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Tipping at Self-Checkout Has Customers Crying ‘Emotional Blackmail’

Prompted tips at self-checkout machines are causing confusion and resentment among customers who question their purpose and relevance to employee pay.

1 min read
  • Self-checkout machines now have prompts for tips, leading customers to question their purpose.
  • Tipping researchers and labor advocates say it is a way for employers to put the onus for employee pay onto consumers.
  • Companies say tips are an optional thanks for a job well done.
  • The prompts have led to increased gratuities and staff pay, but also to confusion and resentment.
  • Some customers see the prompts as emotional blackmail and feel guilty when not leaving a tip.
Tipping at Self-Checkout Has Customers Crying ‘Emotional Blackmail’
Consumers already bristling at higher prices question where the money goes when interaction with an employee was nonexistent
WSJRachel Wolfe

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