Tipping on a "To Go" Order?

I used to not tip on carry out orders, but when I realized how much work someone was putting into it for me, I started tipping. I don't do the full 15%-20% that I normally would, but I do enough to leave with a clear conscience.

You know, I tried to get the answer to this question by asking the girl who brought the dinner to me. I asked her - what is the expected tip for this type of service. She just shrugged her shoulders and didn't give me an answer. That seriously annoyed me. If she can't even answer/or address the question, then the tip doesn't mean anything to her.

I know that is just one example. But, my philosophy now is - tip if they bring it out to the car (1-$2.00) and no tip if I pick it up at the bar (because I have to drag my kids in with me then).

Good luck!
-L.

Coming from someone who has waited tables for almost 10 years, yes, you should tip on a to go order. You definitely don't have to tip as much as you would when you go in and get waited on, but a couple of dollars for the putting together of the order is acceptable. If it is a rather large and complicated order, then maybe add some to it. When we take the order, and put it all together, we are still in a sense, waiting on you. So it is very nice to feel like you appreciate it! HTH!

Generally, 10% is appropriate for a to-go order. What most people don't realize is that the bartender or to-go person has to stop what they are doing to put together your order, and it does take time. If you don't want to do 10%, at least tip 5%.

TIPS origniated in England. It stands for

To
Insure
Prompt
Service

If you went to a pub and wanted to be seated first you put your money in the T.I.P.S. box and jumped ahead of the line. At least. that's what my college history teacher told me.

This probably doesn't help in the slightest but it's a fun piece of info.

Alright Sister!!! I HAVE THE ANSWER!!! I worked as a GM in the restaurant bizz for 18 years. 11 of that was a restaurant that had a HUGE to go order base.
Generally speaking, you DO NOT tip on to go's....HOWEVER, like some have stated, LARGE orders that comprise of lots of "extra's", IE, sauces, extra side orders, DO "deserve" a tip. I say deserve because its just that...a deserving tip for the poor sap that has to pack everything up to your spec's. (I should know...I have been that sap MANY times)
You want the real skinny? ALWAYS tip at your local family joint. I, for one, always remembered my regulars....non-tipping, big order complainers? maybe they dont get their tartar sauce on the next go 'round. ;)

P.S. Most chain restaurants either have a specific person who only handles take out. They are paid WAY more than your average waiter/waitress. Other restaurants choose to go through their bartender...again, paid a higher salary than waiter/waitress.

Though most people don't tip on to-go they should do a little. It is probably because they have not had to do a job in food service, or have not considered all that goes into a typical to go order.

My boyfriend works as a bartender and server at Red Lobster. When he is bartending he does the to-go orders. He has to do everything that he would do for a customer when they come to sit down in the restaurant except their drinks. He takes the order, which is usually more time consuming and detailed than in person, he does the sides, salads, garnishes, bread, dips, toppings, and dressings and pretty much anything else that goes in other than the meat.
Though less time is spent, there is still quite a bit of personal service that goes into the order. Some kind of tip should be given. If you can afford to buy the food, can you not afford a couple bucks of tip?

It also should be remembered in that in many states wages for servers is around 2.50 an hour and most depend on tips as the main form of income. This is not the dark ages, if you can not afford to give a 20% tip and treat the person that is waiting on you, and hopeully giving you a pleasant restaurant experience, then you should not go out to eat.

Just think about where you are eating and the type of food you are recieving. The chance is great that someone put in a similar amount of work and service that they would have if you had gone in.

I have heard that none of the waitstaff wants to prep the to-go orders because there is no usually no tip. They have to put the food in the containers, bag it and get it ready to go. I usually tip a few dollars, depending on the total bill, and a little more for curbside.

I have always wondered about this too!
And I'm seeing a mixed verdict in the responses.
I wouldn't argue with your husband over it though...if you can afford a small tip, then just do it.

I used to work at a Mexican restuarant and would get a little pissy about people not tipping on to-go orders. Especially when they would order "fiesta platters" and what not. They could get $200 worth of food that I would have to bag up, get salsas in containers, get chips, get drinks...and I would get nothing.
Usually it is the hostess that is going to put together your order, usually it is the hostess that takes the order, and usually it is the hostess that runs back while she is trying to seat people so that she can bag and prep your order. She deserves a tip! Especially because MOST (although I am sure, not all) hostesses do not make tips, just minimum wage, and a couple of dollars puts a smile on her face.
L.

I have never tipped on a to go order, nor do I tip in one of those jars they have at the counter in some places even though you order and go to the counter to get the food yourself. If I knew a waiter had to take the time from their work to get my food ready then I'd probably leave a dollar or two, but usually I see the bartender or a manager doing that job.

I spent several years in college working in popular restaurants - Outback, Pappasitos, etc and during that time worked shifts at the "take out" counter - meaning you take all take out orders, package them up, review what's in there for the customer, ring them up. As a waiter working the take out counter in those places - you are paid like a waiter - which means like $2/hour (not sure what it's now - but it is NOT minimum wage) and the expectation is you get tips. So in these types of restaurants - yes I do give a tip. Usually 10%. However at the bagel shop, Starbucks, donet places, etc - HECK no I do not tip. I will also add - that even though I was a waitress for many years - I agree with the poster who has indicated that it seems there is an atmosphere of being "tip happy". I generally tip 15% on a sit down meal - more if we got really good service and less if the service was noticably bad.

I never tip if I am the one picking it up... The tip (In my opinion) is a reward for good customer service... If they deliver, they get a tip based on how quick I get my food. (decent tip no matter what, really good one if they are fast.) If I dine in, I tip according to the service I get. In this case, they don't have to cater to you at all... just make your food. So pay for your food. :) After all, you don't tip for fast food do you? Same thing, just better food... IMO...

I always tip, whether I have to walk in or not. I think that if I am taking time away from their job then they deserve a tip. I don't really understand why people do not. I think it is harsh not to leave some sort of tip. I usually tip between 20-30%. i know it seems high, but, when I order pizza and the bill is $30 and I tip $8, I found out that the drivers actually fight over my order and they will occasionally bump somebody else to bring mine or bring mine first. So I may over tip but people remember and appreciate it and always make sure the order is correct....

I will usually tip something. So many of waiter/waitress jobs pay less expecting they earn tips. I don't work in that industry, but understand everyone has to put food on the table and they have done a service.

As a waitress... it is NOT customary to tip on a to go order, but very appreciated. As we only make 2.13 an hour and live off our tips.

I worked in the service industry for 10 years (it put me through college & grad school) and I generally do not tip on carry out. I used to work as a bartender inside the Radisson Hotel. A lot of times people would order from me to avoid room service fees and tip. On occasion I would get a dollar or two, but that's usually because they would order a drink while they waited. Typically the only tip I might leave is the coin change.

I agree with other people about this recent surge of being "tip happy." I still cannot understand how or why you would tip the trash man.

I do in our small town places where I know the girls did everything themselves along with waiting tables. At the bigger chains, where it is their job to work the 'take-out' booth, no I do not. The waitress working her tail off to get my order ready while cleaning tables, tending to customers there, and ringing me up, yes I do. Not the full percentage I would if I sat down though. Usually just a flat dollar or two because it is usually just a to-go order for myself. I would tip more on a big order.

TIP means 'to insure promptness'----i annoys me to givr money to someone just because they are there--owners should be paying workers more livable wages---i feel like i am getting nickle&dimed to death--also just venting!

I didn't read all the responses but the first 10 or 15 I read didn't mention this aspect. The to-go person still has to pay taxes on the amount they sell(albeit not alot, but over time it adds up) and sometimes have to tip out to other staff that brought them the food or so forth. So I usually tip a little something. $1 or $2 minimum! A couple dollars can't be much an issue to a person if they can afford to eat out in the first place!!!

I tip if curbside. I even tip at fastfood curbside like sonic. I do not tip if I have to go in. My reasoning is this, i tip in restraunt for the service i get at my table like tea getting filled or someone getting things for me, beinging my food to me, accomidating all my little quirks so that i enjoy my meal to the fullest. To go orders I tip because they do bring it out to my car and I tip a small amount for that. if i ask for special things, then I'll tip more since they did something above & beyond. for regular pick up take out, what extra did they really do? Someone took the order, which they have to do to sell the product! then cooks I assume would package to go, why would they dirty more plates up? so not extra work putting in to go container than on a plate. then waitstaff gets it from kitchen and checks you out. ummm that kind of goes with selling a product, so no, doesn't deserve extra money in my book. Now, i usually tip 25% so when I do, I make it good, but I do expect to get service and normal things involved with selling a product doesn't count, course if you have extra money, i guess you could just stimulate our economy!! LOL. Hope this helps.

I do since it is a waiter that has to squeeze in your order between tables, more than likely. I don't do the normal amount but I do about 10% I guess.

Well... I just remember my days as a waitress and my boss would take a to go order and tell me to get the napkins, ketchup, sauces, put the soup in to go cups, get drinks, and the main courses from the cooks & then bag everything. He he didn't get me, it was another waitress. Sometimes he had a hostess do it, but sometimes she wasn't working if it wasn't too busy.
So... I got tipped about 50% of the time when I did take outs. I got tipped more often when the people came to pick up and noticed that I was doing all the work (besides actually making the food) and our cooks didn't get the soups or make the salads. If I was really busy with my own tables in the restaurant, I'd tell my boss that I was too busy to do take out orders.

My husband and I disagree on this too!! He always tips for carryout and I never do, unless they actually walk out to my car and bring it to me. Why should I tip someone for handing me a bag of food? Usually when I go to pick up carry out the bag is already sitting there on the counter.

My husband worked at Pappadeaux in college and ever since then, he's insisted on giving a pretty nice tip (10-15%) on to-go orders. He said most people don't do it, but at his job, at least, the person on the to-go shift wasn't paid any more than a regular waiter, and it was A LOT of work to bag up the orders, sauces, etc. Imagine working a 5 hour shift and coming home with a $10 paycheck and no tips! So my answer is yes, tip them.

I guess I stand almost alone on this. I don't do it, and I won't do it.

Tell you what got me thinking about this. I ordered takeout from Maggiano's. I drove downtown to pick it up and parked. I walked in and I was fourth in line. It took them ten minutes to get to me, but they did, and I picked up my food, and paid.

As I was leaving, I noticed the tip basket on the counter. There appeared to be fifteen, maybe twenty bucks in it.

So when I saw that, I started thinking, OK, let's see -- I drove to them, I waited in line to get my food, I made all the effort to consummate the transaction ... so, what it is I'm tipping them for, exactly?

Of course, many of you are right in one sense -- it doesn't hurt for these retail clerks to try to get you to tip them, and it is successful to some degree, and people are getting used to it -- so why not go ahead and put the jar out? What can it harm?

Well, my beef with this practice is twofold:

1. It's shifting the burden of paying these folks a decent living wage from the employer directly to the customer. The employer thinks it's great -- rather than giving raises to their employees to reward them for very good service, or to keep up with inflation, they merely advise them to hump customers directly for tips. Now, all of a sudden, *I'm* the bad guy if I don't tip them, and the workers are upset at *me* for not tipping them, rather than being mad at their boss for not paying them a decent wage in the first place. The business owners are getting away with one, and I'll bet most of their workers don't even realize it.

2. I'm developing a growing philosophical problem with having to pay substantially more for consumer goods than their listed price. It hasn't graduated to a pet peeve yet -- after all, this affects every purchase I make, and if I were really upset with it I would be in a state of perpetual anger. But it's bothering me more these days that when I order a $9.95 appetizer at Olive Garden, it's going to end up costing me thirteen bucks after adding tax and tip, rather than the advertised $9.95.

This second point is not an insignificant issue. Marketers hype a certain price for things -- cars, trips, Internet service, loans, food, whatever it is -- and consumers make decisions predicated on those specific prices. Yet the actual amount of money they spend in the end is always 10%, 20%, 30% or more than the advertised price. We always grumble about the taxes and fees when we pay them and usually end up blaming the government. In the meantime, the marketer is off the hook for luring you in with a false price in the first place. It's emblematic of a society that is steeped in bull****. And that bothers me.

I know why marketers, restaurants, etc. do this, of course -- if they told you the plate of calamari will cost you $13 rather than the listed $9.95, you might not make the purchase. But I do see it as a very basic form of false advertising, and I don't think the customer should have to either go through mental arithmetic calisthenics to get at the final cost of a purchase beforehand, or be stunned at the end result once the purchase is made.

I would like to see some way to advertise or provide the final price you have to pay for things when they are promoted or provided to you. I would also like to end the practice of tipping altogether, pay service people a decent wage, and list the final price that you'll be paying for the menu item or service.

I know none of this will come to pass. But I'd still like to see it. And that's my view on the subject

Regarding the actual issue of tipping retail workers, I never do it, although I routinely tip service people the going rates, philosophical dissonance notwithstanding. I have a simple rule regarding whether I tip: if they wait on me, I tip them. If I have to wait on them, I don't.

At the restaurant I work at the bartenders do all the to-go orders, they take the calls, put the orders in, pack the orders up, and check customers out. So basically they are doing everything they would do for a dine-in customer except refilling your drink.

Not everyone tips, but most people do. I think $2 or $3 is appropriate for most orders; larger, more complicated orders deserve a larger tip. Also if you order from the same place all the time you should tip... you don't want to be remembered as one of the people who doesn't.

Normal restaurants only pay their servers and bartenders about $2-$5 an hour. At a place where they do mostly to-go business they probably get paid more per hour, and you could proably get away with not tipping or tipping less.

Yes I do but not because I think I should, I tip because Texas is a crappy state when it comes to labor laws, I hate that part of this state. Who the heck can live off 2.00 an hour? And most of these employees do not get tipped as much as the IRS assumes they will be. Its discusting. Sorry for the vent.

Honestly I usually just tip 1-2 dollars at the most.

I was a bartender for a long time, and at every place I worked we did all of the carryouts. Typically, bartenders made more per hour than waitresses did which is why we had a few more duties. It was not customary to tip on carry outs. I never looked at people funny if they didn't, of course it was always appreciated if they did. Trust me, I made plenty on my alcohol sales alone not to be stressed out about your carry out.

I am a co-op teacher in a high school (students that work and take a class to get credit). Anyhow, I have had several students working "to-gos", not everywhere is like this, but at the places my students have worked, their job was to work "to-gos", in fact it was a promotion to work it at one place...for class credit, the students have to bring in their stubs to verify their hours, this one student averaged $14 an hour due to tips...she was on a regular pay of around $8 plus tips. Not that this helps the debate, but I did want to point out it depends on the restaurant as to how the "to-go" person is paid.

Let's say retail stores had a tipping option. You go in, look around for your items, try them on, get a bigger size if you need to, etc etc. No one has helped you thru this transaction, the most you got was a simple "hello and welcome to such and such". Then you go up to the cashier to pay. Should you tip then? I say NO. This is the same as "pick up/carry out orders". I'm doing all of the leg work. I pick up the phone to place order, get in my car and use my gas to drive to location, I may have to stand and wait in line, get my food and pay. I should ony tip if a service has actually been provided.

I will give a small tip for a pickup to go order if it is big (more than 2-3 entrees) or had a lot of special instructions with it. When I worked at an Italian restaurant, to-go orders were placed and filled by the bartenders, so although that was part of their job description, if they had a very big or complicated order that was taking away from them mixing drinks where they do earn tips.

Even when I do tip for take-out, though, it's never the full 18-20%, more like around 10%.

I say yes... Example: if the bill is 25.00, I leave 3.00-4.00....... (normally our takeout orders aren't much more than that)...

I don't think you have to but I sometimes I do anyway, but it's usually just the coins that I receive back as change or maybe an added dollar.

Everyone expects a tip these days. I use to waitress, so I always tip but honestly I think they are just handing you your food and taking the money then they shouldn't get a tip that's what the base pay is for right??? I love Starbucks but if I just order my coffee and get it then why should I leave a tip, it's not like they are coming to the table and asking me if I need another cup or a dessert or something and their base pay is decent for making coffee. However, I feel bad and always give everyone a tip no matter what. Good question.

My hubby and I don't tip if we go in and pick it up ourselves. If we do use the curbside service, then we do tip.

sorry :(, yes, the person serving you did have to package up your items as well as taking and entering your order, took payment, etc.

If I get it quickly or (to insure promp service;) -love that line btw- when I'm paying ahead of time... I tip 10%. But it's neither expected by the staff nor required.

For sitdown excellent, I tip 20... good 15.... okay 10... not any of the above... none at all.

I do usually tip on "to go" orders if the order is prepared correctly and is ready at the appointed time, especially if it is a large order. I usually tip 5-10% of the total and I expect them to help me carry it out. There is a huge difference in the level of service that some people provide and I try to reward their efforts, especially if it is a place I visit often. I would love to hear from some of the chains and independents on how they compensate "the to-go person".

Nah, I don't think thats necessary.

No tip required. You did all the work!!!

Yes. I also use to work in restaurants during college & sometimes you get stuck doing takeout & not waiting tables. You rely on those tips. It requires a lot more work than you would think. Everyone I always worked with hated getting the to go shift because you automatically knew you weren't going to have a good night (money wise). You don't have to do 20% but atleast 10.

The person who took your order & boxed it up typically makes $2.13 an hour. It is ASSUMED by the state & their employer that they will make tips to average out their hourly rate to actual minimum wage, which is $7.25 and hour, and they pay income tax on this higher amount. Do you know ANY other job where you get paid $2.13 an hour? Minimum wage for bartenders & waitstaff in the state of Texas has only increased $0.12 in 25 years. YES you should tip them!!!
Thanks for asking!

I rarely use the "to go" service, but I don't tip if I need to go inside and pick up the order. Sometimes I'll tell them to keep the change, but that's not much of a tip.

I say no. We don't tip when we pick up our food at mcdonalds when we don't dine in why should carry out be any different? At mcdonalds, taco bell etc we place an order the servers make it bag it up and bring it to you for you to take home just as a restaraunt does. When all of the ppl below who say you should tip start tipping at mcdonalds then you should do it lol

I say no, because when you tip a waitress or waiter it is for the service, did they get you a refill in a timely manner, how long did you have to wait to get attention, ect... If I were to tip anyone for a pick up order, it would be the kitchen, not the person who rang me up.

I say no - I've never done it in that situation. But I know people do. I dont' think there is a right or wrong answer here, only what you choose to do.

I never do unless I am dining in a rest. and then i will tip but to just go in a pick up my food i don't.

We tip no more than $2 usually on To Go orders... a waiter is usually still having to gather the food and package it. I never did, then my husband got me started. If I had to wait a long time, etc. I don't tip though.

No I do not tip. It seems like everyone is a lil too tip happy these days. I kinda get annoyed when I see the tip jar at the Starbucks drive thru. Also even at fast food places they have a line of people assembling the food, bagging it up, putting in the napkins and sauce and what not, and then giving it to you. I'm pretty sure no one tips them. There are plenty of jobs where they work even harder and they aren't even allowed to accept tips! Like others said of course when I dine in I tip. But it is not an automatic 20%. if the service is bad and they are rude or I have to wait long you can bet it won't be that much! I think people forget that a tip is to be earned by giving great service. I had horrible service the other night and not only did I not tip, I complained to the manager and he comped the meal! That wasn't my intention but it was a nice gesture and that service was seriously one of the worst I've had.

I agree with Karen A. because I used to do some to-go orders at a restaurant but then you have to think, it's one of those things that's always going to be like that. Unless you call and pay over the phone and put a tip on it over the phone that's the only way they'd know hey Ill do this order because she tipped... hope you know what I'm trying to say. But if it's an expensive order I'd definitely tip and the over the phone thing I was talking about.

Simple answer, not usually. I do when I place large and complicated orders.

I feel tips are when you sit down, you are greeted, they refill your beverages constantly, bring your orders, fix your orders, give you the extra's (sauces) you request, all in a timely manner. Tips are for the service you are receiving, and when you pick up a "to go" order you aren't getting that service. It would be the same as Mcdonal's, someone goes in the back and gets the order, then rings you up....thats it. I also wanted to add that at most of the places I go to, it's different people...who ever is available, that takes the order, and goes and gets the order.

NO you don't tip on a to-go order. Why tip?

I don't tip when it's a buffet either (at least not tip on the credit card). Often, we'll leave a dollar or two at the table for the person who cleans up after us.

I just read other responses. I totally agree with Christina. But Laura makes an interesting point. With a BIG order, YES tip. Just a couple meals? Eh I dunno.

Thanks for asking!!! I'm interested in reading the other responses!!
This is such a huge dilemma...some people say it's okay not to tip but others say at least 10%...Ugh! I usually do 10% just because I know the server or bartender working the to go orders don't make much at all per hour so they are still working for tips, though they only take your payment and hand you the order.