DoorDash Punishing Customers Who Don’t Tip / Turning Drawbacks into an Experience

Turning a Drawback into an Experience

Sandals Montego Bay is situated directly adjacent to Sangster International Airport, which is in the primary departure flight path. As a result, guests can expect to hear and see planes taking off throughout the day. This is not ideal for guests who are mostly there to relax, whether at the pool, beach, dining, or the spa. However, Sandals has done something incredible to turn this potentially high-complaint service defect into a resort experience. Every time a plane takes off, several times per hour, Sandals team members put one of their hands up and wave, expressing a sentiment, “We can’t wait to see you again.”

The tradition of employees waving at departing planes is a unique and cherished practice that adds to the resort’s charm. This custom was initiated by the resort’s founder, Gordon “Butch” Stewart. By encouraging staff to wave at planes taking off, Stewart aimed to create a joyful and interactive atmosphere that turns potential noise disturbances into moments of connection and celebration.

I witnessed this phenomenon. I saw not only dozens of employees but guests dining, lying out, raising their hands, and waving every time a plane flew over. During my presentation, I raised my hand and waved whenever I heard a plane.

Hotel del Coronado Turns a Murder into a Tourist Attraction

Potentially, the worst thing that can happen to a hotel is to have a mysterious death occur on the property. You wouldn’t think that would be good for business. However, the Hotel del Coronado, just outside of San Diego, California, had that happen, and somehow they turned it into a legendary folklore story that fascinates guests and team members, all of whom have countless stories to share.

Over a century ago, Kate Morgan checked into the hotel under the alias “Mrs. Lottie A. Bernard” from Detroit. Five days later, she was found dead on an exterior staircase leading to the beach, the victim of a gunshot wound to the head. The San Diego County coroner ruled her death a suicide, but some have speculated about the possibility of foul play.

Kate Morgan’s tragic end has given rise to numerous ghost stories, with many claiming that her spirit haunts the hotel to this day. Guests and staff have reported unexplained phenomena, particularly in the room where she stayed, now renumbered as Room 3327. These reports include flickering lights, sudden temperature drops, and the sensation of an unseen presence.

Her story has become integral to the hotel’s history, captivating visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The Hotel del Coronado embraces this aspect of its past, offering insights into Kate Morgan’s life and legend. There is even a TV channel dedicated to Kate Morgan that guests can watch when they check into their room.

DoorDash is Punishing Customers who don’t Tip

Yes, DoorDash has introduced a new feature in its app that warns customers they may experience longer wait times if they choose not to tip. When a user enters a $0 tip during checkout, a pop-up message states, “Orders with no tip might take longer to get delivered — are you sure you want to continue?” Dashers can pick and choose which orders they want to do. Orders that take longer to be accepted by Dashers tend to result in slower delivery.”

This initiative is part of a pilot program that DoorDash is testing in select markets. The company aims to inform customers that delivery drivers, known as Dashers, have the autonomy to accept or reject orders based on the tip amount and overall delivery value. Orders without tips are often less appealing to Dashers, potentially leading to wait times for customers longer.

DoorDash has observed a significant decrease in $0 tip orders since implementing this reminder. The company emphasizes that while most customers leave a tip, highlighting the potential for longer wait times helps set appropriate expectations and encourages tipping behavior.

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