Are Dutch Bros. workers tipping themselves? Oregon customer reveals real reason baristas don’t ask for tips: ‘20% is crazy’
Automatic gratuity is controversial among consumers. The practice is common for parties of six guests and above, but now several customers are noting that it’s happening outside of those circumstances, too.
For example, one solo diner said she noticed an 18% charge for automatic gratuity on her receipt. Another Olive Garden customer claimed the restaurant charged her an extra $16.78 for her to-go meal, and a third said a bar in Boston added 20% after she ordered two drinks.
Now, a Dutch Bros. customer says the coffee shop chain is doing the same. TikTok creator Valeria (@valeria.milian.r) posted a short clip writing in the text overlay, “I just realized that when I go to Dutch bros and they don’t ask for tip it’s because they tip themselves.”
“20% is crazy,” she continued.
She added more details in the caption. “Well this feels wrong,” she wrote. “I always tip too but when I have my kids I usually don’t pay attention.” Her video has garnered over 885,800 views.
Has This Happened to Other Dutch Bros. Customers?
There are plenty of instances online of customers claiming the same.
“Does anyone else find it strange that the Dutch bros workers tip themselves without asking?” wrote one customer on an Oregon Facebook group. “I have no problem tipping but when they don’t give me the option and tip themselves it seems rude and makes me not want to tip.”
Another customer based in Porterville, California, wrote, “Beware of Dutch bros here in town. They seem to love adding their own tips.”
A Reddit user on r/dutchbros shared their story in more detail. “I just did an order and the girl scanned my QR and took my payment,” they wrote. “I got my receipt and she applied a 15% tip to the order.”
Similar stories are common online, coming from different locations across the country. The Mary Sue has reached out to Dutch Bros via email to ask about their policies on automatic gratuity.
Commenters Share Varied Experiences
In the comments, some validated Valeria’s story by sharing their own, but others claimed it’s not common.
“This happens often !!” one user shared. “One time my bf said no tip after they tipped themselves and asked for the receipt at window. Turns out they did and my bf confronted them, we ended up getting a refund a free drink.”
“I went to a Dutch Bros on a road trip about a year ago and the barista gave herself a $30 tip on my $12 order,” wrote another. “I didn’t notice till I had left but I went straight back to confront her.”
However, a user claiming to be a Dutch Bros employee said this type of action may get you in trouble. “Girl I work at Dutch and you can get fired for doing that you should def talk to management there,” they wrote.
“My Dutch never does that and I go way too often im sorry they scammed you girl,” wrote a third.
“If y’all use the app it has an automatic tip setting,” chimed in one commenter. “Maybe check it before we assume the employees are picking the tip themselves.”
@valeria.milian.r Well this feels wrong ? I always tip too but when I have my kids I usually don’t pay attention @Dutch Bros Coffee ? #dutchbros #dutchbroscoffee #wrong #tipping #tippingculture ♬ why are so many people using this – lucycrops
Does the Dutch Bros. App Have Auto-Tip On by Default?
According to the company, you can choose to turn auto-tipping on. “Set an amount for orders above and below $10, and a tip will be added each time you pay for orders with the app,” Dutch Bros. wrote on its website.
It also clarified that users can change the amount at checkout. “Just let your broista know after you scan, and they’ll adjust it!” they continued.
Nothing in the company’s policy mentions automatic gratuity, despite the many customers claiming they have experienced it.
The Mary Sue contacted Valeria via email as well for official comment and more information.
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