AITA for not tipping for zero service?

Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)

Did I Overreact to a Kiosk-Only Experience?

After a morning of car shopping with his granddaughter, a grandfather finds himself at a Steak and Shake where the entire ordering process is automated, leaving him questioning the norms of tipping. With no traditional service to speak of, he opts to leave no tip, sparking an internal debate about whether he was in the wrong. This relatable scenario highlights the evolving landscape of dining experiences in the U.S. and raises thought-provoking questions about service expectations in a tech-driven world.

Family Drama Over Tipping at a Fast Food Restaurant

Recently, a situation arose during a lunch outing that has sparked some family drama and left me questioning my actions. Here’s a breakdown of the events:

Outing with Granddaughter: I accompanied my granddaughter to a city a moderate distance away to help her look at a car. After completing the paperwork around noon, we decided to grab lunch at a nearby Steak and Shake.
Ordering Process: Upon arrival, we discovered that the only way to place an order was through a kiosk. There was no physical menu displayed on the wall, which made the ordering process somewhat confusing.
Tip Decision: I entered a tip amount of zero on the kiosk, intending to leave cash as a tip, as I usually do at restaurants. Given the self-service nature of the establishment, where we had to get our own drinks, napkins, and condiments, I felt this was justified.
Food Pickup: After placing our order, we waited for our food, which was called out for pickup at the counter. The restaurant was nearly empty, with only one other customer present.
Service Experience: A staff member, who appeared to be managing the drive-through, checked in on us once to ask if everything was okay. However, the overall service felt minimal, and I recalled having better experiences at other fast-food chains where there was more direct interaction.
Post-Meal Actions: After finishing our meal, we cleared our table by carrying our trash to the waste container and leaving the tray on the stack, as there was no table service to speak of.
Reflection: Now, I find myself questioning whether my decision not to leave a tip was appropriate. I believe that tipping should reflect the level of service received, and in this case, I felt there was none.

This experience has led to some conflict resolution discussions within my family. Some members believe that any dining experience warrants a tip, while others agree that service quality should dictate the amount. As I navigate this wedding tension and family drama surrounding tipping etiquette, I’m left wondering if I was in the wrong for my actions.

This is Original story from Reddit

Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)

Story

I went with my granddaughter to look at a car in a city a moderate distance from us this morning. She finished the paperwork just before noon, so we went to a nearby Steak and Shake for lunch. The only way to order was through a kiosk.

There was no menu on the wall. I put zero for the tip amount, intending to leave cash as I normally do at restaurants. We had to get our own drinks, napkins, and condiments.

They called my name to pick up our order off the counter. When we finished, we carried our trash to the waste container and left the tray on the stack there. There was literally no service.

So, I didn’t leave a tip. The restaurant appeared to be empty, with possibly one other customer. A man with a microphone headpiece, as if working the drive-through, asked us once if everything was okay.

The food was fine for regular fast food. But, I have had better service at McDonald’s and Hardee’s – at least there was a human taking my order and the menu with prices was posted. I think it was okay not leaving a tip, but I’m starting to wonder if I was an AH.

View the Original Reddit Post Here

Summary of Reddit Comments

The top Reddit comments reveal a strong consensus around NTA due to the belief that tipping should be reserved for actual service rendered and not expected in situations where customers serve themselves. Most users agree that the expectation to tip in counter service settings, especially during the pandemic, is unreasonable, providing insight into the overall moral takeaway that tipping practices need to be reevaluated.

Tipping is a courtesy, not a requirement.
Many users emphasize that no service was provided in this scenario.

Overall Verdict: NTA

Expert Advice for Resolving Family Conflict Over Tipping

Family disagreements over tipping can be sensitive, especially when they touch on personal values and expectations. Here are some practical steps to help navigate this situation and foster understanding among family members:

Open a Dialogue: Encourage a family discussion where everyone can express their views on tipping. Make sure to create a safe space for sharing opinions without judgment. This can help clarify misunderstandings and allow each person to feel heard.
Share Perspectives: Each family member should explain their reasoning behind their tipping beliefs. For instance, those who advocate for tipping may emphasize the importance of supporting service workers, while others may focus on the quality of service received. Understanding these perspectives can bridge gaps in opinions.
Educate on Tipping Norms: Discuss the evolving nature of tipping, especially in fast-casual dining settings. Share insights about how service expectations have changed, particularly during the pandemic, and how this impacts tipping practices. This can help normalize differing views.
Find Common Ground: Identify shared values among family members. For example, everyone likely agrees on the importance of supporting workers, even if they disagree on how to do it. Finding common ground can help reduce tension and foster a sense of unity.
Set Boundaries: If the topic continues to cause conflict, consider setting boundaries around discussions of tipping. Agree to disagree on this topic and focus on other aspects of family gatherings that bring joy and connection.
Model Respectful Behavior: Regardless of differing opinions, demonstrate respect for each other’s choices. If someone chooses to tip in a situation where you wouldn’t, acknowledge their decision without criticism. This sets a positive example for future discussions.
Revisit the Topic Later: If emotions run high during the initial discussion, it may be beneficial to revisit the topic at a later time when everyone is calmer. This allows for more thoughtful conversations and reduces the likelihood of heated arguments.

Ultimately, the goal is to foster understanding and respect among family members, even when opinions differ. By approaching the situation with empathy and openness, you can help ease the tension and strengthen family bonds.