We're seeing a lot more of them, those new digital check out systems where you can choose to leave a tip by just pressing a button. So here's the thing, what if you just order a coffee? Do you still want to add 15 percent or more? This is quickly becoming modern day etiquette drama.
Cashier Zoe Katsaros knows that having this system could be an opportunity to take home some extra money! "It's increased the amount of tips," Zoe said. "We don't receive that many cash tips, we receive a lot by credit card."
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Experts say these computerized check out programs, which give customers the option to add a gratuity at the touch of a button, are increasing. Justin Guinn is a software expert and he said, "These systems are completely changing the way that we as consumers tip. It's very revolutionary."
Customers are finding it revolutionary. According to SoftwareAdvice.com's survey: people love the touch screen convenience and not having to do mental math at the check out counter. And 41% of people surveyed are somewhat to definitely more likely to leave a tip if the server or cashier is in close proximity.
Questions from my clients about digital tipping and they say, 'Have the rules changed around tipping?'" Maggie says if you're at a sit down restaurant, the rules are the same: tip 15 to 20% or more if the service is good. And if the service is good at place where you order at the counter or "to go", don't have a "cafe check out credit card crisis moment."
Maggie also said, "If you're getting that above and beyond friendly service its a really nice gesture by saying thank you by tipping." But are you over tipping if you tap 20% for a cup of joe? "If you're tipping 20% on a five dollar coffee that does equal about a buck or two that you would throw in the tip jar."
Some customers say digital gratuity has definitely changed how they think about tipping. Brandon Colby has mixed feelings on digital tipping. "When the tip option comes up, I definitely feel more pressure to tip." Customer Randon Tartahello likes it because, "I like the idea of it because some people can't do the math in their head."
Employees like Zoe say "tapping for a tip" may please everyone. "I'm definitely more motivated to work harder to make a connection with whomever is at the register."
The survey we mentioned also found that if a "no tip" button is included on a digital check out screen, 29% would rather tip than hit "no tip."
Guinn added, "There may be some elements of social pressure there; having the server looking at you while you're completing the payment process. That could certainly drive people to perhaps tip more." Which leaves customers with this new digital dilemma: to tip or not to tip in cafes and coffee houses where before they may have grabbed their java and run.
Etiquette Coach Maggie Oldham said it's causing some confusion. She told us, "As an etiquette coach I'm continually getting questions from my clients about digital tipping and they say, 'Have the rules changed around tipping?'" Maggie says if you're at a sit down restaurant, the rules are the same: tip 15 to 20% or more if the service is good. And if the service is good at place where you order at the counter or "to go", don't have a "cafe check out credit card crisis moment."
Maggie also said, "If you're getting that above and beyond friendly service its a really nice gesture by saying thank you by tipping." But are you over tipping if you tap 20% for a cup of joe? "If you're tipping 20% on a five dollar coffee that does equal about a buck or two that you would throw in the tip jar."
Some customers say digital gratuity has definitely changed how they think about tipping. Brandon Colby has mixed feelings on digital tipping. "When the tip option comes up, I definitely feel more pressure to tip." Customer Randon Tartahello likes it because, "I like the idea of it because some people can't do the math in their head."
Employees like Zoe say "tapping for a tip" may please everyone. "I'm definitely more motivated to work harder to make a connection with whomever is at the register."
The survey we mentioned also found that if a "no tip" button is included on a digital check out screen, 29% would rather tip than hit "no tip."