather than genuine gratitude.
What's still unclear
Whether declining a tip prompt actually affects the quality of service, or is treated as a neutral, no-hard-feelings choice by staff.
Sources
← The NBA fined the Clippers $30 million over a secret deal allegedly used to pay Kawhi Leonard around the salary cap, and now the DOJ is investigating. Was the punishment enough?Trump has unveiled a "$5,000 dividend" for every adult citizen, tied to Republicans keeping Congress in the midterms. A genuine relief check, or a bribe for votes? →
More takes
Always Open
A Scottish animal charity wants private fireworks banned across the UK, leaving only organised displays. Should garden fireworks on Bonfire Night be outlawed?
Always Open
A new YouGov survey finds 53% of 18-24s prefer TV and films with the subtitles on. A sensible fix for mumbled dialogue, or a habit that gets in the way?
Always Open