Should You Tip on Takeout?
Tipping on takeout is appreciated but not strictly expected like dine-in service. Traditional etiquette suggests no tip is required since there is minimal service. However, 10-15% for takeout has become more common, especially since 2020. Consider tipping more for large or complicated orders, curbside pickup service, or if you are a regular customer.
Key Takeaways
- The traditional view: tips compensate servers for tableside service - taking orders, refilling drinks, bringing courses, attending to needs throughout a meal.
- Counter-service restaurants where you order at a counter are similar to takeout - tips appreciated but not expected.
- Some restaurants have moved to no-tip models with higher base wages.
Explanation
The traditional view: tips compensate servers for tableside service - taking orders, refilling drinks, bringing courses, attending to needs throughout a meal. Takeout involves minimal service: someone packages your food and hands it to you. By this logic, no tip is required, similar to fast food.
The evolving view: restaurant workers often earn below minimum wage expecting tips. Someone still took your order, packaged it carefully, and ensured accuracy. During and after the pandemic, tipping on takeout became more common as a way to support restaurant workers. Many digital payment systems now prompt for tips.
Reasonable guidelines: no tip is acceptable, 10% is generous for a standard pickup, 15-20% for large/complicated orders or excellent service. Curbside delivery deserves a tip similar to food delivery. If payment terminals suggest 20%+ on simple takeout, know that is optional and you can select 'other' or 'no tip' without guilt.
Things to Know
- Counter-service restaurants where you order at a counter are similar to takeout - tips appreciated but not expected.
- Some restaurants have moved to no-tip models with higher base wages.
- In countries outside the US, takeout tipping is even less expected.