A Funny Tip Mishap Teaches Us About Tipping Culture

Tip Hack You Shouldn't Use

I just stumbled on a bad "beat the tip at the service counter" hack that I hope no one embraces.

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This was not my finest hour as a consumer, but it was funny so I share it with shame. Effective? Absolutely, but I hope it does not become a trend.

The Tip Hack Set Up

Here is how the situation played out; I had just ordered Jimmy John's. It was a simple order and I was paying at the counter. The very helpful worker rang me up and then there it was–the dreaded "tip screen". I always wrestle with what is appropriate. I mean, it used to be the tip was tied to sit-down service, but as you know, the tip has worked its way electronically into most every transaction.

The Tip Amount Debate

Here was inner debate: "The Jimmy John's employee only took my order, but his team did build my meal, and he was helpful in getting my order right", I decided to give a tip. The problem? My reading glasses were in the car, so I struggled to see the screen like Sherlock Homes in a thick London fog. I hit the "custom tip" button wishing I had noted the 15% amount.

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Since I didn't see the amount and knew the extent of my math skills, I thought I would just shoot high and give 20%. The math was easy, so I smartly typed in $3.00 dollars feeling generous. As I tapped "OK" a fleeting moment of good eyesight revealed my error, I had not entered three dollars, I had carefully entered, wait for it... .03. The helpful staff member told me he would send me the receipt and handed me the meal.

I hope that my squinting made it clear that I was not trying to dis the sub-compilation crew, and yeah, I beat the tip system, but not in a way that I hope anyone else will be inspired to emulate.