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Ever feel uncomfortable when a payment screen asks for a tip? We sure have. As tipping prompts become more widespread , more consumers are feeling uneasy or frustrated, but not always sure why.

Our recent research in Journal of Services Marketing suggests this discomfort may be tied to where tipping is now appearing.

When we asked Canadians about some of the unusual places they've recently encountered tip prompts, the answers ranged from fast food drive-thrus to professional services like auto mechanics and appliance repair—places where tipping traditionally hasn't been expected.

Our findings show that when tipping feels out of place, it can result in a negative feeling that can shape how customers evaluate an entire service experience.…