Woman 'asked' to tip at a self-checkout counter in Los Angeles, sparks intense debate

Alyssa (@1alyssavp on TikTok) was shocked when she was asked to tip at an automated checkout counter at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Like most others, she understood the self-checkout line to be self-service. So, what exactly was she tipping for, and to whom? Thankfully, Alyssa recorded her experience, calling out the outrageous "tipping culture," and the silliness of the situation pulled the internet to her side. Since being posted, the video has garnered over a million views so far. 

Alyssa was at the self-checkout billing counter, paying for her chicken strips, when the machine asked her if she wanted to tip for the services. Her bill was $18, and apart from a "No Tip" option, the machine offered tipping options ranging from 15% to 20% of the bill, along with a custom tip entry. "This is out of control," Alyssa wrote, slamming the tipping expectations, even when there is no real service being provided.

Whether it's a 5-star restaurant or a grocery store on the street, customers are often expected to pay a tip for the service. Tipping out of choice is absolutely okay, but, sadly, it has become a forced tradition in many places. In fact, according to a 2023 report by the Pew Research Center, nearly 7 in 10 U.S. adults (72%) confessed that tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago. Now, this substantial shift or increase is what they refer to as "Tipflation." Moreover, the report said that while 21% admitted that they tip out of their choice, 29% claimed it's more of an obligation than a choice. 

Meanwhile, when Alyssa turned to TikTok to share her bizarre experience, her post sparked a widespread discussion about the toxic tipping culture all across the globe. For instance, @timoritual questioned, "Why tip when there is no cashier in person? This shop is earning and saving a lot of money at the same time!" Similarly, @jillian.dcp said, "A lot of POS systems have mandated tip options that the store or restaurants can’t turn off. It is a thing you learn about in the business, and it’s unfortunate, but it is what it is!" @sassy_penguin0 said, "We need to stop tipping altogether. If no one tips, then servers get paid better, and this kind of ridiculousness stops as well."

@4x4funguy pointed out, "For everyone, say hit no tip and move on. It's the fact that they are conditioning people to tip for no interactive service. Eventually, it will get to the point where we won't have the no-tip option." Another user, @userlesliel, said, "The tipping culture is out of control. This happened to me at an airport when I was buying a snack. I picked it up and scanned it. Who am I tipping myself? Seriously!"

On the other hand, @sunnyface7 confessed, "I refuse to tip anyone unless I am seated at a table and my food/drinks are being served to me. Otherwise, the employees are literally just doing their jobs for which they are paid an hourly wage." @kai_ocheltree wrote, "And if you do tip, it probably goes to the company and not the hard-working people for it. Anyways, the tipping culture is getting out of control."

You can follow Alyssa (@1alyssavp) on TikTok for lifestyle content.