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?

3 comments

3 Comments

kim7271mo ago

Add a little tip jar next to the tablet for cash. Worked great for me.

milaprice29d 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.

phoenix_carter1mo 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.