Touch Screen Tipping has become increasingly common in recent years, but it's not without its drawbacks. On the one hand, it can be more convenient for customers, as they don't have to worry about carrying cash or calculating a tip. On the other hand, it can lead to people tipping more than they intended, and it can also pressure customers to tip even when they don't feel they should.
Here are some of the dark side of touch-screen tipping:
- Increased pressure to tip. When a customer is presented with a tipping prompt, they may feel pressured to leave a tip, even when they don't want to or feel they need to. This is especially true if the default tip amount is high.
- Higher tip amounts. Studies have shown that people tend to tip more when they use touch-screen tipping systems than when they tip in cash. This is likely because it is easier to click a button than to leave a paper tip.
- Reduced transparency. Touch-screen tipping systems can make it difficult for customers to track where their tips are going. Some businesses have been accused of keeping a portion of their employees' tips, or of using tips to subsidize wages.
- Tips for self-service. Some businesses are now prompting customers to leave tips for self-service, such as at self-checkout kiosks or when ordering food online. This is a new and controversial practice, as many people do not feel that tips are warranted for self-service.
What can customers do to avoid the dark side?
- Be aware of the default tip amount. Many touch-screen tipping systems have a default tip amount that is set to 15% or higher. Be sure to check the default tip amount and adjust it if you want to tip less.
- Don't feel pressured to tip. You are not obligated to tip, even if you are prompted to do so. If you don't feel that the service you received was worth a tip, you can simply decline to tip.
- Ask where your tip is going. If you are unsure whether your tip is going to the employee who served you, you can ask the cashier or manager.
- Be mindful of tips for self-service. If you are prompted to tip for self-service, consider whether the service you received was worth a tip. If not, you can simply decline to tip.
What can businesses do to address this?
Use a transparent tipping system. Businesses should be transparent about how tips are collected and distributed. Employees should be able to see how much money they are earning in tips, and businesses should not keep a portion of their employees' tips.
- Avoid default tip amounts. Businesses should avoid using default tip amounts that are too high. A default tip amount of 10% or less is more reasonable.
- Give customers the option to tip in cash. Some customers may prefer to tip in cash, so businesses should give them that option.
- Train employees on how to handle tips. Employees should be trained on how to handle tips in a professional and respectful manner. They should not pressure customers to tip, and they should be honest about how tips are collected and distributed.
Conclusion
Touch screen tipping can be a convenient way for customers to tip, but it's important to be aware of the dark side. By being mindful of the default tip amount, avoiding pressure to tip, and asking where your tip is going, customers can avoid the potential pitfalls of touch-screen tipping.
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