Do You Tip for Takeout and Delivery in the US?

Questions about tipping in the United States can certainly spark debates! Recently, I witnessed an interesting scenario that made me reflect on the expectations and realities of tipping for takeout and delivery services.

Elevating Tipping Expectations

The tipping culture in the US has expanded significantly. Gone are the days when tipping was reserved for exceptional service in table-service establishments. Now, even for simple takeout orders, customers are often prompted to leave a tip, sometimes up to 20%! This development has raised eyebrows among those who believe tipping standards have become too high.

My Perspective on Tipping

Personally, I have always been a good tipper, but I draw the line at tipping for counter service or takeout, unless the service is really outstanding. For instance, if I pick up my coffee at the counter, I don’t expect to leave a tip. Similarly, if I order food for pickup, I won’t tip unless the service is exceptional. My stance is that tipping should be reserved for services that go above and beyond the basic requirements, such as excellent customer service, prompt delivery, or additional assistance.

Tipping for Delivery: A Different Matter

Regarding delivery services, my mentality shifts. Yes, I usually do tip for deliveries, especially when it's cold or stormy outside. In those situations, I am not just tipping; I am expressing gratitude for the additional effort and service provided. For example, when my pharmacy delivered my medication on a frigid day, I tipped the driver $5, not only as a tip but also as a token of appreciation. The driver was taken aback, as she had never received such a tip before. She expressed confusion, but I felt that the delivery service was more valuable than setting a table and serving food.

Adapting to Changing Tipping Norms

It's important to recognize that tipping norms have evolved over the years. In the past, tipping was almost exclusively expected for table service. Cafeteria-style restaurants where food is served in bulk and customers serve themselves did not traditionally expect tips. However, today's fast-food and casual dining establishments often ask for tips by swiping your credit card and prompting for a tip at checkout. This can seem excessive for basic services like filling out a bag or bagging your order.

The Debate Over Minimum Service Tipped

Some people argue that tipping is a type of minimum service fee included in the cost of goods. They believe that since servers are paid a base wage, tips are a welcomed supplement to their income. However, from my perspective, tipping is a personal gesture of appreciation, not an automatic expectation. Servers should not be expected to cater to every need like a waiter at a fine dining establishment. Their core job is to ensure the food is served, and they are not responsible for additional services like refilling water glasses, clearing plates, or anything beyond basic customer service.

Insight into Additional Services

It's worth considering the services that waiters and waitresses in restaurants provide compared to other professions. They might tip the mailman for selling stamps, the cashier at Walmart, the road crew holding stop or go signs, or even the policeman stopping them for speeding. These professions are part of public service and not catering to individual customers.

My view is that tipping should be reserved for exceptional service. I believe the tipping jar at takeout places where no personalized service is rendered is more of a marketing tool than a genuine reflection of service quality. Servers should be compensated fairly through their base wage, not through temptations at the tip jar.

Conclusion

As the tipping culture continues to evolve, it's essential to strike a balance between recognition of effort and setting realistic expectations. Tipping is a personal choice, but it should be reserved for services that genuinely exceed the basics. Understanding the core aspects of each service can help us appreciate and value tipping more appropriately.