Avoiding Barista AKA Eye Gouge Tipping

One can appreciate those register screens newly asking for tips up to 25% of the tab for EXTRA service rendered BUT KISS MY COFFEE CUP for simply handing over an over-priced caffeine fix or traditionally included service …

The WSJ story, “What Your Barista Really Thinks About Your Tip,” focused on tea & coffee shops, but the new gimmick isn’t just seen there, but in a growing range of retail establishments. The article acknowledged customers’ growing angst at being confronted with this pandemic-era inspired money grab. And, it emphasizes, one should NOT think the smiling employee giving you the billable good news isn’t really embarrassed by it; many, too, wished the boss just paid them a fair wage and not put the arm on folks like this, btw, some of whom include mom & dad & sibs as well as uncle & aunt.

Of course, besides using good ‘ol guilt tripping to generate more tipping, it’s apparently a new way for businesses to pass more operating costs on to consumers without looking like they’re doing so; it’s also a threat that if the customers don’t ante up, the retailer will be forced to up the price of their crap, so there. Possible retort for concerned payors: Be generous where appropriate as usual, but don’t buy in to the more obscene schemes; and, if necessary, consider finding ways to get your caffeine fix or whatever desires elsewhere. Then, say 3 Hail Mary’s & 3 Our Fathers.

Davd Soul