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How Much Should You Tip on Postmates and Why

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If you're a frequent user of Postmates, you might be wondering how much you should tip your delivery drivers. Delivery services like Postmates, UberEats, and Caviar are becoming increasingly popular, and understanding the tipping culture can greatly enhance your experience.

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The Magic Number

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According to various sources and personal experience, the magic number for tipping on Postmates seems to be around $20 per hour. This figure encompasses both large and small tips, reflecting the true appreciation behind each tip.

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Postmates’ Basic Pay Structure

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Postmates, like many similar services, pays its drivers a base fare for each delivery. For instance, they might pay around $3-$5 per delivery. Additionally, they cover wear and tear on the car with 69 cents per mile and 4 cents per minute, which roughly amounts to $2.40 per hour for LA rates.

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However, it's important to note that these figures do not cover the cost of driving to the restaurant or store, carrying items into the house, or downtime. Therefore, a delivery that lasts 10 minutes might only earn the driver around $6 or $7.

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Tipping Guidelines

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Here are some key factors to consider when tipping your Postmates driver:

" "" "The driver's base pay from Postmates. This can vary based on your location and can be lower in some areas." "The value of the delivery to you. This includes the convenience and time saved by having your order delivered." "The number of places the driver needs to visit to complete the delivery." "The time and effort required to get the driver to deliver to you again." "" "

For example, if a delivery takes 10 minutes, you might tip at least $3, which is one-sixth of $20 per hour. If the delivery involved a long drive, especially during off-peak hours, you might want to increase the tip accordingly.

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Consider the Time, Distance, and Effort

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Postmates’ Reddit forums and various user answers provide some insights into the tipping culture. The consensus seems to be that it's not worthwhile to deliver to fast-food places, cheap restaurants, or low-income people. The tips are often too small, making the entire Postmates gig a waste of time and money for the driver.

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When tipping, consider the following:

" "" "If the person was paid by Postmates, how much did they earn?" "How important is the delivery to you? Will the convenience of delivery save you time and money?" "How many locations did the driver need to visit to get your order to you?" "How much effort did the driver put into your delivery?" "" "

For instance, if the delivery involved the driver carrying heavy items or walking a considerable distance, consider tipping more generously. The sky is the limit — anywhere from $5 to $20 or even more based on the situation.

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Final Thoughts

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Remember, every tip, no matter the size, significantly impacts the driver's earnings. Small tips, while appreciated, may not seem like much, but they are often the primary source of income for these drivers, especially in areas with lower base pay rates.

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By understanding these guidelines, you can not only enhance the experience for your delivery driver but also contribute positively to the Postmates ecosystem, ensuring that these essential services continue to thrive.