I’m so lost on how to tip anymore. I remember back when 12% pre-tax was considered a really good tip, but now the kiosks recommend 20-25% (which is usually ON TOP of tax).
I already don’t tip anywhere I’m not sitting down with service, but 20-25% is crazy when I’m just trying to get fed.
I don’t want to fiddle around through a machine menu, so if it has reasonable suggestions like 12% 15% and 18% I’ll usually choose one of those.
If their automatic suggestions are at something like 20% 25% 30% I usually just press no tip instead of custom and entering in another value.
I justify it by saying the next three people paying 25% are paying for my 15% tip, because obviously they can afford it more than I can.
That high tip suggestions piss me off and I’m more inclined to tip lower.