Tipping for take-out?
 

What's your opinion about tipping for take-out? We have usually been giving about 10% to the restaurant from which we pick-up take-out. We probably get Crispers take-out the most often.

We tip on take-out.

Just 10% unless I've asked for something off the menu that is made special for me, then 20% for sure.

No way, you're not being served.

10%

10% .Since your still getting service,though it's not table service,somebody had to put your order together and it took away the time they could have been doing something else.Plus the fact they rely on tips,since they are paid very little.As long as they are courteous and get your food out in a timely matter 10% seems fair,since in most cases it's only a few bucks.But i once gave an Outback Steakhouse waitress $50 on a $15 takeout order, and told her to keep the change.....................................my daughter.

restaurant where i simply grab an already set up order, pay cashier and leave [pizza/chinese] - don't tip unless i have asked for more than dinner for four or something not on the menu.

restaurant or quick serve where a counter server must prepare/gather my selection [dunkin donutd/brooklyn bagel] - tip 10%.

restaurant delivery - 15% for door-to-door service.

i tip the server who waited on me - not the cook, the restaurant or the cashier.

How is it that restaurants get a "base on balls" with respect to paying a living wage to their employees? Why is the consumer expected to subsidize their labor costs, over and above the price of the food? Personally, I don't buy that the food is cheaper, due to tipping the staff.

Just seems to me that the purpose of tipping has lost it meaning, over the years.

So my question is this: What is the MINIMUM service you expect from a server, without paying a tip?

I tip a delivery person, but not if I pick the order up.

Same with us.

I used to not tip for take out, thinking that it was nothing to bag my order and hand it to me. After watching my daughter when she worked at Applebee's, I changed my mind. There is actually more work entailed in a takeout than there is in serving someone at a table. So, takeout now gets at least 20% from a sit-down restaurant. A Starbucks, Dunkin-Donut, etc. gets $1.00 and any change that came with the order. If there is a takeout counter (like at a deli), it is $1-3, depending on how much I order and what is self-serve. Delivery is $1-5, depending on amount of bill and distance. Strangely, I've even been known to tip at a fast food restaurant like Burger King if the person taking my order or delivering my food got me to smile or just generally feel good.

I don't tip if I pick something up. I did all the work!!!!!!!! And, the reason I pick it up is so I don't HAVE to tip. Enough is enough.

We also do not tip on take-out.

I absolutely tip for takeout. 10%. The server on takeout duty has to package all the food, condiments, side orders, utensils, etc. They typically are assigned the take out station for their shift, hence do not have the opportunity to earn as much in tips as the other servers.

Takeout is a convenience and the servers have to prepare your order, so at least a small tip is appropriate.

Francie, You are right! However I go to 15 to 20%. Redwitch is right, there is work involved for these people and they need to be compensated. Tips are a major part of restaurant workers incomes and are recognized as such by the IRS. They are different from fast-food places that fall under minimum wage and to laws. As I read this, I am reminded why Villagers have the reputation, well deserved, of being lousy tippers. If you cannot afford to tip, you should stay at home and prepare your own food. BTW, your pizza delivery guy/gal should get at least five bucks, IMHO.

10%
 

Absolutely 10%. More if they are fast and efficient and ESPECIALLY if they are in the middle of a busy dinner rush. If you get food at a The Server is doing almost the same amount of work except less less visits and they get to use that table as a piece of real estate for another guest. That is why it is not 20% but if you tip nothing expect to stand around waiting for your food and the order to likely be wrong next time. If you tip nothing, they are paying to take the time to take your order, put it together, and cash you out. They still have to tip out (bar/busser/host) and pay taxes on those sales event if it is takeout.

If it isn't a full-service establishment, it is still a courtesy to tip, but not expected unless it's a big or complicated order. But if you get a takeout lunch from Panera or Crispers, don't bother tipping.