Shoppers furious as cheeky self-checkout asks for 20 percent tip

Shoppers have been left angry and confused after a self-checkout machine asked one customer for a 20 percent tip.

The woman posted her experience on Reddit of buying a bottled Starbucks frappuccino at a convenience store.

Instead of queuing at the till, she decided to use a self-checkout machine to complete the purchase.

Once the Reddit user scanned her item, she was shocked to see the machine ask for a tip of either 15, 18 or 20 percent.

Other shoppers have reacted in anger and shock to her interaction with the self-checkout machine, with one person saying “It’s like an additional tax”.

On Reddit, the customer posted a picture of the machine asking for a tip with the caption: “Self-checkout asking for a tip”.

Tipping workers in hospitality jobs is considered the norm in America with 15 to 20 percent being considered customary in most parts of the country.

However, this particular shopper’s experience led many Reddit users to suggest that the US’ tipping culture has gone too far.

Many criticized the store for not hiring staff to work in-person but still benefit from customers’ tips.

Notably, customers noted the impact of A.I. in taking the jobs of service workers which is impacting the shopping experience.

Reacting to the self-checkout machine on Reddit, many shoppers voiced their disgust at the convenience store’s actions.

One user named Jim2shedz said: “The store should tip the customer for doing their work and removing a cashier to the unemployment queue.

“Can’t believe some people do tip the machines. It’s like an additional sales tax. They can shove this where the sun doesn’t shine.”

Another with the username GregoryGregory666666 added: “Happening all over. Can be justified in some cases.

“Someone behind a counter makes your sub to order then you self-checkout. I can see tipping here.

“But I went into a market and picked up things myself with not a single employee asking if I needed assistance. No tip here of course as I did the self-checkout.”

Citing the impact of changing technology, one Reddit user sarcastically shared: “Robots and AI will kill us all over non-tipping.”