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The change in how people tip after we switched to card-only payments
Been running this coffee cart downtown for about 3 years now, and ever since we ditched the cash jar for a tablet with tip options, I've noticed people tip way less... like maybe half of what they used to. Used to get $2-3 in cash tips on a $5 coffee pretty regular, now it's mostly 50 cent or $1 on the screen. Is it just me or do people feel less generous when they have to physically tap a number instead of dropping bills in a jar?
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kim7275mo ago
Add a little tip jar next to the tablet for cash. Worked great for me.
1
milaprice5mo ago
Hate to disagree but the screen actually makes me tip more. Something about those preset buttons with the percentages staring at me makes me feel guilty if I hit "no tip" so I usually just tap the lowest option. Cash jar I can walk right past without a second thought.
3
phoenix_carter5mo ago
Saw a study last year that said people tip less on screens because it feels more impersonal, like you're just confirming a transaction instead of actually rewarding service. @kim727 has the right idea with the cash jar though, keeping that option seems to tap into people's goodwill way better. Most folks just want the easy feel-good moment of dropping a couple bucks without being stared down by a screen.
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