It's funny - I always tip for coffee because it's expected - but having worked as a barista as well, I think it's silly. Baristas in big corporate places are paid relatively well (staggeringly well, compared to their fast-food counterparts) and typically also get benefits, even for part-time work (many employees have a different full-time job without benefits.) The tips really, really add up - yes, it's a crappy job, but significantly less crappy than the earlier one I mentioned, and compensated in a reasonable manner - tips are gilding the lily.

1) Order carry-out at local bar.
2) Have beer while waiting.
3) Tip really, really well for one beer.

This is my standard way of ordering carry-out. Do this a couple times at the same place and it guarantees you will have great service, whether you order for carry-out or decide to eat in that day. Tipping well on carry-out is rarely done and it guarantees people will remember you and make sure you're taken care of.

I end up taking many many carry-out orders during our down time when I don't have a phone person on. 99% of the population doesn't leave a tip on carry-out. The ones that consistently do will always get a little extra attention to detail and if there is three other people waiting, I can almost guarantee you're leaving with your food first.

Same goes for delivery. My delivery guys have a sick way of remembering an address even if they've only been there once. If you tip $5 plus every time, most likely if they're leaving with three deliveries yours is getting dropped first (unless it is an issue with routing).

Delivery and carry-out is just the same as bartenders and servers, they will always take care of people who they know are kind, understanding, and generous before they take care of anyone who is the opposite. That's the nature of the business.

I always tip 10% for carryout. That amount won't break the bank, and I just feel better tipping than not. By the same token, I tip $1 or so per drink at coffee shops. It's just a buck, and it's doubtless appreciated.

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:I just feel better tipping than not.

Ditto. In all sorts of ambiguous "should I tip, or should I not" situations, I've discovered (I finally came to this epiphany just a few years ago) that the simple answer for me is, "yeah, I should tip." Because every time I don't, I end up feeling immediately after like I really should have. And whatever not-breaking-the-bank amount it turns out to be, it's worth it not to have that feeling.

riddlemay wrote:

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:I just feel better tipping than not.

Ditto. In all sorts of ambiguous "should I tip, or should I not" situations, I've discovered (I finally came to this epiphany just a few years ago) that the simple answer for me is, "yeah, I should tip." Because every time I don't, I end up feeling immediately after like I really should have. And whatever not-breaking-the-bank amount it turns out to be, it's worth it not to have that feeling.

I agree. I can't quite explain why, but if I feel I've left maybe a percentage point or so less than I perhaps should have, the bad feeling stays with me for hours. It's a type of guilt, an emotion I rarely feel (leading the relatively spotless existence that I do) and one that I try to avoid, so I tend to over-tip and so avoid that unpleasant sensation.

I don't tip for takeout, or for coffee at the counter. I do tip Pizza Man (I also say, "God bless you, Pizza Man; thank goodness you've come") and other delivery people, and of course I tip servers at sit-down restaurants and bars. On many trips to Europe and Asia, and after many years living in South America*, I've observed that USofAns are viewed as the softest touches in the world when it comes to tipping. You have to do whatever makes you comfortable, but my view is, guilt is not a reason to tip. Appreciation is, and observance of local custom is too. Know what it is you feel and tip accordingly.

*in Chile it is customary that you tip the person who bags your groceries, and the person who "watches" your car when it's parked in a private lot or metered space. When in Rome ...

Hi,

I was recently in a situation where a relative was escorted to the car by wheelchair. My relative wanted to tip the person wheeling them around. The attendant reminded her it was their job and they couldn't possibly accept anything. I overheard this entire exchange.

The wheelchair guy paused when he passed me to make some small talk. Once whatever conversation we had stalled, he lingered. I had a gathering sense where he could not accept a tip from the client, he hoped I might. I didn't.

I spent a few minutes replaying this event in my mind wondering if I was reading the situation right or he simply wasn't in a rush to collect yet another ride.

Regards,

riddlemay wrote:I am sometimes frustrated by the absence of a tip jar... Is the customer supposed to put money in the barista's palm?

I was in this awkward position at a new
ice cream place. After getting a couple
of scoops I planned to give the change
($0.95) to the scooper. I asked about
a tip jar and was told by the owner who
was nearby that they didn't have one,
but I could just tip directly. I then handed
the change to the scooper's gloved hand.
Who then hesitated, looked at the boss,
and put the change in his pocket. Odd.
Just put out a freakin tip jar!

Thoughts? Is there a "standard" gratuity on takeout? I'm not talking about Chipotle but rather any sort of restaurant with a dining room.

Thoughts? Is there a "standard" gratuity on takeout?

10% is par for the course. Take-out is kind of a pain to properly pack, and takes the server away from his/her tables, as well.

sundevilpeg wrote:

Thoughts? Is there a "standard" gratuity on takeout?

10% is par for the course.

Agreed.

Khaopaat wrote:

sundevilpeg wrote:

Thoughts? Is there a "standard" gratuity on takeout?

10% is par for the course.

Agreed.

What do you guys think about the fact that, according to the poll found in this now combined thread, you represent an extreme minority position? (I admit I am suprised by the poll results.)

ews wrote:

Khaopaat wrote:

sundevilpeg wrote:10% is par for the course.

Agreed.

What do you guys think about the fact that, according to the poll found in this now combined thread, you represent an extreme minority position? (I admit I am suprised by the poll results.)

Mostly I feel smug

I am always surprised by people tipping when ordering coffee at our cafe.
Our waitstaff makes over $8/hour and tips that they make while waiting tables. I tell you that it is quite considerable. On top of it my staff gets a free meal, free pastry, and free coffee and tea. So I do not see them as underpaid poor wait staff. I took someone's order and they tipped me on it. I was not expecting to be tipped at all. I do not tip for take out, but always leave a few bucks for the delivery pizza guy. Usually it is the kitchen who gets the to go order ready. I guess it always depends on our personal taste, my question is how far will it go? Do I have to tip people everywhere I go now? Just food for thought.

Several year ago I switched from rarely tipping for take-out to usually doing so, though it depends on the place.

I was just getting some soup to go from a local restaurant I frequent. My order was taken by a waitress who happened to be up front. As I watched her ladle out the soup, get spoons, napkins & crackers, and bag it all up I had my epiphany. I realized 1) she was doing work that took her away from waiting tables, 2) her base pay was probably pretty crappy, and 3) tips were a good portion of her income.

I left a tip of about 10% and continue to do so for most take-out orders. Shortly after that I did the same at a Thai place I also frequent, and it seemed the helping of food I got was a bit bigger than usual.

The general rule I follow is to tip if it's a place where tipping is usual, such as a restaurant. If tipping is not the norm, as at a takeout-only place then I'm less likely to tip or I tip a smaller amount. My rationale is that at takeout-only places employee compensation is not geared to tips, but at restaurants it is.