[procombo]

The U.S. is now flooded with "fast and convenient" point-of-sale systems (Square, Clover) that ask customers for a tip amount following the transaction.

To the retailer it's an obvious move. But as a customer I'm not going to pay a gratuity for the counter worker to pick up my order behind the counter and hand it to me. Their compensation should be built in to the retail price.... like everything else.

On the other hand, waiting tables is mentally and physically straining, and the quality of service can vary widely. They also act as salespeople. I WANT to tip them, it makes me feel better about being a particular/specific customer. That said, they shouldn't have to rely on gratuity to live a balanced life. Build it into base price. Then I tip as a genuine bonus.

If restaurants want to hide food prices in "equity" tax, then fine. I'll consider that in my purchase. But it only makes THEM look cheap.

[SixDouble5321]

What if I told you that tip would be distributed to the people making your meal, and maybe even the dishwasher and floor mopper, etc...

[bern4444]

The price should include the cost of everyone who works at the business.

Tipping is just a way for businesses to avoid having to pay their workers and instead pass that responsibility onto the customer.

[errantmind]

It is far from guaranteed the workers get the tips at checkout. I'm aware of a few places near me where I've been told (after asking) the workers do not even get the tips, it goes to the owner.

Personally, I only tip for table and bar service. I won't contribute to tip culture beyond that