A TikTok from @poorandhungry shows a surprising tip prompt at an ice cream shop, sparking discussion about America’s tipping system. In the video, the user says she bought a $2 waffle cone at Ben & Jerry’s and was surprised when a tip prompt appeared as she paid by card.
According to the user, she ordered a waffle cone, received it from the cashier, and then paid. When the tipping prompt appeared, she said the suggested amount or tip percentage seemed unjustifiable for simply handing over a $2 ice cream cone.
After she chose the “no tip” option, the cashier reacted negatively, adding another point of dispute. She said customers should not be guilt-tripped for refusing an optional tip.
Americans feel obligated to tip in more places
She wasn’t the only one who felt that way about the controversial tipping system. Several users also mentioned encountering tipping screens at convenience stores, online checkouts, and even self-service kiosks.
@poorandhungry Those tip screens are OUT OF CONTROL #tip#tipping#cringe#customerservice♬ original sound – $yd
The tipping culture, which is now called “tipflation”, raised concerns that it has already gotten out of control. In comments, some noted that tipping is an excuse for several restaurant owners and corporations to avoid paying their employees a livable wage.
According to Stephen Barth, an attorney and hospitality law professor at the University of Houston, The tip-credit wage has become a way to relieve employers of the pressure to increase wages. “It’s really a subsidy for employers,” Barth said.
Another commenter said that a tipping option appeared when purchasing a Starbucks gift card. Some also said they had seen tip requests when picking up their own takeout or using self-checkout machines. This user also shared that a tipping screen even appeared when purchasing mason jar lids online.
Overall, consumers have reported feeling pressure to tip workers more than ever before, including at restaurants, coffee shops, auto repair shops, retail stores, and even medical offices. A recent Pew Research Center survey of nearly 12,000 adults found that 72% of Americans feel they are being asked to tip in more places than they were five years ago.
Some commenters said tipping bartenders and servers makes sense, but they draw the line at counter service. Others argued that customers should not feel obliged to leave a tip just because the payment terminal offers that option. Digital payments include a tipping option in most payment terminals, but many people still aren’t sure whether some services justify leaving a tip.
Published: Oct 8, 2026 03:07 pm