Customer was frustrated when an iPad asked for a 20–25% tip before her order arrived — what she noticed next made the pressure feel even worse
The tipping culture seems to be getting more and more ridiculous by the minute. You’d definitely consider leaving a few extra dollars if the sandwich was great, but what if you’re asked to do that right after ordering? This absurdity became a reality for one customer, Susannah Lewis, who goes by @whoasusannah on Facebook. In her video dated October 29, 2026, she mentioned how she found herself blank when an iPad demanded a tip between 20 and 35% seconds after she placed her order. While she thought about it, the next visual became the last straw.
The woman mentioned that as soon as she placed her order, the iPad showed tip options. “I haven’t sat down, I haven’t eaten, I haven’t even got a drink yet,” she remarked. Her opinion was simple — how was she to tip for service before the food even arrived? As she was trying to comprehend the situation, she saw an employee standing behind the counter, observing her and checking if she had added a tip. That enraged her even more. It made her feel as if she was choosing between donating a kidney and not. “Now I’m worried that if I select no tip, someone is going to put my sandwich together with an attitude,” she added. Susannah explained that she had nothing against tipping. In fact, she was a generous tipper and believed good service deserved gratuity.
However, forcing customers to add to their payment before service, and consciously paying attention to them while they do so, felt threatening. It’s not something any customer wishes to witness. Fellow shoppers had different opinions. @linda.carrollbrown dropped some humor: “I press that no button so fast I never feel guilty.” @lorrie.mcdonald256829 added, “It almost makes me want to leave 0%, and I’m typically a great tipper!” @laura.stevenson614190 pointed out, “It’s not them asking for a tip. The company that makes the device that puts that on there." A tip is never meant to be demanded, but even after that has been pointed out, several businesses sneak in preset and automated tips or manipulate customers with an emotional account.
In another instance, one Airbnb host left the guests enraged. After their stay was complete, the homeowner sent them a farewell message with a request for a hefty tip hidden shrewdly. They mentioned that costs are rising and it’s expensive to be “amazing” hosts. As a result, if the guests felt their stay was great, they could pay $100 as a tip. The customers were stunned. Apart from the fact that they should be allowed to tip as much as they want, they also mentioned that their stay wasn’t even up to par. “Damp towels, a laminated chore list, having to do the dishes, take out the bins, while being charged service and other fees,” collectively made their time there exhausting. They stood their ground and refused to give anything.
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