Uber Eats driver sparks debate with ‘tip baiting’ video: 'One of the worst things you can encounter as a driver'

Millions of viewers are learning about “tip baiting” for the first time, thanks to an Uber Eats driver’s viral video.

The clip comes courtesy of TikToker @owenlindstrom, who’s built a substantial following for posting his daily experiences as an Uber Eats driver. One of his recent videos struck a very particular chord, as it sparked a wide-ranging debate about gig workers and tipping protocols.

Those topics have played a major role on TikTok for quite some time, as delivery drivers often turn to the platform to share their experiences.

Recently, a DoorDash driver went viral after sharing the “secret” downside of delivering to apartment buildings. Before that, a driver explained how they mistakenly received an order request from over 700 miles away.

In @owenlindstrom1’s video, he describes “tip baiting” as one of the “worst things” a driver can encounter. Basically, the concept involves a customer including a large tip with their order, then changing the tip amount after their food arrives.

As @owenlindstrom1 explains, customers might do this to encourage a driver to deliver their order more quickly.

“Unfortunately there’s not really anything you can do to fight it,” @owenlindstrom1 adds. “Because the customer holds all the power.

That’s because, according to Uber Eats’ website, a tip can be edited up to an hour after the order arrives. The company adds that 100% of all tips go straight to the driver.

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Many TikTokers wrote that they’d never heard of tip baiting, and some were outraged.

“That’s messed up,” one user wrote.

“If you have to reduce the tip after the fact, you should have to put a reason,” another added.

“This upsets me,” another wrote.

Others, however, argued that tip baiting isn’t the real problem.

“Perhaps we shouldn’t be pre-tipping at all,” one user wrote.

“Tipping shouldn’t exist at all,” another added. “Just pay the workers properly.”

In the comments, @owenlindstrom1 wrote that he doesn’t believe tip baiting is “super common,” but added that it is frustrating when it happens.

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