Do you tip on take-out orders from restaurants? And if so, what percentage is acceptable?

Question

I've always wondered about this question. I don't want to come off as a cheapskate or anything when I order out, but I also don't want to have to spend more than I have to. I figure that when we tip, it is for SERVICE. But when we order out, service is taken out of the equation, isn't it? So do we still need to tip? Is it in poor taste NOT to? If you tip on take-out, then how much do you usually leave? Do you tip the same as you would if you were eating your meal in the restaurant (15-20%)? I want to see what the rest of the world does in this situation, so that I can modify my own behavior accordingly.

Answer 1

No. You're not getting any table service, there's no dishes to wash, you're not using anything belonging to the restaurant, so no tip

Answer 2

Yes, they are still doing the same job, just not taking your dishes away. I as a bartender had to take to-go orders, and that sucks when it is busy... I have to stand there on the phone and take the order put it in, then go put it together when it is ready, when you add up the time it takes, and the fact that I am taking that time away from guest in my area, it is costing me money...not to mention we have to claim a percentage of tips according to our sales for the night, and to-go orders are a part of the sales, so to say the least, when I spend that much time on a to-go guest, and they do not tip, I do get upset. So if you are getting a to-go order when you pick it up look around and judge the resturant, if it is busy leave at least 15%, other than that leave 10%, If it is a large order leave more. I know that I use to spend so much time putting them together, making sure they had sauces, bread, and all the trimmings they would need, and just like when you eat out it is not always perfect, but most do try.

p.s. for those of you who do not know by now, the tip average you should leave is 18% and up for good service, most only make 2.13 an hour. Folks have been leaving 15% since the 60's or 70's, maybe even before that, I think, And yeah the price of everything else goes up, so take care of your server and others like them when you head out to eat, and have a good time.

Yes I know not all service is good service, tip accordingly!!!

Answer 3

On a pick-up, take-out order, I do not tip. On a delivery take-out order I tip 20% as if I were sitting down having dinner. Pending the weather on the delivery, if it's bad, I usually tip more because I requested the food to be delivered out in the horrible weather and it's their job to make sure they deliver in a resonable amount of time. Same at a sit down meal, if they are extra good or extra helpful, without trying, has to come naturally, I tip more than 20%, especially if I make them run bak and forth for something (which generally doesn't happen).

Answer 4

I always tip while getting take out. However not anywhere near what I would if I was eating in the restaurant. Unlike a regular tip I don't do the percentage thing with take out. If it's a smaller order I give two or three bucks. Large order $5.

Answer 5

I used to work the take out counter at a TGI Fridays restaraunt. I made the same as the servers did($2.13/hr.) plus tips. It was a lousy job since most people don't tip on take out orders, and so the managers tried to rotate the shift to be fair. when people did tip it was usually 2 to 5 dollars. When I get take out now, I usually ask if they're paid hourly or work off tips. It seems to be about half and half. If a place does a lot of take out business, they usually get paid in tips. even if a bartender or or a server puts my order together, I usually tip. What most people don't know is that in most restaraunts, whoever takes the order and puts it in the computer has to tip out a percentage of the total. So if they dont get tipped, it actually cost them money to serve you. I don't get mad when people don't tip me (I still work in a restaraunt) as I know that most people don't know this. But here's what I reccomend: a least leave a couple of dllars if it's a small order, and 15% if it's a really big to go order. It takes time to get the order put together and often takes time away from taking care of tables. Plus, it can really make somebodys' day.

Answer 6

Well from personal experience the service is still there just behind the scenes. They take your order, they put your order in, they make sure it is hot when you are there to pick it up, they box and bag it for you, they make sure you have all the condiments that you will need, and most places now they will even bring it to you if asked. So I think it is a good idea to tip. Most people are like you and think that nothing goes on and the service isn't there. I have done take out orders and most people dont tip and then I get frustrated. Although I wouldn't tip more than 10% because they aren't there when your eating your food to make sure that everything is 100% up to par and unless you drive back and have them change it then you are left with something that you aren't satisfied with. So tip how you feel, according to friendliness, waiting time, freshness of food, and how much you purchased.

Answer 7

I always tip on take out orders. Mainly because I work in food service. Its always good to tip on take out if you go to the place frequently. The people will get to know you and aim to please you since they know you tip. You'll get WAY more ketchup packets and napkins and they won't forget your sides. Generally at places like Red Robin or Applebees the person on take out is usually a host or someone that is making at least full minimum wage or more, so they are getting more than a server. I still leave at least 2 dollars. I've seen people come in my restaurant and order over $200.00 in food and expect everything to be labeled and not tip, this is disgraceful. Leave at least %10 on large orders. As far as having food delivered check and see if your already paying a delivery fee. Delivering food is one of the easiest jobs in the world, I did it for a long time, pizza deliverers are very overpaid.

Answer 8

it depends... generally on takeout I leave a small tip if the takeout was ready in a reasonable time... like if I called ahead and they said it would be ready at... 3:00 I walk in at 3:00 and it is ready... I leave a small tip... a couple dollars... depending on the $ amount of the order... like you would tip a bell man who lifts your bags into a cab...

on the other hand if it was delivered... I tip if it didn't cost more to be delivered... normal tip... for delivery (15-20%) but if they already charged you more to deliver it... I just subtract that from the tip I give... and if it comes out negative... I throw the driver a couple bucks as I would if I would have picked it up...

Answer 9

Well since you havent tasted the food, and/or had any dishes washed or table side service, i would only tip my change such as if the total was 37. and i gave 2 20$ bills and change equals about 3 id just leave the the 3$

Answer 10

Yes, it is appropriate to tip even if you order take out. I just don't tip as much because the do not have to keep returning to yout table to see if you need anything else. The less work they have to do, the less the tip. I don't pay for service I don't get.

Answer 11

I still tip the same (20%) for a Take-Out Order that is delivered.