Do you tip or not on a to-go order?

[Rynie]

I actually tipped on a to-go order the other day, but only because the girl was really nice, and gave me a free drink while I waited. Little things like that, I've grown to really appreciate.

 

[CashMan]

How about those tip containers sitting at the front of Starbuck's registers?

LOL, I laugh at those when I see them.

 

[TheCount]

LOL, I laugh at those when I see them.

I don't regularly go to Starbucks, and I don't tip there generally but I do tip the smaller coffee places, especially if their service deserves it.

It's not easy to keep up with high traffic service like that where people get truly upset if they don't get their coffee exactly as they ordered it. Can't mess with people's addictions. :laugh2:

 

[FloridaRob]

If I go in to pick it up I do not tip a to go order. If the delivery or bring it to me in the car while waiting I do tip. The issue I have with Delivery is that many chinese places already have a delivery charge on them so I feel I am double dipped if I tip. Does the delivery charge to to the delivery guy?

I also tip the gal that cuts my hair unless the person cutting my hair owns the business. Then I do not tip.

The one I have a problem knowing what to do is the valet. Do I tip when they bring me the car or when I hand the keys to them or both.

 

[Jammer]

The issue I have with Delivery is that many chinese places already have a delivery charge on them so I feel I am double dipped if I tip. Does the delivery charge to to the delivery guy?

The delivery driver does NOT get the delivery charge. Once all the delivery places started charging delivery fees a few years ago driver's tips went downhill, because people assumed it went to the driver. The last few years I was in the Air Force I worked part time delivering pizzas so I know what I'm talking about. I used to get a percentage of the net for my delivery costs (fuel, insurance, etc.). After the delivery fees went into effect I did not get any extra money. What they paid me stayed the same. It was just one way the companies passed on the costs of delivery service to to the customer.

 

[CowboyStar88]

I always tip on to go orders. Especially at wood ranch! They are always nice when I call and pick up my food. If my wife wants sushi and it's to go she never tips. They don't do anything to set themselves apart from wood ranch. She has to walk in and wait for them to bring it out. I am a heavy tipper as well usually 25% I know that servers make their living my by tips. Sometimes servers have to rotate and handle the to go orders and they may not make the tips they usually make on other nights. Look if you can pay 25-50 bucks for a to go meal then tip! What's the difference if you sat there or picked it up? They still prepare it bag it and get the extras you need just like if you were sitting there at the table. Just tip.

 

[kmd24]

"It's not tipping I believe in. It's overtipping. That's my philosophy."

We order carryout fairly often. I always tip at least 20%, even if it's just a $5 order at Sonic. Mostly it just makes me feel happy to do it because I know the poor server/bartender who got stuck handling my carryout isn't expecting it. If the service at a restaurant is consistently bad enough that I don't feel a tip is justified, I usually offer a final tip of 10-15% and simply don't return. There are too many good places to eat to suffer poor service.

Also, I consider tips payment for services not yet rendered. IOW, they're not for this visit, they're for the next one. If you go to the same places often and tip well, you get treated well by the servers, not only on carryout orders, but especially those times when you eat in the restaurant.

I live in a small town, and I'm pretty much on a first name basis with most of the servers at the 5 or 6 restaurants from which we order, so it's reasonable to expect to see the same folks over and over.

 

[WV Cowboy]

I don't mind tipping, .. I actually like to tip.

I am sure nobody is blown away by my tip, .. but I am usually generous.

Sometimes, when not at a restaurant, (like a haircut or something) I wonder if my tip is not enough. Are they offended by a tip that is too small?

You tell me, I have never worked where I got a tip.

I wonder if they are pointing at me as I leave saying, that guy only gave me $2, or $3.

 

[FloridaRob]

my grandson had surfing lessons last week in the Atlantic. He actually had a one week session earlier in June and really liked it. He really took to it. For his birthday my daughter gave him and two of his friends special lessons. Afterwards my daughter tipped the instructor $20 and asked me if that was enough. I thought about and felt like maybe that was not enough for three kids so added another $20. I have no idea what to do with that kind of tipping. Any ideas if I went over board. How do you know when it is not enough or too much.

 

[The30YardSlant]

Yes, but not much.

 

[MonsterD]

You should always tip 15% even if service is bad and never say anything to the manager. #Springs1

:cunning:

 

[wittenacious]

I do @ 15-20%. I learned along the way that the one assembling the To Go order is responsible for the customer's satisfaction and is typically a server (sometimes a bartender or manager) who takes care of checking that the order is right, including condiments, napkins and plastic utensils. Plus, they really hope for and appreciate getting a good tip.

Also, at times when it's happened, I always appreciated being invited to enjoy a free soft drink if/while I waited for my order. Unless given noticeably bad service, I tip well whether dining in or picking up a To Go order. Restaurant servers put up with so much more than I ever imagined they had to, before being allowed to look behind the curtain, so to speak.

Lots and lots of low-to-no tippers out there. May not be my responsibility but, knowing that's how it is, I nearly always act on the desire to tip extra as a way of making up a little bit for those who think nothing of shorting/stiffing the wait staff on tips.