I went into a Starbucks in Olympia (The one inside Ralph’s) and purchased a Caramel Macchiato. I was looking forward to this as this particular drink has proven to be rather enjoyable. When I went to pay, I noticed that there is a place on the credit card machine for three levels of tip. I was astounded! I asked the little girl behind the counter what that was, and she said that now Starbucks allows for tipping. I then proceeded to ask her if she knew what a tip was. Her look of surprise almost made me burst out laughing as I could see that that had never crossed her mind before.
“It is a courtesy!” was her adamant, and rather pointedly rude reply. I have to confess that I was so taken aback that I nearly fell right over!
“A tip is another word for gratuity, and a gratuity is given in GRATITUDE of excellent service! So NO! I will not pander to this stupidity, thank you very much!” I paid without adding a tip, and promptly left with my Caramel Macchiato. Needless to say I do not believe I will bother going into another Starbucks again. My small contribution to their business might not mean a whole hill of beans to them, but I feel that I am not the only one that finds it hard to add a gratuity simply because someone else does (and definitely not as a courtesy to a rude millennial)
Perhaps Starbucks could rethink this strategy, and pay their staff, since a cup of Starbucks coffee is so spendy to start with! Besides, how does one gauge the “service” of making a cup of coffee (that is not even that good)? Tipping fast food?? Astonishing!
