Self-Checkout Tipping: An Unsettling Trend at Newark Airport Raises Eyebrows

Self-Checkout Tipping: An Unsettling Trend at Newark Airport Raises Eyebrows

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In the age of technology, self-checkout machines have become a common sight in various establishments, offering convenience and efficiency to customers. However, a recent incident at Newark Airport has sparked a heated discussion about the growing trend of tipping prompts at these automated kiosks, as was recently reported in the New York Post.

The viral photo, shared by a Reddit user known as “seaweed” depicted a self-checkout machine at a cafe in Newark Airport. The Post reported that what caught everyone’s attention was the screen prompting the customer to leave a tip of 15%, 18%, or 20%. The image quickly gained traction, amassing 110,000 votes and 4,600 comments on the MildlyInfuriating subreddit.

The outrage expressed by Redditors was palpable. The Post reported that many were taken aback by the notion of tipping at a self-checkout, questioning whom exactly the tip would benefit. Some pointed out the already exorbitant prices at airports, deeming the additional request for a tip as unfair. The frustration towards tipping culture in general was evident in the comments.

“This is especially annoying given how overpriced everything is at the airport. Then they have the nerve to ask for a tip,” someone pointed out, according to the Post report.

“Does the money I tip go back into my account as I’M the server?! In that case. 100% tip!” another quipped. “This is Grade A bulls–t. F–k tipping culture,” a user wrote.

This incident is not an isolated case, as others shared similar experiences at Newark Airport’s CIBO Express Gourmet Market. According to the Post report, this revelation triggered a broader conversation about the prevalence of tipping prompts in society. According to a survey by Bankrate, two-thirds of Americans now hold a negative view of tipping, with one in three believing that tipping culture has spiraled out of control.

The issue extends beyond airport cafes. Credit card processor Square reports that approximately 75% of digital transactions prompt customers to tip, including at drive-thrus. As was reported by the Post, self-checkout machines in coffee shops, takeout stores, and sports stadiums are increasingly offering the option to leave a tip, despite the absence of any direct employee interaction during the transaction.

While some business owners argue that tipping prompts can boost staff pay and increase gratuities, customers are skeptical about where the extra cash goes. The Post reported that concerns arise due to the lack of transparency regarding how the tips are distributed among employees, especially since self-checkout transactions eliminate the need for traditional service. Tipping researchers suggest that this trend serves as a way for companies to shift the responsibility of paying employees onto the customers, rather than increasing employee wages.

The phenomenon of “tip creep” is at play here, where customers feel pressured to leave higher tips in situations where tipping would typically be unnecessary. The Post reported that Garrett Bemiller, 26, a Manhattan-based public relations professional, referred to the tipping prompt as “emotional blackmail” when he was asked to add a 10% to 20% tip on a $6 water bottle at a self-checkout machine in Newark Airport.

“Just the prompt, in general, is a bit of emotional blackmail,” Bemiller, told the Journal after he was asked to add a 10% to 20% tip on his $6 water bottle at a self-checkout machine at Newark Airport, as was reported by the Post.

Experts argue that the tips left at self-checkout machines might not even reach actual employees, as federal labor standards do not extend protections to machines. The Post report indicated that this creates a situation where companies exploit customers’ adherence to tipping norms to generate more revenue for themselves, rather than benefiting their workers.

Research indicates that digital tipping prompts often result in customers leaving higher tips, ranging from 18% to 30% or more. However, many individuals adamantly refuse to tip for fast food or self-serve experiences, believing that tipping should be reserved for situations that involve personalized service.

The incident at Newark Airport has shone a light on the concerning practice of tipping prompts at self-checkout machines. Customers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential exploitation of tipping norms and are demanding more transparency from businesses regarding where the gratuities go, the Post report indicated.  As this debate continues, it remains to be seen whether companies will address these concerns and provide clearer guidelines on tipping practices in automated settings.