The pandemic made tipping a lot more complicated.
Leaving a tip at a restaurant feels more like a requirement sometimes than an option, and most of us would agree that if you sit down and eat a meal and don’t tip, that’s pretty bad etiquette. But what if it’s not a sit-down meal? What are the rules then? Should you tip for takeout?
The answer is, it depends. “There is a difference in takeout dining options such as fast-food or a formal restaurant,” says DeAnna Kane, an etiquette expert for Heart of Hospitality. And this difference can end up being a deciding factor in whether to tip and how much to tip when getting takeout. While you’re at it, discover how much to tip for pizza delivery.
This is the first thing your waiter notices about you.
How Tipping for Takeout Changed
The pandemic changed a lot of things, as essential workers were working hard to keep things moving at a time when many restaurants no longer had sit-down dining. Suddenly, tipping became more common even in non-traditional tipping situations, as times were tough for many service workers and they put themselves at additional risk in order to provide comfort and convenience. But just because more tipping options exist, that doesn’t mean it is a requirement or mandatory.
“Even though we are starting to see tip jars pop up in crazy places such as fast-food chains, gas stations and even pharmacies, tipping is not required in these locations,” says Kane. It’s definitely left people confused about how much to tip in each situation.
The difference between these customer service employees and waitstaff at a restaurant is that waitstaff do not receive a minimum wage. The restaurant has the paying customer make up the difference with tips.
“Waitstaff who take orders at the door are still considered waitstaff and are paid a minimal salary and depend on tips to make up the difference in their paychecks to even reach minimum wage,” says Kane.
Even if you don’t see the server pack your food, and a hostess gives you your order, a server still had to take time away from their customers and prepare your bag to take out. However, you are not required to tip a higher percentage like 18% or 20% amount on take-out orders. “The difference is the waitstaff are simply taking your order, packaging your meal and preparing your bag to take home, and collecting your money. They are not actually serving your meals, getting drink refills, clearing your table and doing all the things a dine-in experience would bring you. You are also not taking up a table where other customers could be sitting and eating,” says Kane.
So, Should I Tip for Takeout?
Yes, you should tip the waitstaff for your takeout order—if the restaurant is a traditional dine-in establishment where servers wait on tables.
“An appropriate amount to tip on takeout orders would be approximately 10% to 12%,” says Kane. The time it takes to prepare your order is much less than waiting on your table in the restaurant, and does not require a customary higher tip. “Remember that tipping is for employees when they make your dining experience enjoyable,” says Kane.
Don’t forget to tip for pizza delivery, too. You can also recreate your favorite meals at with these copycat takeout recipes.
FAQs
How Much Should You Tip on Takeout Orders? Charny says you should aim to tip 5% to 10% for takeout. When you dine at a sit-down restaurant, you should tip 18% to 20% of the bill on average.
Should you tip when picking up takeout? ›
How Much to Tip on Takeout Orders. Just like when to tip, how much to tip can also vary depending on the service. The general rule of thumb for a sit-down restaurant is to tip 18 to 20 percent of the bill. So on a large takeout order where the staff went above and beyond, Gottsman recommends about a 15 percent tip.
Why do restaurants ask for tips for takeout? ›
Others agreed, with one writing, “A server is likely putting your food together and making sure your order is correct. They get paid the same as the other servers and work off tips.” “I might tip a few dollars for carryout,” another added.
What is the etiquette for tipping? ›
Deciding how much to tip depends on what kind of service provider you're working with and how well they do their job. But if you're looking for a general rule for services in the U.S., you should typically tip 15% to 20% of the bill, according to most etiquette experts we interviewed.
Do you tip Mcdonald's curbside? ›
If you're simply picking up a takeout order from a restaurant, there's no need to tip, according to etiquette expert Emily Post. However, if you have an overly large order (think: food for an entire office luncheon) or use curbside delivery, a 10 percent tip is appropriate.
Is it rude to not tip for takeout? ›
However, choosing to tip less or not to tip due to poor service, knowing that the employees receive a fair hourly wage, or even just because money is tight is understandable. Tipping for takeout is polite and even sometimes expected, but the decision to tip is ultimately up to you.
Why has tipping gone up? ›
Many businesses incorporated those higher rates into their normal tip requests, particularly when using digital payment systems. Also, with many prices rising due to inflation, tipping has increased accordingly since it's typically based on a percentage of the total bill.
Why do you tip for takeout but not fast-food? ›
Why is tipping expected for take out while not for fast food? Many etiquette experts will tell you to tip 15 or 20% for takeout. There's less service involved with takeout (when you order using an app) than going through a fast food drive thru.
Is it OK to not tip at a restaurant? ›
“It's up to the discretion of the customer," and it's not strictly necessary to tip in a fast food or quick service restaurant. That's very different from service at a sit-down restaurant, she notes, where the expectation is still that patrons should leave a tip of between 15% and 20% of their bill.
What is the new tipping trend? ›
And a large majority of Americans have perceived a shift in the nation's tipping culture in recent years. Overall, 72% of U.S. adults say tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago. Only 5% say it is expected in fewer places, while 23% say it's expected in about the same number of places.
As a blanket rule, you don't need to tip anyone who earns a salary or performs a trade. That means you don't have to tip doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers or cable technicians. “Not only would it not be expected, it would be highly unorthodox and very awkward,” says Farley.
Where is it rude to not tip? ›
Then we a have rainbow full of places that tipping is frowned upon: China, French-Polynesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Taipei, Nepal, Korea and Switzerland. In these countries a tip is not expected but rounding up the bill is, it's pretty much customary: Italy, Russia, Belgium, Australia, and I probably missing a dozen more.
Is a $1 tip OK? ›
Generally, Americans tip 15-20% of the tab at a restaurant for food; drinks can be a little more. It is still okay to tip $1 on a beer and $2 on a co*cktail when the price of a beer is $7 or less and a co*cktail is less than $10. That's right in the standard percentage range.
Are you supposed to tip at Walmart pickup? ›
Answer: We have found that big grocery store chains like Kroger, Costco, Sam's Club, Central Market, Walmart, H-E-B, and Aldi do not allow their employees to accept tips for curbside deliveries.
Do you tip at Chick Fil A? ›
Chick fil A employees are not allowed to accept tips. This applies to every location since it's a corporate rule, so the short answer to your question is no.
Should you tip Walmart pick up? ›
Are you supposed to tip Walmart grocery pick up? Walmart associates can not accept tips, it would cost them their job. They can accept compliments given in store or better yet when receiving amazing service, compliments called into 1–800 walmart which is a huge deal in the company.
Do you tip at Starbucks? ›
If you're wondering how much you should tip at Starbucks, follow the same rule of thumb. Around 15 to 20 percent is still customary, as the employees are often making around the same hourly amount as other coffee shops.
Should you tip for coffee? ›
Many etiquette experts insist that tipping baristas, who in many states make at least minimum wage, unlike, say, bartenders, who are paid a "server's wage" on the understanding that they will make up for it in tips, is not required.
Should I tip Uber drivers? ›
Uber doesn't make tipping mandatory, so there's no requirement that you tip your driver. However, just like other workers in the service industry, Uber drivers often rely on tips to supplement their pay.
Do you tip in buffet? ›
DEAR WONDERING: The employees you describe are also “working hard.” If you're eating in the restaurant, leave a couple of dollars for the bussers who are clearing the dishes. If you receive service IN ADDITION to that, leave 10%.
