Why does Starbucks put the tip jar next to the cashier instead of the counter where you pick up your coffee?

Question

If the tip jar is to reward for good service, shouldn't you have an opportunity to see whether you've received good service. There is less consistency in their results than at other "fast food" establishments. One of my biggest complaints is lukewarm coffee. Because they make too many orders at once before setting them on the counter and mine gets cold. Or the milk has been sitting there too long. Another is a latte with way too much foam. Because they don't know the difference between a latte and a cappuccino?

Answer 1

I completely agree. Starbucks employees occasionally make mistakes with their drinks, whether it's forgetting the whipped cream or giving you a latte instead of a cappuccino. The tip jar is placed next to the cash register for two reasons. The first is for practicality. People have their wallets and coin purses out at the cash register, immediately after they pay for their drink. They are much more likely to drop spare change into the tip jar then, then they are AFTER they get their drink. By that time, they'll have to reach into their pockets, get coins out, etc. It simply takes too long.

The second reason is exactly what you've noticed. If the employees don't deliver adequate service, people won't tip them. By "asking" people to tip before their drinks are served, Starbucks is ensuring a larger amount of tips. (Because if you get served the wrong drink, you'll be mad, but you probably won't reach back into the tip jar for your money.)

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Since when did doing something nice become an issue? Some baristas earn their state's minimum wage or close to it, and yes while they earn good benefits, you can't live on just health insurance and minimum wage, so getting tips helps a lot. Most people would have to find another job if it wasn't for the tips. It's the same concept as tipping a waitress, bartender or bellhop. If you think they did a great job, then tip them your spare change. And of course, tipping is always optional. You don't have to put money in the jar, it's just a nice thing to do. Especially when someone comes in 2 minutes before closing and asks for 3 frappucinos. Also any tips from the tip jar are distributed every week based on the number of hours you worked. Managers or anyone higher are not allowed to take from the the tip jar.

Answer 3

I really don't know, but I'm guessing that since you pay at the cash register anyway, they might as well put the tip jar right by where your paying. That way you already have the money out anyway, so they figure you're more likely to leave a tip then. But that's just my guess.

Answer 4

Wow, I 've never had anything but hot coffee at Starbucks and here's the answer to your question: the tip jar is at the register because that's when I have my wallet open. By the time I pick up my coffee, the wallet's in my purse and I'm ready to leave.

Answer 5

The area where you pick up your drinks is not monitored like the area where you place your order. People could walk off with the karma jar in no time.

If you are that unhappy with the product, tell the manager or go to the Starbucks down the street.

Answer 6

Face it, they put the tip jar where you are most likely to put money. You get your change, you drop in the money. Are you really going to rummage through your pocketbook or pants once you have gotten your coffee to leave a tip,NO,so they put it where you are most likely to leave money whether you are happy or not. They aren't stupid. They are far from the only place that does it, actually most places do it that way. It's just easier. Anyway, mosst people don't really tip anyway.

Answer 7

No tip jars at Starbucks in Japan fortunately! And there shouldn`t be tip jars at Starbucks anywhere for the prices they charge! The service charge is in the drink whether you like it or not.

Answer 8

Go to youtube.com and type in the following: the kid from brooklyn starbucks, and play the video.

This doesn't actually have any merit, but it's darn funny. However, make sure you're in a place where you can turn the volume up and no one's around because it's quite vulgar but very amusing.

Answer 9

first of all when the customer gets their change after paying their bill the tip jar is right their to put money in, and another thing alot of people like to steal the tip money that's why it's near the register

Answer 10

Its at the register because thats when you have your money out and that when they give you change back. They are hopeing you just throw it in instead of putting it away. How many times do you stand in the pick up line holding money.