The rise of cashless prompt screens is compelling customers to tip to avoid awkwardness rather than reward service. But who actually pockets the gratuity?
In an increasingly cashless society, wherever you spend money, there is often a prompt to spend more. Pubs, cafes, beauty salons, farmers’ markets, rideshares, food delivery services and even online shopping – the option to tip can present itself wherever you tap your card.
Until recently, tipping “wasn’t a big thing in Australia”, says Kieran Scott, a Brisbane-based web designer. “[Businesses] basically never asked if you wanted to leave a tip,” he says. Rather it was something you did “out of your own choice”.
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