Stop Turning Every Purchase into a Tip Request

Stop Turning Every Purchase into a Tip Request

Tipping has morphed from a reward for exceptional service into an expected surcharge for every transaction, thanks to digital payment screens that guilt-trip customers. Ted Jenkin argues that businesses are using behavioral marketing to pressure customers into tipping instead of honestly raising prices, turning American generosity into a financial obligation.

What used to be a reward for exceptional service has turned into an expectation for simply completing a transaction.

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2026-08-16