Tipping used to be something you expected at restaurants, hair salons, and a handful of other places where someone provided a service. These days, it seems like every time you pull out your credit card, there’s another screen asking how much extra you’d like to leave.
And apparently, even buying a Christmas ornament or a blanket isn’t off-limits.
One Reddit user recently shared their frustration after visiting a farmers market where nearly every purchase came with a tip request. From T-shirts to holiday decorations, the requests kept coming, leaving them wondering when buying something started to require a little extra money.
A simple shopping trip came with one tip request after another
In a post shared on Reddit, the customer described visiting a farmers market or swap meet and being asked to tip at every stall where they made a purchase.
It started with a hot dog from a food truck, which they found somewhat understandable, though they don’t tip when they’re not receiving table service.
Then came the T-shirts. They requested a tip even though they were simply purchasing clothing.
Next was a Christmas tree decoration, followed by a $120 blanket. According to the customer, the suggested tip options for the blanket started at 20%.
That’s an additional $24 on a purchase that was already costing $120.
The customer was particularly frustrated because these weren’t situations where someone was waiting on them or providing an additional service. They were buying merchandise at the listed price.
Later, they clarified that some vendors also verbally encouraged tipping as they handed over the payment terminal.
Other customers say they’ve had enough
Several commenters said they have no problem tipping restaurant servers, delivery drivers, or others who provide a service, but draw the line at being asked for extra money when purchasing ordinary merchandise.
Others shared their own experiences with unexpected tip requests.
One person said they were prompted to leave a tip while buying a $35 T-shirt, even though they hadn’t received any assistance. Another said they encountered a tip request while ordering socks online.
A former waitress said she still tips at restaurants but doesn’t think the same expectation should apply to fast-food counters or farmers market purchases.
For many commenters, the frustration wasn’t necessarily about the money. It was the growing expectation that customers should tip regardless of what they’re buying.
When did tipping become part of almost every purchase?
Digital payment systems have made it easier than ever for businesses to offer tipping options at checkout. Whether you’re ordering coffee, buying something at a market, or picking up a quick meal, you might see suggested percentages before you can finish paying.
And when those suggestions start at 20%, even a relatively small purchase can become noticeably more expensive.
Of course, customers can usually select no tip or enter a different amount. Several Reddit users pointed out that declining is as simple as pressing a button.
But others argued that repeatedly declining tip requests creates unnecessary pressure, especially when the person handling the transaction is standing right in front of you.
Related: 11 Tipping Habits Servers Wish Customers Would Stop
So, where should customers draw the line?
No universal rule requires customers to tip every time a payment screen asks for one.
Many people still tip for traditional services but skip the option when they’re simply buying merchandise. Others prefer to support small businesses and independent makers with an extra contribution when they can afford it.
Ultimately, tipping remains a personal choice, and a suggested percentage on a payment terminal doesn’t automatically make it an obligation.
For the Reddit user who started the conversation, the experience was enough to make them question how far tipping expectations have spread.
And judging by the responses, they’re far from the only person wondering why buying a blanket or a Christmas ornament now comes with a question about gratuity.
