A customer's experience at a Schlotzsky's deli, where a credit card machine prompted him to tip kitchen staff before his order was even prepared, has ignited a significant debate online regarding the current state of tipping culture in America. The incident, captured in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by @HistorianUSA1, quickly garnered widespread attention, with tens of thousands of users engaging in discussions about the practice.
The customer expressed concern that refusing to tip could lead to subpar food quality, questioning the fairness of tipping when no table service is provided. "I’m not cool with that. Why do we have to tip if we’re not being waited on in fear that something’s going to be messed with our food?" he stated in the clip, which was reposted from the original creator's account.
The user who shared the video on X elaborated on the sentiment, writing, "Tipping culture is completely out of control. Guy walks into a deli for a sandwich he hasn’t had in 15 years… and the machine asks him to tip the kitchen crew before he even gets his food. No server. No table service. Just ‘tip us or maybe get a booger sandwich.’ Why the hell are we tipping people who aren’t waiting on us? This isn’t hospitality anymore — it’s a shakedown. Stop putting the guilt (and the risk) on the customer. Absolute nonsense."
This perspective resonated with many commenters, who shared similar frustrations. One user suggested that pay machines should not automatically prompt for tips, stating, "It should be illegal for a pay machine to ask the tip question, it should be a visible option but not required to respond, then asking for round up donations should be illegal also. Donation is voluntary choice not a demand."
Another commenter voiced concerns about food quality being dependent on gratuity, saying, "I have canceled orders in this exact situation. Food quality being dependent on my tip amount is a shake down." Others argued that businesses should be responsible for paying living wages, with one person stating, "Businesses that refuse to pay their employees a living wage don’t deserve your patronage."
Echoing this sentiment, a common rule cited by patrons is, "My rule is if I have to stand up to order, im not tipping."
These opinions align with broader consumer sentiment. A Popmenu survey indicated that 78% of consumers find tipping culture to be "ridiculous." Furthermore, the survey revealed that 74% of respondents have observed an increase in the suggested gratuity amounts displayed on screens at eateries.