I flat out refuse to tip at these 8 places (What about you?)

Tipping culture has spiraled way beyond restaurants, and frankly, it’s out of control. You might feel differently, but here are the places where I refuse to tip.

Whether it’s self-checkout or fast food joints, there are certain businesses where tipping just doesn’t make sense anymore.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment and tell me where you never tip (or where you always tip).

1. Fast Food Restaurants

Not every fast food chain has jumped on the tip screen or jar bandwagon yet, but I’ve noticed more and more popping up lately.

To me, fast food just isn’t the same as a sit-down restaurant, and growing up, I never saw fast food establishments asking for tips.

Plus, I live in California, where fast food workers are paid a minimum wage of $20, which is a decent wage, so I don’t see why tipping should be expected on top of it.

2. Hotel Cleaning Staff

I’m already paying the hotel for all their services, so room cleaning should be included in that rate. Hotels should take responsibility for paying their staff properly instead of passing that cost onto guests.

Plus, if you tip at the end of your stay, there’s no guarantee it reaches the actual people who cleaned your room all week; it might just go to whoever happens to be working that final day.

3. Places With Self-Checkout

Taking your order is traditionally part of the service a business provides; if I’m now doing this myself using self-checkout, I don’t feel inclined to tip. If I’m not even interacting with an employee during my entire transaction, I shouldn’t be expected to pay extra.

4. Starbucks and Similar Coffee Chains

I used to tip now and then, but those digital screens feel so awkward. Having to decline right in front of the worker feels like pressure, especially when they’re trained to say, ‘it’s going to ask you a question,’ which makes the whole thing even more uncomfortable.

I understand it’s not the employees’ fault, but Starbucks is a billion-dollar company that continually hikes prices; they should be paying their employees fairly instead of putting customers on the spot. Do you feel the same, or is it just me?

5. Sports and Concert Concession Stands

Grabbing a hot dog from a warmer and handing it over with a soda doesn’t really constitute service worthy of a tip.

The markup on stadium food is already outrageous, sometimes triple what you’d pay elsewhere. These venues should use some of those inflated profits to pay workers properly rather than adding tip screens to squeeze even more money from customers.

6. Farmers Markets

I’ve started seeing tip options at some farmers market vendors, which honestly surprised me since I’d never encountered this before. When I shop at farmers markets, I’m already supporting local businesses and farmers directly with my money.

The simple transaction of buying fresh produce doesn’t involve much interaction besides weighing my produce and taking money, which is a quick exchange.

7. Cookie Shops Like Crumbl

They quickly take your order and hand you a box of cookies, and sometimes I even use their self-checkout kiosk.

The only time I’ve tipped was when I placed a big order for a party since that felt more labor-intensive. For regular transactions, though, I don’t feel a tip is necessary.

8. Anywhere That Pressures Me Beforehand

If an employee makes pointed comments about tipping, circles suggested amounts on receipts, or pressures me before I’ve even received service, I’m definitely not leaving anything extra.

Good service should speak for itself, and pressuring customers for tips isn’t pleasant for anyone.

Join the conversation in the comments. Where do you always skip tipping?