Submitted by pghgreatest t3_10knsxr in pittsburgh

Would like to get some inputs on what other yinzers tip in these scenarios

  1. Carry out order, I go in and pick up the food. How much am I supposed to tip? I would think $0 in this case?

  2. Pizza delivery: minimum $3 or $5?

  3. Sitting and eating: I used to see 15 percent as baseline , but now I’m noticing in these credit card machines the lowest tip percentage that comes up starts at 18% .

0

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

JustYourNeighbor t1_j5ryegw wrote

I know I'm not the norm here, but I never use a service (doordash, ubereats), I call the place directly, and I want the drivers to fight each other when they see my name, pizza delivery, minimum 10 bucks but probably not more than $15.

Sit down and ordef, as a former server, usually 20%, rounded up.

43

tesla3by3 t1_j5rzi0u wrote

Yes. I’ve asked my regular places and they all prefer you call directly, The website is also a third party that takes a cut.

The only exception is Spak’s. They only take online orders.

12

boredoflife96 t1_j5u4cys wrote

20% across the board. I've worked in restaurants for 6 years (so I am absolutely biased.) Even when customers pickup the people making $2.83/hr are usually packing up the food, and ensuring that the order is correct. In many cases this takes time away from helping out customers dining in, and makes the night more stressful.

27

LovedAJackass t1_j5rzzue wrote

  1. Depending on the size of the order, I put money in the tip jar when I pick up the food. My favorite Chinese takeout costs me $10 or so and I leave a five for them. I'd spend that much at Chipotle or Panera for food that isn't half that good.
  2. [I live alone and don't order pizza takeout.]
  3. Sit down dining 20-30%. More if I/we tie up a table beyond the normal turnover. On a small check ($5 or 6) I might leave $2-3 and not worry about the percentage.
  4. I get a cold drink at a fast food spot every day and usually add a buck for the person handing me the stuff. During COVID they were sometimes the only people I saw in a day.

It makes a difference that I can afford to tip well and I worked through college as a waitress and short-order cook. My own thought is that it's good to keep stuff circulating--money, kindness, help.

23

Ok-Twist921 t1_j5yqxib wrote

This is where I am, pretty much. My wife and I believe in money coming back around and so far we haven’t been given a reason not to. It’s hard out there, no need to make it harder when we can afford it at the time..

1

jxd132407 t1_j5s5c0x wrote

  1. Usually 0. If I walked there and all they did was ring it up, that's just retail checkout service and in the price. Usually I paid online so they're not even ringing it up. I'm certainly not tipping as if I had sit down table service, or even the couple dollars as if they barista or bartender made the drink.

  2. Yeah for a typical order. More if you ordered pizza for the whole ball team, of course.

  3. Usually 20, then adjust either direction based on service.

Have you noticed some online orders don't even hide that it's not for employees anymore? They call it a "house tip" or proudly proclaim "all tips go to support our restaurant". So I'm just volunteering to pay more than the price, and it's not even a tip? That's silly.

23

drklydrmng_exe t1_j5tlzlg wrote

This is the most right answer for me too, none, a bit, a good bit if they aren’t terrible.

4

ScratchMoore t1_j5uzie1 wrote

This is almost exactly how I do it. The only change I would make is the “adjust based on service”. It’s a standard 20% minimum. It can go up if service is great or we’re friendly with the staff, but I don’t decrease it. If something is wrong enough with the food or service that I’m upset about, I’m gonna talk to the manager. I’m really laid back, so something would have to be frighteningly wrong for me to do that tho.

3

enemy_of_your_enema t1_j5vafzz wrote

Yeah, I agree. Only in extreme cases would I reduce a tip below 20%. I consider 20% simply the cost of that service, not a "bonus" I get to bestow upon lowly service workers based on how satisfied my royal person is. And that's the way wages work in service industry - wages are low because tips are expected. They rely on tips. So we absolutely should tip even if it's not table service.

And since the pandemic, which helped remind me how shitty service workers generally have it, I have tried to tip above 20% as a default.

4

pittsburghfun t1_j5vk4fw wrote

But they boxed it up, added napkins, plastic ware etc., make sure that everything is correct.I do tip these folks, especially it it takes them away other duties which includes tips.

1

Key-Most9498 t1_j5rvb5j wrote

  1. A few dollars or maybe 10% because I used to be a server and appreciated when people tipped on takeout orders, so I try to do the same when I can.

  2. Usually 15%

  3. 20% at least

16

mikeyHustle t1_j5tfz5l wrote

I've been tipping 20% since about the year 2000; I thought that was the norm all this time.

13

Big_League227 t1_j5rvn67 wrote

  1. I tip about 10%, because someone had to prepare and package my meal up... might have taken them away from waiting on another table. I appreciate the effort that goes into making the order right. They usually have a tip jar at the counter where I pick up so I prefer to tip them in cash.
  2. I don't order pizza to be delivered, but I do door dash. I am a little far out, so I put a good tip on the order so the driver will want to pick up my order and deliver it. Usually 20%, sometimes more. Gas is expensive and I appreciate them bringing my food so I don't have to go out after it.
  3. This is why your phone has a calculator and you can ignore the suggested percentages and figure out what you are comfortable with. But I start at 20% and go up or down from there, based on the quality of the service. Again, I prefer to do the tip in cash, even if I am paying with a card.
10

humpthedog t1_j5s9948 wrote

  1. 0 for pickup.
  2. I don’t do delivery.
  3. 15-20% sit down. Usually 18-20%
7

Delicious-Newt-5674 t1_j5tnld0 wrote

So when it comes to sit in dinning I tip around 20%

Pizza delivery: i did that for a few years so I slip them like a 10 or sometimes more

Carry out: i will look you in the eyes and press "no tip" when the smallest option is 25%

5

cat_za_rat_za t1_j5si2db wrote

I tip at least 20% across the board.

4

meet-kd t1_j5tbur9 wrote

Really trying to be more conscious of my overtipping. Had every job in the service industry before owning some places for about a dozen years. I even tipped my mailman a multiple of the legal guidelines. Basically if there’s a tip line, I leave something and I feel like it’s almost egregious at some places.

And if I’m honest, I’ve worked with dozens of folks who don’t deserve nearly as much as others and just expect it.

I guess I would say at least tip a minimum but tip what you feel the service warrants.

4

analmartyr t1_j5rtyji wrote

  1. If they seem friendly and it is a place I go to frequently and they know me and have a cup I will throw no more than 10% in.

  2. Pizza delivery I really don’t do because the quality places don’t deliver. In that case see number 1. Really any delivery now with Uber eats and the like, I don’t do because the order is rarely correct.

  3. Start at 20% and go up from there. If the server is getting slammed and I know trying their hardest, I will go 30% or so.

3

brosacea t1_j5tv20c wrote

Carryout: A couple bucks is fine if the order isn't huge.

Pizza Delivery: If the place has its own delivery driver, 5 bucks is about right. More if it's an especially large order.

Sitting and Eating: Having tons of friends that work in the service industry, if you tip less than 20%, you will be known as a cheapskate. 20% is the new 15%. 15% has been a bad tip for well over 10 years now.

Also, I personally tip 20% for both carryout and pizza delivery. You won't be thought of as cheap if you don't do that, but I've always tipped well and have upped that even more because of people being forced to work during a pandemic.

3

yabitchkay t1_j5udr35 wrote

I tip 20% across the board. Servers usually have to tip the kitchen out, and that includes carry out orders, so I will still tip 20% on that. Would I love a day that people are just paid correctly? Yes! Until then? 20% tip minimum unless you’re especially shitty with your service.

3

Efficient_Ad_9810 t1_j5zqh4p wrote

I tip but am pissed every time. It should be like Europe. Pay your people so I don't have to. I paid already for my overpriced dinner. And I work harder for the community and don't get tipped. I'm bitter about it.

3

enraged_hbo_max_user t1_j6bgfxg wrote

I upvoted you. At least you’re being honest. (Although if you felt like your dinner was overpriced, why’d you go there in the first place?)

1

PGHNeil t1_j5tj747 wrote

My wife and I are not struggling but I remember working for tips and minimum wage so we tend to tip a little higher.

1: on carryout I tip 20% which is the same as if I'm dining there, though this is a holdover from the pandemic. I figure that since the cost of wholesale food items is going up I do it so that my favorite family-run restaurants don't go under.

2: pizza delivery: the next dollar up from what the cost of a gallon of gas costs: $4-$5. For things like haircuts I typically tip $7 (which is about 25% and along with no putting on a ball is a thank you for not messing things up.)

3: It's gone up from 15% to 18% to 20% - sometimes even 25%. After working as a busboy I was shocked to learn that wait staff actually made LESS than minimum wage and expected to claim their tips come tax time.

2

logdog131 t1_j5z88xe wrote

Zero for carry out. $4-5 for delivery. 15-20% for dine in (I usually calculate 20% in my head and then round down to the nearest dollar)

2

SabbyCo t1_j5zers2 wrote

Don’t know why you’re getting downvoted. The meta for this is changing and it’s useful to know what other people in your area are doing. I appreciated this post.

  1. 10% usually
  2. Don’t order delivery often but I feel like $5-$10 would be reasonable
  3. 20%
2

aboutsider t1_j5t7aib wrote

  1. 0-10% I usually make my determination based on a number of factors like if a restaurant is short staffed or they got my order really quick.

  2. and 3. At least 20% I'm not totally sure why I would tip a driver less than a server. I've always tipped the same.

BONUS: If someone else pays for my meal or drink, I almost always tip what I was going to pay. I'm sure some people would think I'm crazy but, shit, times are tough. An extra $15 or $20 in cash might really help someone out. Nearly everyone I've known has been a server or a delivery driver. I just imagine how when they were young and broke, getting a little extra really made their day.

1

realtabeag t1_j5ta0sk wrote

I hate all tipping and I can't wait until that trend dies forever.

But that being said I usually go to a restaurant for the food not for the service so I expect the tip should be the same regardless of how it is served to you. I mean a lot of chain places use those touchscreen things to order and pay anyway, according to this thread that means we should reduce the tip accordingly?

1

tigerlily_223 t1_j5tejfp wrote

  1. Usually nothing. If it’s a place I frequent I’ll leave a small tip every once in a while, but definitely not getting 20% for just handing me my food.

  2. 15-20% and only use the restaurants own delivery drivers.

  3. Typically 20%+

1

hllewis128 t1_j5tyacu wrote

Dine-in: 20% minimum

Counter service: throw ‘em what you can, especially if it’s a big or complex order—I usually do 20% because it makes me feel good to be generous, but I think a couple bucks is probably fair

Delivery: I would do at least $5, especially with so many places replacing employees with gif workers for delivery.

This is my take. I’m sure others will disagree but I used to wait tables for $2.83 an hour (minimum wage was $7.25 at the time) so I value tipping pretty highly.

1

ks99 t1_j5u4p1b wrote

  1. Not tipping for a carry out, ever
  2. $3-$5 is probably good unless weather is bad
  3. 20%
1

WoodsyWhiskey t1_j5uc195 wrote

  1. Carryout- usually 0, unless I'm feeling friendly and I might throw a buck or two or the change in there.
  2. Pizza- I haven't ordered delivery in ages since I pickup most times but used to always be $5. We also are only feeding 2 so it's not a crazy order.
  3. Dine in- 20% unless service is terrible or exemplary and then adjust accordingly.
1

McJumpington t1_j5v76b1 wrote

I tip $1-$2 on all pick ups. I never get delivery because I’m impatient Sit down restaurant- 15% for average service, 20% for good. I’ve occasionally have done 25% for great service, but I cant keep doing that with inflation

1

Richardthegreatone33 t1_j5vuf3m wrote

The REAL question is what do you tip when Pizza Hut adds a $4.99 delivery fee (this is not a tip to the driver) so I usually add another $5 but $10 for delivery is ridiculous.

1

Responsible-Type-392 t1_j5xnyta wrote

Tip at least 18% but I prefer 20%. Those people work hard and if the service is good they deserve it. It is how they make their money.

1

BlackDeathicus t1_j5zvbii wrote

$3 for a pizza delivery driver usually isn’t a tip, it’s an insult. Especially for a 15 min drive, or an order around $100.

I usually go 20% for everything.

1

phriendofcheese t1_j60bse1 wrote

  1. Takeout from a sit down restaurant (not chipotle type) - 10%
  2. Delivery sameish, but $5 minimum
  3. 20%, more if it's great service
1

onlineRVS t1_j60gptt wrote

For me

Takeout: 10% Pizza delivery: 10% Dine in: 20% baseline

I know these are a little high, but it’s how I was raised.

1

ringmybell1968 t1_j60jjjd wrote

Zero if I’m picking up.

I don’t do delivery of any kind

Sit down starts at 15% and goes up based on the service. Max is 20%

1

TheTownWereWolf t1_j6bbr84 wrote

I tip 20-25% for good service, as a lifetime service industry worker. Even for sub par service, I will tip something, because of the wage discrepancies. I'm still in the service/ working class, so I'm very, very far from rolling in dough. It would take some pissing in my Cheerios level bullshit for me to not leave any tip in this country, especially these days. People are over worked, over stressed, and under appreciated.

I've taken to the idea that much like required military service, American citizens of all backgrounds should be required to do a year of work In the service industry, minimum. The only exemptions are the same thing that would disqualify you from the military. It would take a lot

There's a whole lot of data on self worth involved, and empathy for others. And for the love of god of you can go out for a thing, tip what you can if the service is decent.

1

sprawn t1_j5v3osq wrote

I work in the service industry and typically people tip 1000% - %50,000. So if a bill is for $30, a typical customer will tip $300 to $15,000. But that's just a minimum. If someone is really generous, and a kindhearted, good person, they would tip from $20,000 to $50,000,000 for a $30 service.

0

syboz t1_j5ut53u wrote

The amount of people saying 0 to carry out here is amazing…

  1. 10-15ish%
  2. also 10ish %
  3. depending on level of service, if the restaurant is slammed, etc 20-30%
−1

No-Razzmatazz- t1_j5vk7oe wrote

Do you tip at McDonald's?

0

syboz t1_j5vmvh6 wrote

There’s 0 correlation between a fast food place like McDonald’s and take out at an actual restaurant

1

earthsalibra t1_j5yto3k wrote

Idk why you’re getting downvoted to the negs, except there must be some folks who consider “ take out” to be chain fast food restaurants.

3