I’m Sorry, But I Can’t Tip the Whole World
Photo illustration by The Free Press. (Photos via Getty)
Everyone today—from cashiers to robot kiosks—expects a big gratuity for ringing up an order. Olivia Reingold asks: Can you refuse without looking like a jerk?
This summer I was at Newark Airport, racing down a moving walkway to grab a bottle of water before takeoff. I snatched a Smartwater, scanned it at a self-checkout, and then gritted my teeth at the price: $8.
What a rip-off, I thought. But I know retailers hold us captive at the airport, so with no other options, I swiped my card.
Suddenly another notific…
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