FOX Business’ Lydia Hu reports from a store in Brooklyn, NY how rising fertilizer costs and inflation are affecting the coffee industry.
Starbucks recently introduced a new tipping system that allows card-paying customers to tip the barista. The new system is causing an uproar as baristas say it’s awkward to ask customers if they choose to tip.
The new tip feature, rolling out across North America, will offer customers who paid with cards the option of leaving $1, $2, “other amount” or “no tip” after inserting their card at to pay for their drink or baked goods.
The logo of the coffee shop chain Starbucks. Customers and staff at the cafe are frustrated with the chain after it rolled out its new tipping system in September 2022. (Davide Bonaldo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Not everyone is happy with the new tipping system, including employees who used TikTok to express how uncomfortable they are.
TikTok user @greenfanclub posted a now-removed video on Nov. 21 showing her working on Starbucks’ drive-thru window, hiding the ticket machine with the tip display open.
“When the new tilting system comes out,” the video says. She captioned the video “social anxiety #baristaproblems.”
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With more than 6.7 million views, the viral video sparked a discussion about tipping employees in the hospitality industry.
In another viral social media post, a Reddit user and a Starbucks barista shared why the new tipping system is “awkward” for employees and customers.
“I hate the new tipping on credit cards… Drive-Thrus are the worst. It’s awkward reaching out my hand and waiting for them to notice what’s on the screen…” wrote Reddit user Swimming_Ad_2163. “I understand it might be more convenient for people who don’t have cash on them, but it’s just cumbersome…”
Starbucks unveils its new holiday mugs and beverages, hitting stores on November 3, 2022. (Starbucks/Fox News)
Many claimed that Starbucks should simply pay its employees more instead of relying on customers’ tips.
“Did Starbucks really add a tipping service?!?! They just have to pay their employees more over their ridiculously expensive products,” wrote one user.
“I’m all for this tipping system as long as it’s a small business. I definitely don’t tip Starbucks,” added another.
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“Here’s a tip – they charge $6 for caffeine and sugar. Your employer has your tip,” wrote another.
Some disagreed and said they would like to leave a tip for the barista.
“AT LAST! So glad you guys are taking these now – I always feel so bad when I don’t have money,” wrote one user.
“Let me tip you too! I tip 100% because I don’t know how to make fancy coffee,” said one person.
A Starbucks barista dispenses coffee through a drive-through window. (Starbucks/Fox News)
A Starbucks spokesman said the popular coffee shop is “implementing” card tipping in the United States.
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“Starbucks is introducing the ability for customers to tip credit card transactions at checkout in cafes and drive-thru. This feature began in September 2022 in select U.S. stores and will continue to roll out in all stores where feasible through the end of the year.” Starbucks said in a statement. “Our goal is to enable our customers to identify baristas who no matter what payment method they use, and we’re excited to bring this new improvement to stores.”