Lydia Hu of FOX Business reports from a shop in Brooklyn, NY, how rising fertilizer costs and inflation are affecting the coffee industry.
Starbucks recently rolled out a new tip system that allows customers paying by card to tip the barista. The new system is creepy, baristas say it’s awkward to ask customers if they want to tip.
The new tipping feature, rolling out in North America, asks card-paying customers to have the option to leave $1, $2, “other amount”, or “no tip” after inserting their card to pay for drinks or baked goods. .
The logo of the coffee shop chain Starbucks. Customers and employees of the coffee shop were fed up with the chain after it introduced the new tip system in September 2022. (LightRocket/Getty Images via David Bonaldo/SOPA Images/Getty Images)
Not everyone is happy with the new tip system, including employees who have expressed to TikTok how uncomfortable it makes them feel.
TikTok user @greenfanclub posted a now removed video on November 1. 21 reveals himself working in the Starbucks drive-through display and hiding the card machine with the tip screen open.
In the video it says “When the new tip system comes out”. He wrote “social anxiety #baristaproblems” under the video.
STARBUCKS CLOSES 16 STORES, 6 of which in LOS ANGELES, DUE TO ‘SAFETY ISSUES’
With over 6.7 million views, viral video requested A discussion on tipping food service workers.
In another viral social media post, a Reddit user and a Starbucks barista shared why the new tip system is “weird” for employees and customers.
“I hate the new credit card tipping thing… the worst thing is being pushed out of the car. It’s weird to hold out my hand and wait for them to understand what’s on the screen…” Reddit user, Swimming_Ad_2163 wrote. “I understand it might be more suitable for people who don’t carry cash, but it’s weird…”
Starbucks has announced its new holiday cups and drinks hitting stores on November 1. 3, 2022. (Starbucks/Fox News)
Many argued that Starbucks should pay its employees more instead of relying on customers for tips.
“Did Starbucks really add a tipping service?!?! They need to pay their employees more through their ridiculously expensive products,” one user wrote.
Another added, “I’m in favor of this tip system as long as it’s a small business. I’m definitely slapping a no-tip for a Starbucks.”
STARBUCKS IS NON-PROFIT WITH THE PRESSURE TO KEEP TOILETS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: ‘LEFT THE PEOPLE!’
Another wrote, “Here’s a tip – you get $6 for caffeine and sugar. Your employer took your tip.”
Some disagree but share that they would be happy tip the barista.
“Finally! I’m so happy you got these now. I feel so bad when I don’t have the cash,” wrote one user.
One person said, “Also, let me tip you! I’ll tip 100% because I don’t know how to make a fancy coffee.”
A Starbucks barista dispensing coffee from the drive-through window. (Starbucks/Fox News)
A Starbucks spokesperson said the popular coffee shop was “spreading” knocked-down cards across the United States.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX BUSINESS APP
“Starbucks is rolling out the ability for customers to tip for credit card transactions at the cafe and drive-in checkout. The feature began in select US stores in September 2022 and will continue to be available in all stores as it becomes available through the end of the year.” Starbucks said in a statement.. “We aim to enable our customers to get to know baristas no matter what payment method they use, and we’re excited to bring this new development to stores.”
