somewhat relevant, but even though our tips have been loads better than normal lately, we still get huge chains of people paying it forward. i swear, the next time someone offers to do it, if they seem like they'd be receptive, i'll just tell them "straight up, it's a kind gesture, but it makes things more confusing and complicated for us baristas. if that person has enough money to order from here, they don't need to be paid for. those of us working here need the money, so putting that into a tip would be appreciated." like... i am glad when people are thankful for us, but. money talks in a way that compliments don't. that's just how it be in this capitalist bitch of a world we live in.