Drive-Thru Tipping Request Proves the Last Straw for Loyal Customer
A long-standing Dunkin' customer has declared they are finished with the brand, citing a tipping request at the drive-thru as the final straw. The patron, who had frequented the same coffee chain drive-thru almost daily for three years, announced on Reddit they would no longer be getting their morning coffee there.
The customer described their usual routine: ordering coffee, pulling up to the window, handing over their card, and receiving it back with their drink. This changed when an employee, whom they recognised from numerous visits, presented a card machine with the tip screen activated and instructed them to select an option.
The customer left a 15 percent tip on the first day, reasoning it was only a few cents. However, when the same request was made on the following days, they decided they were done. "I'm done giving tips for drive-thru coffee," the user stated, adding they would now go out of their way to visit a different establishment, claiming that tipping culture has gotten out of hand.
Public Backlash and 'Guilt Tipping'
The online post sparked a wave of agreement from other users, who shared their own disdain and offered advice on how to avoid tipping. Suggestions ranged from simply selecting the "$0.00" option to refusing to tip unless an exceptional service, like window cleaning, was provided.
This sentiment is part of a broader trend. A recent survey found that three-quarters of Americans believe tipping culture has gone too far. Furthermore, the research revealed that two in three Americans often engage in 'guilt tipping,' where they feel pressured into adding a gratuity by prompts on checkout machines.
This backlash occurs amidst widespread criticism of 'tipflation,' which has seen the expectation of tipping expand from traditional sit-down restaurants into stores, takeout chains, and even self-service kiosks.
Tipping Taboos and Forced Gratuities
The standard for what constitutes an acceptable tip has also escalated. Just a decade ago, 15 percent was considered standard for average service; now, that figure has jumped to 20 percent or more. Tipping below this new benchmark is often viewed as a cultural taboo in the US, a norm that frequently baffles international visitors.
One man from the UK who moved to the US expressed his confusion, questioning the constant demands for tips. The issue of forced tipping was further highlighted by another Reddit user who encountered a non-optional tip when ordering a pizza for collection.
When the customer tried to proceed with a custom tip of $0, the website displayed an error message: 'Please enter a valid tip amount.' This led the customer to ask, "How can it be a tip when I don't have a choice?" They ultimately took their business elsewhere.
The phenomenon isn't confined to the food industry. The hospitality sector is also testing new boundaries, with some Marriott and Hyatt properties now reportedly asking for tips at the front desk during check-in, a move that many guests find off-putting and a departure from the tradition of tipping only for specific services like luggage handling.
