Sara Hanson, University of Richmond and Nathan B. Warren, BI Norwegian Business School

Have you ever hesitated at the register, uncomfortable as an employee watched you choose a tip? It’s not just you. The rise of digital tipping systems – from point-of-sale devices held by employees to countertop screens that clearly display your selection – is changing the dynamics of tipping, often in ways that make customers feel scrutinized.

As marketing professors who study digital tipping, we wanted to find out how customers respond to this sort of “tip surveillance.” So we conducted a field study analyzing 36,000 transactions and did four controlled experiments with more than 1,100 participants.

We compared tipping setups with less privacy – such as when firms use handheld payment systems, when employees are facing customers, and when apps immediately show tips to employees – with setups with more privacy, such as countertop payment systems, employees who face away from customers, and apps that disclose tips only after the service.

Our results were clear: High levels of surveillance are bad for business. Customers who felt watched while tipping were less likely to make a return visit or recommend a business. While privacy often made customers feel more generous and in control of their decisions, feeling scrutinized led to resentment and reduced loyalty.

Interestingly, research shows that people enjoy being watched when they donate to charity. So why does tipping feel different? Perhaps because tipping isn’t entirely voluntary – it’s often seen as an expectation. When customers feel pressured, they lose the sense of control that makes tipping a positive experience.

Welcome to the payment panopticon

While digital tipping can be convenient, it can also contribute to “tipflation” – the feeling that tipping expectations have gotten out of hand. If companies want to make sure customers keep coming back, our research indicates they would do well to give customers privacy to tip.

One issue might be that some employees think watching customers closely encourages them to tip generously. We didn’t find a straightforward relationship, however, between tipping privacy and tip amounts. While privacy empowers customers to tip less if they choose, we found it also often encourages them to feel more generous. These effects mean that customers tip similar amounts whether they have privacy or not.

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For companies, striking the right balance between giving customers control and fostering generosity is crucial. A business that trains its employees to give customers privacy to tip – and makes sure to pay those employees fairly, so they don’t need to pressure customers in the first place – will likely develop a better reputation and a more loyal customer base.

The next horizons of tipping

Tipping can be a feel-good experience, enhancing feelings of generosity and social status. It can also be a source of anxiety. And for better or worse, digital technology is changing the way we tip. Today, people tip more money, for more services, and in more places than ever before.

As businesses, customers and even politicians debate how to best integrate digital tipping into our world, our research shows the importance of thinking holistically. In our view, the focus shouldn’t just be on boosting tipping revenue for employees but also on creating a positive experience for customers.

More broadly, customers, workers, businesses and society may want to consider how to create a system of tipping that protects workers’ rights and dignity while guaranteeing fair pay, and that allows customers and business owners to reward employees who contribute by providing great service.

Sara Hanson, Associate Professor of Marketing, University of Richmond and Nathan B. Warren, Associate Professor of Marketing, BI Norwegian Business School

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Kia EV9

Irvine, California – December 6, 2024 – Kia’s all-electric, three-row flagship SUV, the EV9, has made a significant mark in the automotive world, earning the esteemed title of “2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas” at the recent Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) “Truck Rodeo.” This prestigious award highlights Kia’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the electric vehicle segment, proving once again that in Texas, bigger often means better.

The annual Truck Rodeo is a highly anticipated event in the automotive calendar, attracting over 40 TAWA journalist members who meticulously evaluate the top contenders among trucks, EVs, SUVs, and CUVs. This year’s competition featured an impressive lineup of 28 vehicles, all put through their paces across more than 260 rigorous driver and vehicle excursions. Journalists assessed each vehicle’s performance, comfort, technology, and overall driving experience, ensuring that the results accurately reflect the best-performing vehicles on the market.

“Kia has a long history with TAWA, and we’re thrilled that the EV9 has been named ‘2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas’ by this distinguished group of journalists,” remarked Steven Center, COO and EVP of Kia America. “This award is further evidence that Kia builds vehicles held in high regard by the press and desired by consumers. Texans love their SUVs, and the EV9 resonates with TAWA members for its design, interior space, range, technology, and dynamic driving performance. Winning this award adds to the EV9’s long list of accolades and demonstrates its success as the first mainstream three-row fully electric SUV.”

The Kia EV9 SUV

During the event, TAWA members drove the EV9 on both predetermined off-road and street courses, simulating real-world driving experiences to evaluate how well the vehicle meets the needs of consumers. The journalists praised the EV9 for its spacious interior, advanced technology features, impressive range, and overall driveability. The acknowledgment from such a respected group underscores Kia’s growing influence in the electric vehicle arena and reinforces the EV9’s position as a leader in the evolving SUV market.

As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, Kia’s EV9 stands out not just for its innovative design and functionality but also for its ability to cater to the diverse needs of modern drivers. With the recognition from TAWA, the Kia EV9 is poised to capture more hearts and minds in Texas and beyond, solidifying its place in the future of electric SUVs.

More information on the 2024 TAWA Truck Rodeo, including the full list of participating vehicles, can be found at www.texasautowriters.org.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

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Source: Kia America

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Nashville, Tenn. – Exciting news from the automotive world! Nissan has made a significant splash in Money.com’s Best Cars and Trucks 2025, earning four prestigious best-in-class accolades for its standout models. This recognition highlights the brand’s relentless dedication to delivering excellent value, performance, and innovation across various vehicle categories.

Money.com rigorously assessed over 200 cars to determine the best options in the market. Nissan emerged victorious with the following honors:

• Best Small SUVs: Nissan Kicks
• Best Midsize Cars: Nissan Altima
• Best Affordable Sports Cars: Nissan Z NISMO
• Best Affordable Electric Cars: Nissan Ariya

“This recognition highlights the strength and versatility of Nissan’s lineup,” said Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. marketing and sales, at Nissan Americas. “From the excitement of Z NISMO to the stylish value-led Kicks, these awards reflect our commitment to vehicles that meet—and exceed—the diverse needs of our customers.”

Unpacking the Winners

Let’s delve deeper into what makes these award-winning models shine in their respective categories.

1. Nissan Kicks: Best Small SUV

The Kicks stands out with its bold design and versatile technology, perfectly tailored for city living while being ready for weekend adventures. With an airy cabin, ample storage, and class-leading safety features, it’s the ideal companion for urban explorers seeking style and practicality in one efficient package.

2. Nissan Altima: Best Midsize Car

Striking the perfect balance between performance and comfort, the Altima is an exceptional midsize car that offers cutting-edge safety features and a spacious, refined interior. With advanced technology and a smooth driving experience, the Altima excels in meeting the needs of families and commuters alike.

3. Nissan Z NISMO: Best Affordable Sports Car

For those with a passion for performance, the Z NISMO is a testament to Nissan’s rich sports car heritage. With a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and numerous track-focused enhancements, this sports car delivers thrilling speed and exhilarating handling, making it a fantastic option for driving enthusiasts who crave excitement without breaking the bank.

4. Nissan Ariya: Best Affordable Electric Car

In the era of electrification, the Ariya stands as Nissan’s flagship all-electric crossover, showcasing visionary design and cutting-edge technology. With an impressive range and available advanced driver assistance features, the Ariya blends sustainability with comfort and convenience, making it a compelling choice for eco-conscious drivers.

A Commitment to Excellence

Each of these award-winning models exemplifies Nissan’s commitment to providing vehicles that offer exceptional value for money, low cost of ownership, advanced safety features, outstanding performance, and a host of innovative features. The recognition from Money.com affirms Nissan’s continuous efforts to meet the diverse needs of its customers, ensuring that every journey is a delightful experience.

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In a market brimming with choices, Nissan continues to stand out with a lineup that captures the essence of modern driving. Whether you’re navigating bustling city streets or hitting the open road, Nissan’s award-winning vehicles promise to deliver on performance, safety, and style—all while keeping affordability at the forefront.

Conclusion

As we celebrate these four fantastic accolades, it’s clear that Nissan is not just competing with various manufacturers; they are leading the charge in the automotive industry. These recognitions from Money.com reinforce Nissan’s position as a brand that caters to a wide array of driving needs while keeping innovation and value at the heart of its mission.

So, whether you’re an adventure seeker, a daily commuter, a sports car enthusiast, or an eco-conscious driver, there’s a Nissan waiting to elevate your driving experience. Here’s to more miles filled with joy, and congratulations to Nissan for this remarkable achievement!

To read Money.com’s full announcement and methodology, visit Money.com’s Best Cars and Trucks 2025.

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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