Aesthetician stunned when asked to add a tip while shopping online at a major retailer – 'What am I tipping for?'

The original idea of a tip was exclusively for servers who provide for customers in a certain way. Additionally, a tip was voluntary if the customer was beyond satisfied with the service. Contrary to its origin, it’s not just people but even machines and websites that people are being asked to tip for. An aesthetician Janine—who goes by @beautybyjrw on TikTok—shared a video about her recent experience which has to be the most bizarre tipping request a person may have ever received. The video has enraged quite a few people who are not in on this ridiculous tipping culture. Janine stitched a video of another woman complaining about the tipping culture, saying it had gotten out of control.

“I would like to take a moment to share the moment I realized that the tipping culture is getting out of control,” Janine said. The woman explained that she works in beauty and is aware of basic tipping. “As an aesthetician, as an employee, I am not someone who sets my own prices. Clients come in expecting to pay a certain amount for the service and typically add a little bit more for tip,” she added. Janine also mentioned that even though it isn't mandatory, people do leave aesthetician tips and highlighted that “it is never expected but always appreciated.” Moving to her mind-boggling experience, the woman revealed that she was shopping online and wanted to purchase a pair of earrings.

“A few months ago, I ordered these earrings that I have on now. I ordered them from a major online retailer and at the end of the process just before I could put my card into checkout, they said, ‘Do you want to add a tip?’” The woman was baffled by the fact that a tip was even considered for a purchase made online. “What am I tipping for?” the woman asked. She agreed that her shopping experience was good and easy but at the same time, it was online. She questioned the tip since there were no services given to her. “There was no service provided here, I just ordered online,” the woman said. Janine concluded, “These companies need to start paying their employees properly.”

While the major problem of overly unnecessary tipping is emerging from low wages given to employees, it needs to be stated loud and clear that tips are agreed upon voluntarily for services one renders to a customer, not for the product that already has its cost. People shared similar views via the comments. @abbey.85 said, “I ordered from Pizza Hut, online. They asked me to tip…For what? @clliep_13 said, “I got merchandise at a concert and they asked me to tip. Why would I tip you for handing me a shirt? @chemexplosion said, “Tipping screens are fine for me as long as the employee gets the tip, not the employer.” @siciliana1986 said, “As a server, I completely agree. I always click no tip when customers are opting for to-go orders because why would anyone tip to take it home?”

This article originally appeared 8 months ago.