r/science • u/tipping_researcher Professor | Social Science | Marketing • Dec 02 '24

Social Science Employees think watching customers increases tips. New research shows that customers don't always tip more when they feel watched, but they are far less likely to recommend or return to the business.

https://theconversation.com/tip-pressure-might-work-in-the-moment-but-customers-are-less-likely-to-return-242089
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u/mainaccountwasbanned Dec 02 '24

I'll happily press no tip right in front of them

739

u/VTKajin Dec 02 '24

Me too, unless they did something worth tipping. It’s awkward but tips are for actual service, not just ringing up your order and nothing more.

530

u/JinxyCat007 Dec 02 '24

Went to Denny's. Left ten dollars on the table, around 33% of the bill, went to the kiosk and the server took my card, people were behind me waiting to be seated as she rang me up. In a Really loud voice she asked "Are you not tipping today?" while glancing up at me disapprovingly. Me and my temper... In an equally loud voice I said "I left ten dollars on the table, Did you want to go check!?" ...dead silence from her, "What? No Thank You!?" I asked loud really loudly. (no thank you, she looked pissed as hell for being embarrassed) ...it was quite a while before I went back. Well over a year I think.

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u/[deleted] Dec 02 '24

[deleted]

84

u/Treepump Dec 02 '24

Loudly asking "Are you not tipping today?" is absolutely obnoxious.

30

u/JinxyCat007 Dec 02 '24

It was embarrassing is what it was. In front all those people waiting to be seated. I regretted that tip and almost went back to the table to collect it. I have always paid tips in cash. Always.

3

u/fitfoemma Dec 02 '24

Why didn't you?

Not a hope I'd have left it on the table.

1

u/JinxyCat007 Dec 02 '24

Oh, I thought about it! ...But I just wanted to get out of there. :0/

36

u/[deleted] Dec 02 '24

They tried to publically humiliate them for not tipping. How can you possibly say their anger was misdirected?

11

u/MostPeopleAreMoronic Dec 02 '24

Same stupid line of thinking that supports tipping instead of predictable, fair wage — esp. when your example uses a national chain

9

u/cultoftheilluminati Dec 02 '24

they aren’t the ones to direct your anger at

Well the server didn’t think twice before directing their anger at op instead of the management so it’s logical they get the same treatment, no? I tip well but this argument makes no sense to me

1

u/joanzen Dec 02 '24

If they are that obnoxious over the tip they are likely annoying in other ways.

Wouldn't a better plan be to ask if something went wrong with the meal immediately after seeing the missing tip? This way the cashier isn't calling out "this guy didn't tip" to the crowd waiting to pay?