As a former Starbucks drive-thru barista, I find no problem with there being a tip jar in the windows. The employees make close to minimum wage - and they are working just as hard to make the drink as they would if you came into the store.

Unless, I was ordering something really complicated a huge order or they went out of their way to be friendly or helpful, I probably wouldn't tip in a drive thru. Then again, I usually go into the store to get my coffee fix. I like to look at the mugs and new music. :)

That is odd that they had that because I tried to tip the ladies who took our order the other day and they said they were not allowed to accept tips. I wonder if each Starbucks is different.

It is not like they are doing any less work in order to prepare your order for the drive-thru. In my opinion there is no difference between tipping inside and tipping at the drive-thru.

I tip when I go into an eating establishment and sit down to eat. I will NOT tip at a drive-thru.

I guess with your criticism what I am failing to understand is how it is any different than if you order the same drink but INSIDE.

In fact, as a person who has worked in a drive thru, tips are more appreciated there because people are much more likely to be rude to a person they are yelling at through a speaker than one they are talking to face to face. Even still, the drink takes just as much time and effort.

Tanya - care to respond to those who are critical of your rant?

@AP - I still don't think I'll be tipping at a drive thru, but perhaps if I ordered something out of the ordinary I would consider it. Usually it's just black coffee.

I wish they would allow tipping at my deli. Just because it's in a grocery store doesn't mean we don't work hard. And we take a lot of sh*t from people. lol

I agree with the others who discussed the fact they are working just as hard. They are making the exact same drinks, and often are expected to do it at a faster rate. They deserve a tip too!

Personally, I don't tip at Starbucks or any fast food establishment. The point of tipping is to fill out the money earned by below-minimum wage workers, such as wait staff at sit-down restaurants. They earn minimum wage at Starbucks and other fast food places, so tipping is not necessary. It's nice, but not necessary.