24 October 2023 , 12:54
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Self-checkouts in supermarkets, or stores, have been implemented in the last few years to make your shopping experience swift, simple and convenient – though sometimes it’s a nuisance if the automatic machine does not detect an item in your basket.
However, one shopper was left puzzled after using a self-checkout only to be prompted to add a tip after the purchase, which is unusual at stores and more commonly found in restaurants or coffee shops no matter if you are eating in or taking away.
The mystery shopper, who goes under the title BurningRiceHouse, shared their findings at an airport checkout on the Mildly Infuriating thread on Reddit. A picture showcasing the screen with four tipping options, ranging between no tip, 15%, 18%, and 20%, was posted on the platform alongside the caption: “It finally happened. I was prompted to tip at the airport self-checkout station.”
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The crux of the confusion lies in the fact self-checkout lifts the pressure, and demand, on store assistants. Reddit users are in uproar for the shopper, as one commented: “They should offer a discount for self-service or lack of service.”
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Another confused commentor quizzed: “But who are you tipping exactly? Nobody has provided a service to you.” While another thought the same, and added: “How bizarre. What does the tip go to? The airport? The guy who set up the computer? Makes no sense.”
A separate Reddit user vented: “I can’t believe this is a real thing. I’ve heard of it before. The Kroger I go to might have one lane open with a cashier and one self-checkout station after 6pm but mostly it’s just one self-checkout station now. So there’s a line going to the back of the store and people with shopping carts full of groceries are using it when I have three items. This is giving the store money for saving money by cutting back on employees.”
Another commenter weighed in on the matter: “I’ve never understood tipping for self- service or why fast food companies are asking me to pay for their employees college. Neither of these things make sense to me.”
While another has taken the whole ordeal further, and believed the colour connotations of the tips is a reflection of the shopper. They shared: “Did you noticed that ‘No tip’ background colour is Black ? They are guilting you through the use of colours. ‘You are black hearted, leaving no tips, how dare you?!’” An eagle-eyed Reddit user even noted the price increase started at an increased figure; “And it starts at 15% - that was funny!”