Tipping has always been a hot-button topic, sparking debates across cultures and continents. But now, it seems, tipping culture has taken an unexpected turn—straight to the self-checkout line.
Yes, you read that right. Shoppers are reporting tip requests at self-checkouts in places like grocery stores, airports, cafes, and even stadiums. Cue confusion and anger, because… who exactly are we tipping here?
I can’t be the only one thinking this…
— Loochy (@LoochyTV) May 8, 2023
When did we as a society decide every store in the world needed a “tipping screen” at checkout?
Who the hell am I tipping at Home Depot self checkout… pic.twitter.com/pUGI3Q3q85
A tweet summed it up perfectly: “Who the hell am I tipping at Home Depot self-checkout?” And it’s a fair question. Machines don’t have bills to pay—or do they?
The Tipping Divide
In the U.S., tipping is practically a way of life. From waitstaff to delivery drivers, tips often make up a large portion of their income. Across the pond in Europe, tipping is more of a thoughtful gesture for exceptional service, typically around 10% of the bill.
But one thing people universally agree on? Machines don’t need tips. So why are self-checkouts jumping on the tipping bandwagon?
Where Does the Money Go?
Here’s where things get murky. Wall Street Journal reporter Rachel Wolfe points out that machines lack the legal protections humans have when it comes to tips. While laws ensure human employees receive their tips, there’s no guarantee where the money goes when a machine is involved.
I always just do it because they might need the extra money more than me, but if companies just paid their employees a decent wage instead of outsourcing it to customers this wouldn't be nearly as common.
— Sally Is A Dog (@SallyIsADog) May 8, 2023
Some argue it’s just another way for businesses to pad their pockets, while others wonder if the tips might support employees indirectly. Either way, it feels like a bizarre—and frustrating—trend.
A Post-Pandemic Shift
The pandemic reshaped tipping culture. Businesses encouraged bigger tips to help struggling workers navigate tough times. The standard 20% tip became more common, with customers assuming the money would go to employees. But now, with machines asking for tips, many are left scratching their heads.
What Shoppers Are Saying
The internet is ablaze with reactions.
Looch it’s absolutely mind blowing.
— James (@JamesMSellers) May 8, 2023
I was grabbing a burger with my brother yesterday and ordered on an iPad, didn’t speak to a single person and out of habit tipped just clicked the lowest %.
My brother immediately goes “damn hopefully the iPad spends that wisely”
One person shared, “I tipped out of habit while ordering on an iPad. My brother joked, ‘Hope the iPad spends it wisely.’”
Another added, “I still tip because they might need it more than me, but if companies just paid a decent wage, this wouldn’t be a problem.”
I think it shouldn’t be forced on the customers to tip cause they don’t pay their employees enough.
— KL (@KLProductionsOG) May 8, 2023
Tipping should be a thank you for good service, not mandatory.
Side note. I still tip tho 🫠
A third chimed in: “Tipping should be a thank-you for great service—not mandatory.”
Has Tipping Culture Gone Too Far?
The rise of tipping screens at self-checkouts is leaving many frustrated and confused. It raises important questions: Are businesses exploiting our generosity? Should tipping still be our responsibility when there’s no human interaction?
What do you think? Are self-checkout tips the last straw for tipping culture? Share this with your friends and join the conversation!
