To the editor:

Tipping used to be something people did to reward good service. Now it feels like it’s being requested everywhere, all the time, no matter what kind of service is actually provided.

I recently ordered a coffee through an app. Before I had even driven to the window or received my drink, the app was already asking me for a tip. How am I supposed to judge the service before the transaction has even happened?

Another example was at Casey’s Arena in Des Moines. I grabbed my own slice of pizza, filled my own drink, and checked myself out at a self-service kiosk. Yet before I could complete the payment, the screen still asked if I wanted to leave a tip.

It seems like every electronic payment screen now comes with tip suggestions, whether someone is actually serving you or not. People are starting to feel pressured or even guilty just trying to complete a purchase.

Most people don’t mind tipping for good service. But when tipping requests appear at every counter, kiosk, and app, it starts to lose its meaning. At some point, businesses need to ask whether customers are getting tired of being asked for extra money every single place they go.

Sincerely,

Webster City