Is it customary to tip at a restaurant if you order it for take out?

Answer 1

As a rule of thumb, if there is personalized service involved then you can feel free to tip. I used to work at a bar and handled a lot of carryout orders. I didn't expect a tip because I didn't wait on the people. Most wouldn't, but every now and then someone would toss me a dollar and I appreciated it. If it's a big order I'd say do it, otherwise it's a judgment call.

Answer 2

I think yes i am a server and we take all the carryout orders. We do not get paid extra just our $2.65 an hour. when doing a carry out order on top of your other tables you need to gather the food, get silverware. make the salad that comes with the meal. in my case slice and wrap the bread. put the humus in a to go cup. also if you have fries i always put in a cup of ketchup, a burger put mustard and ketchup in the cups, etc. How could you not tip? that is on top of all the other work you are doing at the time. you do not need to tip 20% but something is mandatory. (if it is a carside to go or a specific counter and all the person does is carry outs then it is not as important bec they are making a hourly wage) Just think about what you ordered and the effort that goes into it. Just think about if it was you would you expect a little something for all that work?

Answer 3

I never understood this. It's a completely different experience. When you tip at a restaurant, you are tipping for being "served" and for the experience. You're being waited on, at a table and considerable time is being spend on your needs.

I'm sorry, but I just don't get why everyone who pours my coffee, or puts my slice of pizza on a plate and hands it to me to go thinks they deserve a tip.

Doesn't anyone just do their job anymore without expecting something extra?

Answer 4

I don't believe so, if all you do is order the food and pick it up. A tip in a restaraunt is meant for recognizing and rewarding good service. Never feel obliged to tip, just for the sake of tipping.

Answer 5

If you pick your food up from a takeout counter, no. If you pick your food up in the bar at the restaurant, the bartender put the order together, so, yes. The tip doesn't have to be as much as if you ate in, but a small amount is good.

Answer 6

I usually do..

the person that does your 'tab' is taxed at 8% of their gross sales, so every sale counts towards that and therefore, if it's a 'to go' item, they still have to pay income tax.. I usually tip at about 8-10% to cover this

they get minimum wage and rely upon tips for their real income, it's not like the person is getting a great wage to begin with.

(now, if it's fast food, or something that is specifically designed as a 'to go' type of place, then I wouldn't tip).

Answer 7

Yes, you should tip 10% because the person is packaging up all of your food- even the little salad dressings and condiments like butters. Besides, 10% for one person's meal is like what? $1??? Give them a break and just hand them a buck or two... stop being cheap.

Answer 8

For me it depends, if the person actually provides REALLY good service and is attentive and helpful, I usually include a small tip. But if they just take your order, hand you a bag and send you on your way...I don't!

Answer 9

You can. They did after all provide a service. Just don't leave the norm, which would be 15%-20%. Leave at least a buck, though, if you're gonna do it.

Answer 10

Typically, no. I do, however, tip if it's a restaurant who delivers your order to your car like so many of the big chain restaurants do now (i.e. the "curbside to go" service).