A follower of my online food chat wants to know how much of a thank-you he should leave when he orders carryout from a restaurant. "I find myself somewhat perplexed about whether I should include a tip when I pay for the meal(s). I realize that the usual 20 percent for table service is not necessary, but what is appropriate for this situation?"
I responded that I typically tip 10 percent of the bill for takeout, because even when you're not eating in, someone has to handle your request. After the live discussion, another reader pointed out that that "someone" is frequently the bartender, who has to "take your order, pack it up, ring you up, make change, get you extra bread or utensils" -- all tasks that take away from customers at the bar and in the dining room and that merit a monetary reward.
The other day, The Mrs., a friend and I were talking about this, and we all agreed that the proper amount to tip for takeout is zero percent.
So I guess we're going to hell.
That’s the number I typically resort to. And I’m not even Mr. Pink.
Thirded.
The folks who answer the phone, put your food in a bag, and take your money are doing something, but IMVHO it doesn’t quite fall into the category of ‘food service’. More like ‘food vending’.
Tipping for take away food has never, ever crossed my mind. The whole US culture of tipping is also a little strange as it appears people will tip even if the service was crap. Perhaps you guys need to up the minimum wage? :)
As a rule I will tip 10% if the service and food are good – 20% is frankly taking the piss IMHO.
Perhaps you guys need to up the minimum wage?
ah, but that’s the thing. waitstaff don’t even get the standard minimum wage. because they’re expected to get tips, the min wage for waitstaff is like half of the normal rate (though this varies by state). so, you feel obligated to tip because they’re going to be making like $3/hr otherwise.
Don’t get the standard minimum wage? Why call it a minimum wage if it isn’t actually the minimum? Madness.
The UK minimum wage is about £5.50 ($8) IIRC and it’s THE LAW (although it’s probably abused by people who employ illegals).
Why call it a minimum wage if it isn’t actually the minimum?
there are a bunch of amusing exceptions. for example, amusement parks which are open for less than 7mo. per year are exempt. full-time students need only be paid a certain % of the standard. manual-labor farm workers are exempt in certain conditions. babysitters. disabled workers (!). fishermen. “Homeworkers making wreaths”. etc..
the federal min for “tipped workers” is a whopping $2.13. the employer is supposed to make up the difference if the worker’s tips + wage don’t meet the M.W.. i bet that doesn’t happen often.
yeah, it’s stupid.
disabled workers (!).
Pretty sure that’s to encourage people to hire disabled workers.
not that it wouldn’t work, but doesn’t that seem a little … i dunno… perverse?
“yeah, sure he’s a little broke-down. but he’s cheap!”