How much should you tip when a cashier flips the touchscreen?

These days, more and more people are feeling pressured to tip. A tip is usually required when receiving a service. However, other types of businesses use credit card readers making it easier for the consumer to leave a tip. For example, cash register touchpads flip to face the customer, presenting tip options. Customers can get confused about when and when not to tip in certain situations.  

On Tuesday's Toucher & Rich program—Rich, Dan Roche, and Ryan Johnston discuss the "tipping point." 

Rich: Here's what I need help with because I wish there were a universal way that we could do this and subscribe to. What is the way to tip in a situation that doesn't require a tip without being an ass? How do you go about that? 

Is there a way to not press the tip button on the credit card touchpad? For when the service you're using doesn't usually require a tip? Is there a way to do that but not be "that guy"? 

Ryan: You just have to suck it up and be that guy. You can't make a big deal about it. 

When I was at the Bruins game the other day, I ordered two draft beers. It was like $34, and it's cashless. So, you just swipe your credit card. And the credit card machine automatically pops up "12%", "15%", "20%", and an "Other" option. When you think about it, 15 percent is like an extra $5.50 for pouring two draft beers that took about 30 seconds. 

Rich: That is something that, when you get a beer, you realize you're going to pay 15 or 20 percent extra. Back in the day you could go to a bar, and the tip was just a dollar for a beer. 

Ryan: If they took cash now, that's exactly how it would be. 

Dan: Isn't that a situation where you just hit the "Other" button? 

Ryan: Maybe not, because there might be a line of people waiting behind me, and I'm just trying to get out of there as quickly as possible. If I start punching in different buttons, I'll probably screw it up. If I break the machine, then people behind me will get pissed. 

Rich: I wish there was a foolproof way in a situation where you don't look like an A-hole. Then you start questioning whether or not every industry is one that tips or not. I do that every time I go to like a repair man. I have to Google, "Is this someone you are supposed to tip?" And, sometimes, I don't know if I'm insulting somebody by offering them a tip, but I always end up having to Google it. 

Dan: You know what you should do, Rich? Look the cashier right in the eyes and say, "I appreciate all the work you guys do here. You guys do a great job. Thank you very much." Then, hit the no-tip button. 

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