Starbucks Customers: Is Tipping an Obligation?
“Your total is $5.95. Cash or card?”
It’s time for pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin cream cold brews, which means an iced Starbucks drink in hand, no matter the weather. Seasonal drink or not, these coffees serve as a crucial pick-me-up to over four million people a day in the US. With the “grande” being the most popular size at the chain at 16 fluid ounces, this small drink’s price can rack up to $6 or even higher if you wish to add more shots of espresso or pumps of much-needed flavor, each for $0.80. Additionally, cream cold foam is $1.25 and any other toppings are $0.60. So if you are already paying close to $8 for a single drink, are you morally obligated to add a tip to the barista over this already high price?
It is customary in the tip culture of the US to add a gratuity of 15% to 20%, even for purchases as small as a coffee. The dreaded “Add tip?” is followed by a “$1, $2, $3,” that begs to be clicked. As your finger glides over the numbers and onto “no tip,” you feel a pang of remorse and cannot meet the eyes of your cashier. Tipping has become such a guilt-driven action for customers because many service workers rely on tips from customers. Is it not the company’s responsibility to pay workers a sufficient sum? Making sure these workers receive livable wages should not be on the buyers’ shoulders each time they make a purchase. .
With this being said, tipping is and has always been the societal norm of our country. This system will not get fixed overnight, and until then, we as consumers are obligated to think about whether to leave a tip or not.
Some arguments can be made about expecting the more affluent to tip. If Starbucks drinks are in your weekly routine, the prices can rack up quickly, resulting in your already idle bank account being deprived even further. However, if you do have the means to be tipping generously, there is a moral obligation to share your fruitfulness.
On the other hand, expecting strangers’ kindness comes with its downsides. For example, the bystander effect depicts how one will not voluntarily reach out a helping hand, expecting somebody else to do so. If we all expect the other customers to leave a tip for the cashier, they will be left with no tips, and only be paid the minimal wage that they receive.
Although there is no straightforward answer given, the base pay for Starbucks workers ranges from $16 to $19. Arguably, these numbers are greater than California’s $15.50 minimum wage, which some see as acceptable. Workers may also earn additional wages of up to $2 through bonuses, stock, and commissions.
There are never perfect answers to morally driven questions like these, and tipping is not the exception. Nonetheless, your ability to pay for more than what you ordered is a personal preference, informed by both your experience and affluence. Once again, it is forward to assume the generosity of other customers, so if you are able to, it never hurts to give back to those who have provided you with that delicious taste on your tongue.
