Starbucks employees take to social media to vent their anger at new tipping system

Starbucks has rolled out a new tipping system that allows customers to leave the barista a tip. The baristas said it is awkward to ask customer's if they are choosing to leave a tip.

The new tipping feature is going to be rolled out in North America, and customers can leave a $1, $2, other amount or no tip after they have inserted their card to pay for their beverage or baked good.

Some people are not happy about the new tip system, including employees, who took to TikTok to express how uncomfortable it makes them feel.

TikTok user greenfanclub posted a video on Nov. 21 showing her working at the Starbucks drive-thru window and hiding the card machine with the tipping display open.

The video reads when the new tipping system comes out. She captioned the video with social anxiety baristaproblems. 16 STORES, 6 SAFETY ISSUES With more than 6.7 million views, the viral video spurred a discussion on tipping food service workers.

A Reddit user and Starbucks barista shared why the new tipping system is awkward for employees and customers.

I hate the new tipping on the credit card thing. Drive thrus are the worst. It's awkward putting my hand out and waiting for them to realize what it says on the Reddit user, Swimming Ad 2163 wrote. I get it might be more convenient for people who don't carry cash, but it's awkward. Many people claim that Starbucks should simply pay their employees more rather than rely on customers for tips.

Why did Starbucks add a tipping service? One user wrote that they just need to pay their employees more via their ridiculously expensive products.

I'm all for this tipping system as long as it is small business. Another added that it was definitely slapping the no tip for a Starbucks.

Here's a tip - you're charging 6 bucks for caffeine and sugar. Another wrote that your employer has a tip.

Some disagreed, sharing that they would happily leave the barista a tip.

FINALLY! One user wrote that I'm so happy you guys take those now, because I always feel bad when I don't have cash.

Also, let me tip you! One person said I will be 100% tip because I don't know how to make a fancy coffee.

A Starbucks spokesman said the popular coffee shop is rolling out card tipping across the U.S.

Starbucks is going to give customers the ability to tip for credit card transactions at the register in the caf and drive-thru. This capability began at select stores in the U.S. in September 2022 and will continue to be available to all stores where this can be applied through the end of the year. Starbucks made a statement. It's our goal to allow our customers to recognize baristas no matter what payment method they use, and we're excited to bring this new enhancement to stores.