Should You Tip When You Get Takeout?

Last Updated on October 5, 2022 by Lauren Beck

It’s a common question: should you tip when you get takeout? The answer isn’t always clear, but there are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.

First, consider the type of establishment you’re ordering from. If it’s a casual eatery or fast food restaurant, tipping isn’t usually expected. However, if you’re ordering from a more upscale restaurant, it’s generally appropriate to leave a tip.

Second, think about the level of service you received. If your order was taken quickly and efficiently, there’s no need to tip extra. But if the person taking your order went above and beyond to accommodate your requests or make sure your food was just the way you wanted it, a small tip is a nice gesture.

Finally, consider how much money you’re spending on your takeout order. If it’s a large order from a expensive restaurant, it’s customary to leave a larger tip. But if you’re only ordering a few items from a casual spot, a smaller tip is perfectly fine.

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to tipping for takeout. It’s simply a matter of personal preference and taking into consideration the factors mentioned above. So go ahead and make your decision based on what feels right to you!

Table of Contents

How Much to Tip on Takeout Orders

While there’s no set rule for how much to tip on takeout orders, here are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:

Casual eateries and fast food restaurants: $0-$2
Upscale restaurants: 10-15% of the total bill
Large orders from expensive restaurants: 20% or more of the total bill

Ultimately, the decision of how much to tip is up to you. Just remember to take into consideration the type of establishment, the level of service, and the size of your order when making your decision.

Should I tip when picking up takeout food?

The answer to this question is a bit more complicated. Tipping for takeout orders is not as common as it is for dine-in orders, but it is still appreciated by many restaurant workers. If you’re unsure about whether or not to tip, ask the person taking your order if a tip would be welcome.

In general, you should only tip for takeout orders if the restaurant offers delivery and you’re picking up your food yourself. If someone else is doing the work of delivering your food to you, then it’s appropriate to tip them 10-15% of the total bill, just as you would for dine-in service.

So, while there’s no hard and fast rule for how much to tip on takeout orders, a little extra money can go a long way to showing your appreciation for good service. Just remember to use your best judgement and tip what you feel is appropriate.

When is it okay to skip the tip when picking up food?

There are a few situations when it’s perfectly acceptable to not tip on your takeout order. If you’re picking up food from a fast food restaurant or a casual eatery, it’s not expected that you’ll leave a tip. These types of establishments typically have lower prices and don’t provide the same level of service as more upscale restaurants, so tips are not usually included in the bill.

Another time when you can skip the tip is if you had a bad experience with your order. If your food was cold, late, or otherwise not up to par, then you’re not obligated to leave a tip. However, if you received good service despite the issues with your order, then it’s still a nice gesture to leave a small tip.

Why do people tip?

Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service [1]. When you leave a tip, you’re acknowledging that the person serving you went above and beyond to make sure you had a good experience.

In some cases, tips can also be a way of ensuring good service in the future. If you’re a regular customer at a restaurant, leaving a tip can help ensure that you receive prompt, attentive service every time you visit.

Do I have to tip at the coffee shop?

Tipping is not expected at coffee shops, but it is always appreciated. If you receive particularly good service or if you’re a regular customer, feel free to leave a small tip. Remember, even a few dollars can make a big difference to a barista working hard to serve customers all day.

When in doubt, err on the side of leaving a tip. A little extra money can go a long way to showing your appreciation, and it’s always better to over-tip than to not tip at all.

Is there a difference between tipping for takeout vs. delivery?

There is a difference between tipping for takeout vs. delivery, but it’s not as significant as you might think. If you’re picking up your own food from a restaurant, it’s perfectly acceptable to leave a small tip. However, if someone else is delivering your food to you, then it’s appropriate to leave a larger tip. Ultimately, the decision of how much to tip is up to you. Just remember to take into consideration the type of establishment, the level of service, and the size of your order when making your decision.

Conclusion

So, should you tip when you get takeout? The answer is that it depends. If you’re picking up your own food, a small tip is appreciated but not expected. However, if someone else is delivering your food to you, then it’s appropriate to leave a larger tip. Ultimately, the decision of how much to tip is up to you. Just remember to take into consideration the type of establishment, the level of service, and the size of your order when making your decision.

Reference:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/why-do-we-tip

Author
Recent Posts

Lauren Beck

Lauren Beck is a Food Science & Technology graduate, born and raised in NYC, but lived in Japan for more than eight years. Her love forAmerican food and Japanese culture led her to create Kitsune Restaurant. She loves taking walks with her dog - an American Akita she aptly named Hachiko. Learn more about us here or you can email us contact@kitsunerestaurant.com.