Delivery driver slams new 'tip baiting' trend

A delivery driver has taken to social media to slam a new trend he has spotted among some customers he calls "tip baiting".

Oregon-based Owen Lindstrom recently took to TikTok to share his experience with customers practicing "tip baiting" - and explained why it can negatively impact people in his profession.

Per the New York Post, Lindstrom is a delivery driver for Uber Eats, and his video on "tip baiting" has already amassed over 4.8 million views on the social media platform.

In the clip, Lindstrom explains: "In food delivery apps, the customer has the ability to increase or reduce the tips after drop off."

Check out his insightful video below:

He continues: "Tip baiting is when a customer offers a large tip to get their food faster and then take it away at the end. While it’s good to protect the customer from having bad service by holding the tip over your head, it leaves a big opportunity to screw over the driver."

Lindstrom added that the delivery drivers are unable to combat the practice, as "the customer holds all the power."

He then explained: "My best advice would be to find an area that doesn’t tip bait and stick around there."

The video has currently received more than 8,600 comments on the issue - with many debating the morality of the practice, but also the customers' right to tip as they please.

"Didn't realize tip baiting is a thing, thanks for sharing," one person wrote.

Credit: TikTok

Credit: TikTok

Credit: TikTok

Credit: TikTok

Another TikTok user said: "Honestly the driver shouldn‘t see the tip until he has delivered."

A third then argued: "If you can’t afford to tip the delivery driver then you have no business of ordering out. Drivers use their own cars, gas and wear and tear."

"Why would it matter? You should be providing the same service either way," A fourth said.

And one TikToker argued: "This is by far the best way to deal with bad customer service, prove you can afford to tip, and then give them only what they earned."

Credit: TikTok

Others slammed tipping culture in general, with many calling for companies to pay their delivery drivers a wage so that they do not have to rely on tips.

"Normalize companies paying their employees enough instead of relying on tips," one person commented.

"Best advice, a different line of work that isn’t dependent on the generosity of strangers." added another TikToker.