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| New Starbucks Tipping |
The Problem
Tipping is supposed to be a reward for good service, but Starbucks does not actually provide table service, just counter service, and the brewing of coffee is now fully automated (and mediocre). So the 'barista' (using the term loosely) now just takes your order and pushes a brew button. Is that service worthy of a tip? |
If you pay with the app on a smartphone, you already have a tipping option (and notification) should you choose to tip, but now Starbucks hits you again on the new Verifone tipping terminal.
Worse, if you walk away without touching the terminal, it stays wide open to abuse, like a barista reaching over to apply a tip without your consent (which has actually happened, perhaps inadvertently, but still fraudulent).
And the most outrageous thing of all is that the fixed tip amounts—not percentages like at more responsible restaurants—are egregiously high for a lower-cost item like a brewed coffee (as in the picture):
- 30% at $1 tip
- 60% at $2 tip
- 149% at $5 tip
The Solution
Until Starbucks changes course, putting customers back ahead of greed, the solution is to mobile order ahead, thereby avoiding the tipping terminal entirely. You can even select personal cup for the discount and extra stars!
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