Self-service eatery demands customer's 'gratitude' for staff, and people are calling it 'tip shaming' at its worst

Tipping culture has often drawn flak from people across the country, with customers often on the critiquing end, while service sector staff side with the tipping culture. However, when one customer came across a sign demanding tips at a self-serve restaurant, he was baffled at the demand. Posting the photo of the signboard, u/monoseanism's November 16 post on Reddit has been drawing numerous emotional reactions from online users who aren't at all confused about whose side to take.

u/monoseanism took to the popular subreddit r/EndTipping to share an ordeal they recently faced. After visiting a self-service restaurant, the customer noticed a signboard that demanded tips. The signboard, which was titled "Why You Tip Matters," read, "Running a restaurant in Denver has become more challenging since COVID and restaurants today are struggling to keep up with rising costs. We have made the decision to change some of our steps of service in order to more fairly support our staff, not raise our prices, and adapt to the circumstances." The poster also read, "While you do not see a server at your table, we still rely on and greatly appreciate your tips. Tips go directly to all the people preparing your food, drinks, and all the small details that make your experience special. Your generosity helps us support our staff who work hard every day. We truly appreciate it! Orders left open will include a 20% gratuity."

The customer, who was baffled at a self-service restaurant demanding tips, wrote, "Why would anyone tip at a self-service restaurant? 'Tips go to the people preparing your food and drinks.' What am I paying for when ordering then?" In a study published by Ismail Karabas, Marissa Orlowski, and Sarah Lefebvre in 2020, researchers examined how customers react when asked to tip at limited-service restaurants where no traditional table service is provided. The findings revealed that such tipping demands irritate customers and can lower their intention to return. The study also highlights that reactions to tipping requests depend on the check amount and on "perceived deservingness," meaning customers are more accepting of tipping when they feel the staff has actually earned it.

Soon after the customer shared the post, many online users shared their thoughts on the issue. u/WilsonRachel wrote, "They act like they’re doing a service by not raising prices when in fact it’s exactly the opposite." u/SignificantGur_1031 commented, "Why not RAISE YOUR PRICES ??!! This is the Great American Con Game — 'come in, look at our cheap prices, and then add in tips, service charges etc etc" Tips are the out-game: hoping that suckers will pay more / a percentage when the MENU PRICES should have been showing that in the first place. 20% is the SCAM," u/Sdogs1212 commented, "If it isn’t a sit-down, I owe you nothing more than the price of the food. Absolutely ridiculous."

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