what is the tipping etiquette for carryout meals?

Question

if you order your meal to go, what is the proper tipping etiquette?

Answer 1

i agree, i never tip for carryout.

as far as i know cooks get none of the tip-out, only busboys, waitresses, and host/esses.

Answer 2

While you tip for a service, you usually do so because someone has done a service. Hence yes, there should be tipping on carryout meals but a much much smaller tip. I usually round it off to the nearest dollar. Or give a dollar.

Answer 3

For the life of me I dont understand why people tip for carryout. I first learned of such a practice like 2 months ago and I was quite surprised.

I think the general rule is that you don't tip for carryout.

Answer 4

The tipping etiquette for carry-out meals is not quite as much as the dine-in policy, though it differs in many restaurants in different regions. In south Alabama, a two dollar tip (per person) is acceptable for dine-in while as carry-out is a dollar per dinner/individual order.

Answer 5

I don't know if there is a "formal" standard for tipping on carry-out orders.

I have worked at several restaurants, and recall that tips on carry-out orders were few and far between. When the customer did tip, it was usually just a buck or two.

I personally don't always tip on to-go orders, unless it's clear that a particular person was in charge of assembling my whole order and did so with care (included napkins, utensils, etc.) In that case, I tip $1.00-$3.00 or so, just as a token. I know from experience that even small tips are appreciated by those folks who work hard for them. ;)

Answer 6

Probably 15% just like delivery and waitressing, but I'm not sure.

Oh, and for all those people out there who don't tip, I will never feel bad about you getting bad service. Waiters bust there rears most of the day making usually under $4 an hour. I ALWAYS tip well. Actually, I got free food for like a YEAR at this one restaurant because I tipped the waitress $5 for a $6 meal after I waited like an hour just to get it. She was SO relieved that I didn't gripe, that she GAVE me meals after that. Graciousness always wins out. Pay it forward : )


Cheers,
Jon

Answer 7

I wouldn't tip anything, because a tip is for service. If there's a change jar on the counter, toss a few coins in if you feel so inclined. If you regularly get take-out from one place, and they're super-nice, it might be nice to get them a Christmas gift like a big box of gourmet cookies or something. You'll probably find it leads to freebies in the future, too!

Answer 8

no no...it's 15% of nothing....

I've been wondering the same thing. I think, if you go into the place and pick it up yourself, the tip should be 0. But if they bring it out to your car, I feel like $1-$2 is enough. It seems like whenever I have food delivered to my car, they take FOREVER and they don't bother greeting me first...so I usually tip nothing. But I am a bit of cheap skate! If someone is particularly friendly/good, I try to tip a buck!

Answer 9

It's 15%, usually, the person's tip would be around 3-5 dollars

Answer 10

The carry out people are generally paid the same minimum wage as servers...which is $2.13 an hour. $1 or $2 is usally fine, more if it is complicated. I'd say 5-10%. If you can't afford that, go buy a loaf of bread and eat at home.

Answer 11

the proper tipping etiquette would be up to you............it is not a requirement to give gratuity on a carryout meal........im sure whoever you have tipped was as happy as a lark to have that extra money in their pocket......