Do you tip for take-out food?? (restaurant, fast food, pizza, coffee)
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What is the etiquette on this?? You order, they cook it, put it in a bag... Then, I'm looking at the credit card receipt, there's the little "tip" line, and I always drop a couple bucks in there.
I didn't get a refill on the drink I never had, I didn't drop my fork and need the waiter to get me a new one, I didn't take any time away from the service of the waiters other tables... What am I tipping for? The take-out containers and bag? Are the cooks getting the tip, because really, they're the only ones who really did the work. Thoughts?
Good question. I'm also interested in what others think.
I only tip if I am picking up a large order (6+) and the amount depends on how helpful the staff is. If they help carry it out to my car and are vigilant about checking to include serving utensils, asking if I need ice, etc I will add $5-10.
I try to keep it simple and not over-think it, but I wouldn't expect everyone to feel obligated to fill out the blank line at the bottom of the receipt.
I would think "take-out" no (or not much); delivery - yes. To me the tip is for the service. The server or delivery person who typically makes less than minimum wage and depends on tips for the difference. Putting the food into a bag is no more effort than plating food.
I totally agree with you. If I'm picking up for a group, then sure, I tip. But tonight I grabbed some Thai food just for myself, cost me about $10.00, and that damn tip line guilted me out of $2.00! To me, $1.00 says "I'm cheap and only tip $1", but I'm thinking, maybe writing a zero would say "I'm smart and I'm not tipping for someone to put food in a bag". I dunno!
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I think tipping has gotten kind of out of hand. It bugs me when I see a tip jar at fast food restaurants, etc. what's up with that??? NO! the reason I usually get carry out is because I want to relax in my hotel room and eat dinner and watch TV, not to avoid tipping. Of course I tip for delivery! Everyone should. But beyond that, for counter service, I see no need for tipping.
Also, I pay cash for my carry out so the "tip line" doesnt figure in to my decision. Of course, if its a large order and you get special services, its fine to tip if it makes you feel better.
If its a drive-thru or an order I am picking up to go...I normally do not tip. If I wanted to tip then I would go inside the restaurant and sit down and be served by a waiter/waitress and then I will tip. But, no, generally not on ' take out' or drive thru orders.
I think tipping has gotten kind of out of hand. It bugs me when I see a tip jar at fast food restaurants, etc. what's up with that???
Absolutely agree with this The Dunkin Donuts near where I used to live only ever had a tip jar at Xmas. The people who worked there were great all year round so I had no problem putting a $20 bill in at Xmas. But to be asking for tips every time you go in? Nope, that is too much.
If I get dinner to go from a restaurant, I will generally tip 10% to the hostess who generally does the packaging, etc.
If I get chinese, etc., I do not tip. I was rather taken aback to see their jar for tips the other night. WTH?
I don't tip at Dunkin Donuts if I'm just getting coffee and a couple donuts. If I go in and there's a line and I'm ordering a Box of Joe, and a dozen or two donuts for a crowd, then I'd tip maybe a buck or some loose change that came close to that.
Delivery I always tip 10%. If it's raining or snowing, I might go 15%. It's a small town and this pizza place just started delivery after NO delivery anywhere in town... I want to keep the incentive there for the drivers!!!!
The farmers market that I go to has a tip jar by the check out. What is up with that?
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The Dunkin Donuts near where I used to live only ever had a tip jar at Xmas. The people who worked there were great all year round so I had no problem putting a $20 bill in at Xmas. But to be asking for tips every time you go in? Nope, that is too much.
at my veggie market
