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.” 

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  Eftpos Machine at Self Checkout in a supermarket

• 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. 

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• 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. 

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  BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 25: Fans enter TD Garden before the preseason game between the New Jersey Devils and the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on September 25, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

• 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. 

• Full Segment

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