A disgruntled shopper has vowed to stop leaving “unnecessary tips” in 2024 after feeling “pressured” to leave a tip at a self-service checkout.
Minna Lee, a blogger from New York who currently lives in LA, used TikTok to “hold herself accountable” and share her thoughts on tipping.
The video, posted under her pseudonym @livingminnaly, has already been seen by more than 470,000 people and is captioned: “Tipping culture in 2024 – I will always pay well and tip well for service, but I will no longer be under peer pressure through a tablet.” set.” in situations that do not require it.
She announced to her 21,000 followers: “I'm going to post this now to keep myself accountable, but in 2024 I will no longer tip unnecessarily.”
Minna Lee, a blogger from New York who currently lives in LA, used TikTok to “hold herself accountable” and share her opinion on the controversial topic
“Before you think I’m being stingy or something, for the service I definitely pay 20 to 25% on everything – restaurants, coffee, beauty treatments, haircuts, things like that.”
“But the tablet tipping culture has gotten so out of control that now I go into a retail store, get a greeting card, choose one myself, go to the checkout, checkout, and there's a 20% suggestion.” Wait on me'.
Minna recalled even hearing about tablets asking for tips at “self-service yogurt stations.”
She argued: “Of course we also have a problem in this country with the trickle-down effect, where companies do not take adequate care of their employees.”
“So the burden then falls on the consumer to fund the wages of these workers, which is not right.”
“Like I said, for jobs in the service industry, I like to tip for making my coffee and things like that.”
Places she'll reconsider include: “Retail stores where no one really helps you, any retail, not just clothing and stuff.”
She added that she has observed this at retailers such as liquor stores, farmers market stalls and standalone stands.
She announced to her 21,000 followers: “I'm going to post this now to keep myself accountable, but in 2024 I will no longer tip unnecessarily.”
From now on, in situations where she did not receive much or no service, she will no longer tip and the “20% tip” would mean 20% of the price of the goods.
“I tell myself that people will like it – because every time the tablet is knocked over I feel such pressure – we will be strong in 2024,” she said.
Viewers flocked to the comments to join in the debate, with many Americans sharing the same views as the TikToker.
One user wrote: “I booked a hotel room ONLINE and am being asked for tips.” Who do I tip? A website?? That's crazy'.
A second added: “My dermatologist has a tip screen.” I'm completely baffled as to who this is for.
Another agreed: “I only tip for deliveries, beauty treatments and eating out. 'I don't do that!'
Someone who works in the service industry agreed: “I make $10 an hour at a coffee shop.” I make about 8-10 extra hours an hour from tips.
“We definitely put in a lot of work to earn this, but I would prefer a base salary of 20+ hours without tips, but that’s wishful thinking.”
However, someone else asked, “The way I was asked to tip concert merch tables.” “I don't tip you 10-20% if you reach behind yourself to buy yourself an overpriced t- Shirt to grab?”
Another added: “To be honest I also think tipping is getting out of control in the hairdressing industry, especially for people who work independently.” They set their prices.
This comes after a report last year revealed that two-thirds of Americans have negative attitudes toward tipping and are increasingly stingy with tips for a range of everyday services.
A Bankrate survey of 2,500 people found that shoppers generally tip less for dining out, taxis, food delivery, haircuts and daily coffee.
About 30 percent of respondents said they believe tipping culture has gotten out of control as tipping requests have spread from bars and restaurants to stores, food chains and even self-service kiosks.
Just last week, another American caused a stir on TikTok by posting a list of “people she won't tip in 2024” – including cosmetic and beauty service providers and grocery pick-up services.
The video sparked further debate when she announced that she also believed tipping culture had gotten out of control.