Tipping Is Out Of Hand In Montana

Back in the day, IE the '90s, I remember being a kid going into Mom & Pop shops, buying what I wanted, and having the option of throwing change or a buck or two in a tip jar. Which, was usually done, when I got what I needed from said place.

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However, in the last year or so, I've noticed an extremely annoying trend... where every business using an off-the-shelf "POS" (Point of Sale) system... has tipping enabled, at HIGH percentages, for literally ANYTHING.

For Example...

The biggest issue I have encountered in my daily life is simply buying a vape. Yes, I know, but it's my own thing... and I like it.

Everywhere I have bought a vape across the state, their POS system immediately asks me to tip. Sorry... but I don't tip people to grab something off a shelf and ring it up. Just as we don't tip at a gas station when getting gas and snacks.

Now, if your tipping percentages were reasonable. 10-30% for tips on grab-n-go items is bananas.

Another one I came across recently was forced tipping. I went out to dinner in November, and there was an 18% minimum tip. Now, if I go to a sit-down restaurant, I am always tipping. But being demanded to tip 18% minimum (likely due to less than stellar wages) means I won't be back.

Why This Is Crazy

I came across a post from Leesburg, Virginia, on Facebook this week showing one business's take on the tipping solution. Their POS had tipping disabled, however, after multiple requests, they were able to add messages to each option (and customize the tip percentage) to inform customers they DO pay a fair wage, and the tip is 100% OPTIONAL.

What are your thoughts?

Do you think tipping culture is out of hand? Do you feel obligated to tip every time you are prompted by these POS systems? Let us know on App Chat or on Facebook.