Tipping Is an Option, Not a Requirement

Today I swung by Starbucks for a quick coffee, opting for the drive-through because I was in a bit of a rush. Everything was normal until I got to the window. I let the cashier know I would be paying with Apple Pay, and her response honestly caught me off guard.

She gave me a stank face — no greeting, no acknowledgment — just a grimace as she shoved the payment pad at me and, in a sharp tone, barked, “Choose a tip.”

Now, normally, I’m a good tipper. I believe in showing appreciation for good service. For sit-down service, I usually tip 20-25%. For takeout or drive-through situations, I typically give about 10%. I don’t mind tipping — I actually enjoy it when it feels earned. But what I don’t appreciate is someone demanding a tip with a bad attitude, like it’s something I’m obligated to give no matter how the service is.

Something about her tone and the way she demanded a tip instantly rubbed me the wrong way. Tipping should never feel like a requirement — it should feel like a thank you for good service. So, for the first time in a while, I tapped “No Tip” without a second thought.u

I know people have different views on tipping, and I get that service workers often rely on tips to supplement their income. But respect goes both ways. A good attitude and basic courtesy go a long way — and so does the understanding that tipping is earned, not forced.

What are you views on tipping?