Another Tipping Question - Take Out?

Updated on August 05, 2011
P.R. asks from Akron, OH
18 answers

Since people seem to be asking about tipping today - curious, do you tip when you do takeout? I'm never sure what to do. I used to be a waitress and help once in awhile with takeout and usually wasn't tipped. But if I have a big to go order, I feel like I should. On the other hand, part of the reason we do takeout vs going out sometimes is to save some money. No wine, tip etc. Anyone here work in a situation that they feel like they should or shouldn't be tipped? I know it's always nice but when is it expected?

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So What Happened?

Thanks. Kristina's answer was particularly helpful as she's been there. It's what I've thought as I watch someone get my to go order ready. It can be a lot of work. So I usually do tip but didn't think most people do so was curious. Glad to hear actually most people on here do. I have to tell my friends as most can afford it but I don't think most do bc they think it's not the same as waitress service...

Featured Answers

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C.S.

answers from Springfield on

I do tip on takeout, just not much. Definately not as much as I would if I were sitting down and eating. So on say a $30 takeout order I would tip about $3 or so, depending on how much they had to do.

4 moms found this helpful

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

good question. I usually tip a little something because they have to gather all the stuff and put everything on the side and get utensils and condiments and all. i do takeout to save money too, so, i dont want to go broke, but, i do a buck or 2 on a $20 order.

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Well, I wouldn't consider tipping at, say, McDonald's, and it's basically the same service. They make food in the kitchen, put it in a container, and hand it to you... right? So if tipping isn't expected at McDonald's, then I don't know why they'd expect a tip for the exact same service at a different restaurant. So no, I do not tip on takeout.

11 moms found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

From my experience in service industry, I have done it ALL from dishroom to Management, yes, you tip your take out ... 1dollar per entree is the standard. This person does just as much as your server, they take, place, package, garnish, double check and give you your order. In addition they do not get paid full wages in states that do not require minimum wage for service staff ... they may need those tips just as much as your server does.

5 moms found this helpful
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K.S.

answers from Miami on

I would only tip on pick up if it exceptional service. i.e. large order, faster order, special order, extra put together counter person, cook etc. So many people make sure to say such bad things for little things wrong I like to say thank you to those who go out ofthere way to make my life easer and friendlier.

4 moms found this helpful

B.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Not as much as I would an actual server, but I give a few bucks if they are friendly =)

4 moms found this helpful
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M.E.

answers from Chicago on

Totally depends on the restaurant. No way at the pizza place for carry-out since it's a carry-out only place. No at the chinese restaurant because taking phone orders is the only thing the girls at the front are responsible for doing. Yes when we get take out Chilis because it's always one of the wait staff that takes the orders. If they have to be pulled away from their regular tables, then I think they should be tipped.

3 moms found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Chicago on

I order to go from Outback a lot. I always give them about 10%. They get everything together and they bring it to my car.

2 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I've never tipped for take out and no one I know tips for take out either.
If there's a server, I tip (like when we sit down to dine) - even at a buffet (they keep drinks topped up and take used dishes away).
If it was delivered, I'll tip the delivery man.
If there's no server I don't tip.

1 mom found this helpful

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

If they did anything more than ring it up I will give a tip. The amount depending on how much service they provided. If it is just to hand it to me then no, only because they provided no service.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.F.

answers from Columbus on

I have worked take-out also and was tipped 50% of the time. I normally try to round up my total if paying with a card. Just yesterday I ordered to go and it came to $8.99, so I handed the guy a 10 and told him to keep the change...I think I might of scored a couple extra pieces of pita bread from it =) If it is somewhere you go all the time, and they will remeber you, definitely tip well!! ($2-$4 instead of $1)

1 mom found this helpful
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B.R.

answers from Columbus on

I tip about $3 for take out at places like Bob Evans. The person getting the order together does a thorough job of checking the order and going through it with me, too. I have never had a wrong order or had anything missing.

One exception is if the manager does it. I don't think they should get tipped-and they never double check it! I always want to ask if someone else put my order together and leave them a tip, but I don't know how to tactfully say, I'll tip him/her but not you because you're the manager.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.N.

answers from Baton Rouge on

Yes, I tip 20% for takeout. The waiter or waitress who puts my takeout order together has to take time away from tables to do so.
Takeout from a fast food place is not the same as takeout from a real restaurant. Fast food workers get paid minimum wage. Wait staff at real restaurants don't. And they often have to tip out bussers and bartenders from their tips, so they don't even get to keep all the tips they make.

1 mom found this helpful

K.L.

answers from Medford on

McDonalds and BurgerKing and most fast food workers are not allowed to take tips. I tip when I eat at a restaurant and less when I pick up food to go from a restaurant because they did do some work to pack it all up for me, but they wont have to wash my dishes or clean off a table and it leaves a table free for other customers so they have the chance to make even more money. I tip at buffets because they do come by and take plates and clean tables. Pizza delivery people use their own cars, gas and tires, and usually barely earn minimum wage and the only money they really earn is from tips. I find it really odd that its considered bad form to tip at a large banquet. A place where the waiters have hundreds of people to serve all at the same time, frowns on tips?? They work harder than most waitstaff yet are told they cant have a tip from a customer who sees a good job being done.

1 mom found this helpful
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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

If I go pick it up then no, I don't tip. I do tip at Sonic, I do not tip at McDonalds. I do tip if they come to the car at any kind of diner style place. I tip the delivery guy from Dominos, Pizza Hut, or Pizza Inn but not if I pick it up there.

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3.B.

answers from Cleveland on

I used to waitress, and for me on a typical takeout order I never really expected a tip. But yes, it was always a nice surprise if I got one. Because you're still getting the order together and making sure it's correct.
But one time, we got a take out order, before we were even open that exceeded $100. And it was NOT an expensive place, and the order was extensive....and not even $1 tip. That kind of urked me. So I guess it depends on the situation, and amount of the order JMO :)

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

it all depends upon the place....

Pizza Hut? Maybe a buck or two...

All depends upon the situation...restaurant, etc.

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J.D.

answers from Cincinnati on

I do not tip for takeout.
I could see it if you got takeout at one particular place a lot and got to know someone really well. Sometimes if I have a little extra money and I'm feeling generous, then yes I will give a small tip.

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