Game Meat Grub for the Big Game
Sunflower-Seed Milk Substitute
Low-Fat Fish Dishes
Faux Pas: The Chef Was Texting
Open a Beer with a Piece of Paper
Belgian Brewers Are Copying Us!
Dear Helena,
About once a week, my girlfriend and I order sushi from a place on the next block. We pick it up since it’s so close. And every week we have the same argument: Should we tip? My girlfriend says no. She is a generous tipper in other respects (with cabdrivers, masseurs, and restaurant servers). She tips when someone delivers the takeout. But in this case, she says, “All they have to do is bring it to the counter. It’s not like they’re giving you any service.” Excuse me, but I’ve worked in takeout places, and scooping all the food into individual containers and packaging them up is quite time-consuming. It definitely deserves some recompense. Please set her straight on this point.
—Tuesday-Night Sushi
Dear Tuesday-Night Sushi,
Your girlfriend is in the majority: Most people don’t tip on takeout food. As is clear from threads like this one, many Chowhounds are in this camp. Steve Dublanica, a former server and author of the forthcoming Keep the Change: A Clueless Tipper’s Quest to Become the Guru of the Gratuity, says that when he worked in a high-end restaurant, “80 percent of the time, people did not tip on takeout orders.”
People who work in takeout places don’t necessarily expect a tip. Tony Giovanni, manager of Bleecker Street Pizza, says: “Customers tip for delivery, but there’s no need to tip for pickup.” Even a celeb like Miley Cyrus—that is, someone with money to burn—apparently considers tipping on takeout unnecessary.
But the majority is in the wrong. You should tip for takeout, because filling your order takes work. Someone has to take your order over the phone, and that order could be an extra-crispy, extra-sauce, half-anchovy sausage pizza—in other words, complicated. Or worse, it could be vague: “Yeah, I don’t have your menu in front of me, but do you have, like, a tofu in peanut sauce type dish?”
Assembling the order is more trouble than many people realize, says Patrick Maguire, who has worked in the restaurant industry for 10 years: “You have to accommodate any special requests, like ensure any dressings are on the side, package the whole thing up properly so nothing spills, and keep items separate so the bread doesn’t get soggy.” Some dishes, like curry, can just be shoveled into a container, but some need to be nicely arranged. As Dublanica says, “You don’t want your vegetables and potatoes and steak mashed together in a lump.”
When the person taking your order is a server and the restaurant is busy, there’s an opportunity cost for him in taking your order. While he’s wrapping up your Peking duck or burger and curly fries, he could be serving customers at a table and earning a real tip. While in some cases the person who takes your order or does the packing up won’t be the same one who hands you your food and thus receives the tip, it’s best to assume it’ll all even out in the long run.
Of course, filling a takeout order isn’t as much work as bringing everything nicely plated to your table, not to mention keeping your water glasses filled and clearing away your dishes. So you need not tip 20 percent. Instead, you should tip somewhere between a couple of bucks and 10 percent. Tip on the higher end if your order was particularly complex or if you had any special requests (like asking the restaurant to fill containers you brought from home). As when tipping for a latte, you should also reward the person with a smile and friendly remark.
If you hit the same takeout place regularly, it pays to tip. Maguire tips at his favorite pizza and sandwich joint, and says, “The staff remembers how I like my meatball sub, with the bun toasted with a little extra sauce and some grated cheese on top.” That’s good karma in action.
I just read some previous comments and it looks like what I just wrote has already been said. But, yeah I agree.
If that's the case, then why shouldn't we pay a tip at the grocery store check out? I mean the food didn't magically appear on the shelves, the carts weren't magically put back in their proper places so we can have fast and easy access to them...etc. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes at a grocery store.
Servers and bartenders often lament that people should be required to work a few shifts in a restaurant before dining in one. At least TRY to understand how the service industry works in America. If you don't want to tip someone who is making 2.83 an hour and making an effort to earn that tip (10% is fine for takeut). Learn to cook for yourself.
It seems most people didn't actually read this...+READ
Servers and bartenders often lament that people should be required to work a few shifts in a restaurant before dining in one. At least TRY to understand how the service industry works in America. If you don't want to tip someone who is making 2.83 an hour and making an effort to earn that tip (10% is fine for takeut). Learn to cook for yourself.
It seems most people didn't actually read this article before posting their thoughtless comments. And it is by the way "A REAL JOB" people working hard with a unique skill set paying taxes and supporting themselves and their families. Jeez....-COLLAPSE
The fact that tipping has come to be expected in the US, and is basically a requirement for good service, is ridiculous. It's supposed to be a bonus for a job well done. Shame on the industry for creating this situation. I don't understand why we can't just raise the prices of dinner itself and pay servers a decent (and DEPENDABLE) wage. I would have loved that when I worked in a restaurant. The...+READ
The fact that tipping has come to be expected in the US, and is basically a requirement for good service, is ridiculous. It's supposed to be a bonus for a job well done. Shame on the industry for creating this situation. I don't understand why we can't just raise the prices of dinner itself and pay servers a decent (and DEPENDABLE) wage. I would have loved that when I worked in a restaurant. The only reason ANY server would say otherwise is that they lie about how much they are taking in (99% of folks I worked with did).-COLLAPSE
I agree servers and bartenders should not just get a tip just because. I often hear them at bars complaining about tips and I just think to my self. "well go out and get a real job" It's not like the industry is going to fall apart because you left it. Go out and be a somebody instead of living at the whims of strangers.
Oh, my gosh, you poor thing!!!!! That is YOUR job. Yes, I am sure you would like to get a tip-who wouldn't?? But why is it my job, as a customer, to give you a handout for doing nothing more than your job?
Look at surgeons and surg techs. They have to prepare their instruments, scrub up, talk to the patient prior to surgery, make sure everything is in place pre-op, check vitals throughout the...+READ
Oh, my gosh, you poor thing!!!!! That is YOUR job. Yes, I am sure you would like to get a tip-who wouldn't?? But why is it my job, as a customer, to give you a handout for doing nothing more than your job?
Look at surgeons and surg techs. They have to prepare their instruments, scrub up, talk to the patient prior to surgery, make sure everything is in place pre-op, check vitals throughout the procedure, administer the correct dosage of medicine to both keep you anesthetized and alive, correctly position the patient on the table, perform the procedure, and talk to patients' families post-op. My word, they have your life in their hands. Do they ask or even expect a tip-NO. Why, because it is their job. I know they get paid very well, but don't you think they might like a little money? Look at everything that have done and have to do to get their salary. It's a pale comparison to a fast-food drive thru worker who merely takes orders, preps food, puts food into containers, keeps their area and restaurant clean, and balances their drawers at the end of their shift. When you start saving lives, then we'll talk.
I have worked in fast-food restaurants while attending college and graduate school. So I do know where you are coming from. However, even on our busiest days/nights, I never expected, nor wanted, a tip. It was my job. I knew that if fast food was too rough or the customers were getting on my nerve, I should quit.
Your description of your job is perhaps a bit misleading. I am sure that you did not have to do these jobs simultaneously. I mean you only have two hands.
Yes, when working in the food service biz, I had to wear all kinds of "hats." But I never wore them simultaneously. When we were slow, the manager would put me in another area or do another job. I may have been responsible for prepping, cleaning, and taking orders. But not at the same time.
While I do feel sorry for you, this is not a convincing enough argument for me to change my mind-sorry.-COLLAPSE
The article proves a valid point. I work drive-thru at a restaurant....and not a fast food restaurant. On a good Friday night, we take in almost $2,000. With the average order being $10-$15, that's a pretty good amount of orders that go out during a 5 hour shift. Weekend nights when we are busting our butts, taking call after call, keeping up with that stupid vanishing pen that just keeps...+READ
The article proves a valid point. I work drive-thru at a restaurant....and not a fast food restaurant. On a good Friday night, we take in almost $2,000. With the average order being $10-$15, that's a pretty good amount of orders that go out during a 5 hour shift. Weekend nights when we are busting our butts, taking call after call, keeping up with that stupid vanishing pen that just keeps disappearing after your coworker walks off with it, putting in orders from those calls, making change for the waitresses, guarding your cash drawer (with your life, because God forbid it's short at the end of your shift), checking to-go orders to make sure they're right, bagging said orders, preparing to-go salads when the kitchen is swamped, filling drinks, refilling condiment containers, wrapping fork pack after fork pack after fork pack etc, keeping the window clean, taking money, and physically walking your (hot)food out to you as quickly as possible when the car line is 10+, it's nice to get a tip. I'm not saying we expect them on slow nights, but it sure makes your night a little more worth while with those tips. So next time you're sitting in your car looking in the window and you see your drive-thru worker running around doing a million things at once, yet they still manage to give you a smile when they hand you your order, what's it gonna hurt you to give them a dollar? We're not asking for 15% people. I'm greatful even when I make $3. Every little bit helps.-COLLAPSE
While I tip delivery and taxi drivers, hair stylists, and others, I do not feel that it is necessary to tip a takeout restaurant employee. All they do is take your order and put the food into containers. This is not tedious or laborious work.
At Christmas, I give my kids' teachers and principals a small token of appreciation. This is usually a gift certificate to either a store, mall, or...+READ
While I tip delivery and taxi drivers, hair stylists, and others, I do not feel that it is necessary to tip a takeout restaurant employee. All they do is take your order and put the food into containers. This is not tedious or laborious work.
At Christmas, I give my kids' teachers and principals a small token of appreciation. This is usually a gift certificate to either a store, mall, or restaurant. I do this for my hair stylist, too.
We are becoming a country too worried about protocol and following etiquette. When the debate is over tipping a take out restaurant employee, then we have gone too far with regard to tipping.
With anything, there is a stopping point. And that stopping point is when we have to tip everyone for doing their job. When we get to the point that we are tipping every employee for doing their job, then going out will become a thing of the past. It will simply become too financially straining.
While salaries are either staying the same or decreasing, but yet the cost of food is increasing, no longer will tipping 15-20% be economically feasible. People will either stop dining out or tipping.-COLLAPSE
Honestly whats with all these comments about not tipping the take-out person??? You are going to a RESTAURANT!! Now why would you go to a restaurant.. hmmm maybe to get some quality food?? ohh yeah that's why! So don't compare a Restaurant with a fast food joint! come on! really?
When you order take-out at a restaurant typically you call ahead to place the order right?? A person at the other end...+READ
Honestly whats with all these comments about not tipping the take-out person??? You are going to a RESTAURANT!! Now why would you go to a restaurant.. hmmm maybe to get some quality food?? ohh yeah that's why! So don't compare a Restaurant with a fast food joint! come on! really?
When you order take-out at a restaurant typically you call ahead to place the order right?? A person at the other end picks up the phone and places the order right? Ok stay with me.. Now on a friday or saturday night, your order is probably one of like 20 orders at that moment.. It's their job to have your order ready for pick up at the quote time they gave you... Most servers at restaurants can barely handle 5 tables at a time.. Now you got maybe two takeout people or maybe even just one trying to keep up with the orders, packing them, making sure all the sides are in place, all the sauces and dressings are on the side, as well as taking new orders..
You still there?? Ok.. now you're at the restaurant and you see a bunch of containers.. you're thinking "Oh.. where's my food?".. "I'm here to pick up an order for John Smith." Yeah you and a bunch of other people.. Now the take out person has to process you're payment right? Ok, imagine their defeat when they hand you you're credit card slip for you to sign and you leave a big line or even worse a FAT 0!! They're probably gonna think.. "Cheap bastard" and guess what they are not gonna give a rats ass about you're order or your "special" requests. Take in mind that if you do go to a restaurant frequently and you don't tip they will almost always take forever to bring out your food.. yeah they'll remember your face! So why don't you make amends and tip a couple bucks here and there.. You'll save time and maybe even get recognized at the restaurant. they might even address you by your name.. surprising what a few bucks could do right!?
Ok let's recap.. Tipping the take-out person= Faster service (and yes taking your order, packing it, and processing you're payment is service), Special request being fufilled, A smile, and best of all you'll probably make that person's day.-COLLAPSE
If you don't want to tip on takeout, you should just go into the kitchen and hold out your hands and have them scoop the food directly from the stove to you. Bring some plastic bags, though.
Than do we have to tip at McDonlds as well. They have to prep the food and put it in different containers and deal with such major things as pickels or no pickels, just like that tricky extra sauce thing. About packing the curry correctly, they McDonlds prep person has to but the meat and condiments between the two buns, they can't just throw everything in a box. I tip very well for service but...+READ
Than do we have to tip at McDonlds as well. They have to prep the food and put it in different containers and deal with such major things as pickels or no pickels, just like that tricky extra sauce thing. About packing the curry correctly, they McDonlds prep person has to but the meat and condiments between the two buns, they can't just throw everything in a box. I tip very well for service but no tip for take out.-COLLAPSE
No, you don't tip on takeout. Just as you don't tip the bagger at the grocery store, but you do tip the grocery deliverer. You don't tip the hardware salesperson, that is unless he/she comes over to install something. Tipping on takeout means you really need to tip everyone you come in contact with. If someone helps you find the right clothes to wear at a clothing store, Are you tipping them?...+READ
No, you don't tip on takeout. Just as you don't tip the bagger at the grocery store, but you do tip the grocery deliverer. You don't tip the hardware salesperson, that is unless he/she comes over to install something. Tipping on takeout means you really need to tip everyone you come in contact with. If someone helps you find the right clothes to wear at a clothing store, Are you tipping them? They can share the tip with the merchandiser, afterall. One thing I've noticed is that in the LA area it's becoming slightly more common to tip on takeout. I've asked every person who I've seen do this the same question. How much do you tip when you dine-in? The answer has always been either 10% or 15%, but never 20%. I rest my case.-COLLAPSE
I don't know if it's like this in the US, but in Canada, most restaurants requires servers to "tip out" a percentage of their sales (not of their tips), which is then pooled and distributed to the cooks and hosts who would not make tips otherwise. This is usually in the 3-7% range. If you were to order $20 of takeout at a restaurant with a 5% tip out, for example, that server is effectively...+READ
I don't know if it's like this in the US, but in Canada, most restaurants requires servers to "tip out" a percentage of their sales (not of their tips), which is then pooled and distributed to the cooks and hosts who would not make tips otherwise. This is usually in the 3-7% range. If you were to order $20 of takeout at a restaurant with a 5% tip out, for example, that server is effectively paying $1.00 out of their own pocket to serve you. A 10% tip on takeout orders is generally acceptable to cover the tip out and account for the server's time that, as mentioned in the article, could have been spent serving customers and making bigger tips.-COLLAPSE
I regularly get takeout at four nearby restaurants and I always leave 15-20%. I'm rewarded with great service, being greeted by name, and, in the case of one of the restaurants, gargantuan portions that are enough to feed two people for the price of one.
I'm sorry, if you believe that minimum wage is a reason not to tip. Do you know what kind of life you could live on minimum wage. It's pony rides and champagna. I am actually the manager of a local pizza joint and most of the customers are regulars. Most of the employees have been there awhile. All of the pizzas are hand fashioned i.e. hand tossed. Nobody expects a tip and nobody knows whether or...+READ
I'm sorry, if you believe that minimum wage is a reason not to tip. Do you know what kind of life you could live on minimum wage. It's pony rides and champagna. I am actually the manager of a local pizza joint and most of the customers are regulars. Most of the employees have been there awhile. All of the pizzas are hand fashioned i.e. hand tossed. Nobody expects a tip and nobody knows whether or not to leave one. Well, you should tip for take out. Everyone has a memory, if you frequent a place, they remember you. If you are friendly and maybe a dollar each time they will enjoy seeing you. If you are a pain in the ass and rude, they kinda want to spit in your food, they wouldn't, but they would want to. The people that work in the kitchen, take the orders, make the food, help the counter when people come in to place/pick-up a to-go order, clean the store ect. They don't get tipped out by the delivery drivers, whose only real job is to wait around until a delivery comes in and deliver it. Although, most people tip generously for delivery. The drivers also get paid a % of the total sales they take out in the night to pay for their gas, which is usually more than they actually used.
When I was in high school I worked at a Sam's Club as a cart boy, which gathers all the carts people leave strewn about the parking lot and in the cages. We also loaded peoples cars full of the bulk crap they bought, that could fit in their vehicle but took a lot of manuvering. It was Wal-Mart policy that we weren't supposed to take a tip and if someone wouldn't let it go we were to take it to the office and turn it in. McDonalds, I'm sure has the same policy. That's why they have Ronald McDonald house donation cups instead of tip jars. I say use your own judgement when you tip or don't, but if you want to be remembered as a civil human being........-COLLAPSE
You don't tip when you go through a drive-thru so why should you when you pick up a "to go" order? I don't tip if I am picking up my order
Thanks to gpatrick900, I did some research and found the following law. He is indeed correct that the minimum wage still applies to people who receive tips. I personally hate tipping and the stress it creates.
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/002.htm
This whole tipping business is getting out of hand.
"When the person taking your order is a server and the restaurant is busy, there’s an opportunity cost for him in taking your order."
An opportunity cost?? Is the food free? Isn't the restaurant making money from the order? So the staff at MacDonald and KFC don't pack your stuff in little boxes?
I'm not taking up table space, I don't have...+READ
This whole tipping business is getting out of hand.
"When the person taking your order is a server and the restaurant is busy, there’s an opportunity cost for him in taking your order."
An opportunity cost?? Is the food free? Isn't the restaurant making money from the order? So the staff at MacDonald and KFC don't pack your stuff in little boxes?
I'm not taking up table space, I don't have someone coming to my table to explain the menu, then coming every five minutes to top my water and asking if everything is alright. I'm not in the restaurant taking 1 hour of service time. Why in the world should I tip?
Soon, we'll have to be tipping for electricity and gas, after all, someone types the bill and puts it in the mail and sends it to me. What nonsense, wake up, people!-COLLAPSE
"Maguire tips at his favorite pizza and sandwich joint, and says, “The staff remembers how I like my meatball sub, with the bun toasted with a little extra sauce and some grated cheese on top.” That’s good karma in action."
Hmmm.. are you sure that isn't just a correlation he's made in his own mind? How about: the staff remember how he likes his meatball sub because that's what he always orders?
I've tried to be quiet - but this takes the cake.
Who allows these things like this to be written ? This stuff is beyond insane. Where are the chowhound moderators when you need them ?
A couple of years ago there was a story stating that people who got lunch from home were stupid. I mean, really ? And then the other recent one - ' Should I cut my steak like a Brit ?.
Really really...+READ
I've tried to be quiet - but this takes the cake.
Who allows these things like this to be written ? This stuff is beyond insane. Where are the chowhound moderators when you need them ?
A couple of years ago there was a story stating that people who got lunch from home were stupid. I mean, really ? And then the other recent one - ' Should I cut my steak like a Brit ?.
Really really irritating.-COLLAPSE
This article is stupid. Should I tip the servers at McDs for taking my order, then the cooks for assembling the food? Should I tip the kid at the ice cream shop for putting ice cream into a bowl? Maybe I should tip the cashier at the grocery store for putting my food into plastic bags, and the cart carriers for taking my cart away.
Just because a paid employee spends time putting food into a...+READ
This article is stupid. Should I tip the servers at McDs for taking my order, then the cooks for assembling the food? Should I tip the kid at the ice cream shop for putting ice cream into a bowl? Maybe I should tip the cashier at the grocery store for putting my food into plastic bags, and the cart carriers for taking my cart away.
Just because a paid employee spends time putting food into a vessel doesn't mean it should be followed with a tip.-COLLAPSE
I wouldn't tip at a Domino's but I would for the chinese/Indian/pizza/thai place that you would normally sit down at but instead you've ordered takeout. It's usually a bartender, hostess or server taking your order and that's time they could be doing other stuff.
I agree with the majority, no tips for take-out. These people are not "serving" me, they are employees doing their job. I don't get tips for my job as a carpenter, they don't get tipped for doing there work.
Sorry if part is duplicate. I agree there should be no tipping for carry out.
As far as the minimum wage, I wish people knew more about the U.S. minimum wage law. The work place must make up the difference of tip. I am using $7.25 as an example. If she doesn't get any tips of that hour, the work place must pay her or him $7.25 for that hour. Now if she or he gets tips. Let say $4.25, the work...+READ
Sorry if part is duplicate. I agree there should be no tipping for carry out.
As far as the minimum wage, I wish people knew more about the U.S. minimum wage law. The work place must make up the difference of tip. I am using $7.25 as an example. If she doesn't get any tips of that hour, the work place must pay her or him $7.25 for that hour. Now if she or he gets tips. Let say $4.25, the work place must pay her or him $2.75 for that hour(Depending on the base wage). Assuming the base wage is $2.75. If she or he got $10.00 in tips for that hour, the work place would only have to pay $2.75 for that hour. Most place have figured it out it would be cheaper to pay minimum wage. It takes time & money to figure out each person different amount.-COLLAPSE
I won't tip if the place clearly does most/a lot of their business through takeout. I figure the costs listed above (packaging, time to wrap food, etc.) are already built in to their business model. If I call Domino's, order a pizza and then go pick it up myself, there's no way I'm tipping.
However, I occasionally do get takeout pizza from an Italian bistro/pizzeria that does have a large eat-in...+READ
I won't tip if the place clearly does most/a lot of their business through takeout. I figure the costs listed above (packaging, time to wrap food, etc.) are already built in to their business model. If I call Domino's, order a pizza and then go pick it up myself, there's no way I'm tipping.
However, I occasionally do get takeout pizza from an Italian bistro/pizzeria that does have a large eat-in section and has lots of stuff on their menu besides pizza. In other words, they're a real restaurant. In this case I always round up and leave them a few extra bucks - say $2-3 on a pizza that costs $18.-COLLAPSE
Great topic. so is tipping legally required because on the check printouts when it comes time to pay there is sometimes a gratuity message which reads something to the effect of "for parties of x# or more a gratuity of x% will be added to your bill which immediately go into the category of "you don't have a choice here". I didn't use to tip on a regular basis because i was never sure whether i...+READ
Great topic. so is tipping legally required because on the check printouts when it comes time to pay there is sometimes a gratuity message which reads something to the effect of "for parties of x# or more a gratuity of x% will be added to your bill which immediately go into the category of "you don't have a choice here". I didn't use to tip on a regular basis because i was never sure whether i was legally obligated or not or what type of situations could justify reasonable expectation . I am now noticing that everyone has a tip container at there counters including coffee shops, drycleaners. the panhandlers on the street etc., Personally i don't have a problem tipping good service but the alarms go off when i am tipping at restaurant on the basis that the company is too cheap to pay a decent wage? So whats the bottom line is it customary or a legal requirment to tip?-COLLAPSE
As someone who works in the service industry, the main concept surrounding tipping is to compensate workers who are on hourly salaries below the minimum wage. As a bartender the company pays me 2 bucks an hour, but averaging in tips takes that amount up quite a bit. Kitchen staff are always paid over minimum wage, so theres no need to tip them for takeout, as no service is provided from...+READ
As someone who works in the service industry, the main concept surrounding tipping is to compensate workers who are on hourly salaries below the minimum wage. As a bartender the company pays me 2 bucks an hour, but averaging in tips takes that amount up quite a bit. Kitchen staff are always paid over minimum wage, so theres no need to tip them for takeout, as no service is provided from waitstaff. Fact. All these reservoir dogs-esque arguments are from people in uninformed positions.-COLLAPSE
It has always been my practise to tip for takeout --- 25 years now.
Someone puts my order together, and the to-go containers cost the establishment $$. I tip a dollar if it's a single order --- $2 to $5 depending upon how many dishes/containers/bags in my order. I believe it's a good thing to recognize the people in back, in the kitchen, where it all begins.
These fine 'green' days in a...+READ
It has always been my practise to tip for takeout --- 25 years now.
Someone puts my order together, and the to-go containers cost the establishment $$. I tip a dollar if it's a single order --- $2 to $5 depending upon how many dishes/containers/bags in my order. I believe it's a good thing to recognize the people in back, in the kitchen, where it all begins.
These fine 'green' days in a small town, many times I take my own reusable containers to be filled. I sometimes get odd looks, but so what? Better than the stares I would get for chemo baldness from nuking food in styrofoam, right?
And I feel better about doing my part to reduce landfill refuse. Go green!
p.s. I also always tip the maid(s) in motels and hotels. They deserve tips and consideration most of all!-COLLAPSE
I agree with Stalepie. I pay 15.00 for a burger 4 bucks for a soda and have to give the waitress anything?? The restaurant just made a fortune on my order. Have them pay their people, not me. If I voice my opinion that giving money to a complete stranger for doing their job to bring customers back to the establishment so it stays open so they can have a job then I'm considered cheap and horrible....+READ
I agree with Stalepie. I pay 15.00 for a burger 4 bucks for a soda and have to give the waitress anything?? The restaurant just made a fortune on my order. Have them pay their people, not me. If I voice my opinion that giving money to a complete stranger for doing their job to bring customers back to the establishment so it stays open so they can have a job then I'm considered cheap and horrible. Cut out all tipping and make restaurants pay their employees like other businesses do.-COLLAPSE
I don't think people should tip at all. If you did not tip, waitresses and other food workers would be paid higher salaries because the cost of their pay would be covered in the cost of the food.
You do not pay clerks for helping you out at the store.
I know at outback steakhouse, they only pay their curbside staff 2.55 an hour, and the staff takes the order, packages it up and brings it out to the car. The one i work at has a delivery service and the takeout person has to pack up those orders with no compensation, while the delivery driver gets a nice tip. that creates about 30 % more work for the takeout person. so whether you think you...+READ
I know at outback steakhouse, they only pay their curbside staff 2.55 an hour, and the staff takes the order, packages it up and brings it out to the car. The one i work at has a delivery service and the takeout person has to pack up those orders with no compensation, while the delivery driver gets a nice tip. that creates about 30 % more work for the takeout person. so whether you think you should tip or not, the restaurant expects you to just like you were dining in.-COLLAPSE
Yeah, really, let's tip for everything. A.) It makes people smile. B.) The people providing the service are doing what they are paid to do. You know, like every person on the planet who has a job:
Your CPA. The cashier at the grocery store. Construction workers. Telemarketers. David Letterman. Brothel workers. Wait, I do tip for that.
"The service charge is generally not pocketed by the driver, it goes towards gas reimbursement and packaging" -dd_ss
I can actually say that in every case I've ever investigated, the delivery charge doesn't go to the driver at all. It goes to the restaurant to cover the cost of insuring the delivery boy. Not the delivery boy's insurance, the restaurant's; which is absolutely ridiculous, but I...+READ
"The service charge is generally not pocketed by the driver, it goes towards gas reimbursement and packaging" -dd_ss
I can actually say that in every case I've ever investigated, the delivery charge doesn't go to the driver at all. It goes to the restaurant to cover the cost of insuring the delivery boy. Not the delivery boy's insurance, the restaurant's; which is absolutely ridiculous, but I tip regardless.
I only get take-out from places with drive-up windows, which means there is a dedicated staff being paid a normal wage taking my order and filling it. So no, I don't tip. It's never a waiter or waitress who rings up my food, so I don't feel the need to tip. I can tell it's not wait-staff by the fact they never leave the cash register, they never go wait on tables or perform any style of waitering service to customers.
Besides, why are waiters and waitresses answering the phones? Is that all that works there? No host or hostess? No managers? Then you are working in an extremely strange environment.
I agree with what many others are saying, if you are going to tip on take-out, then tip on all take-out, from McDonald's to that fancy restaurant you go to. You can't make a distinction that "this person deserves it more than that one", so tip them all, otherwise you're as bad as the people you are crucifying for not tipping at all.
Lastly, I work in a convenience store and I handle food. I have customers whom I have to get their food and package it, just like a take-out place. I prepare a lot of those sandwiches you eat and I brew that coffee you're drinking. Why don't I get tipped Helena? I have to take time out of my normal job to help people with tasks they are unable to complete themselves, tasks that I am not being paid for and are not in my job description. So why aren't I getting compensated?
Helena, the next time you go anywhere and request help different from the norm ("can you take this out to my car, can you help me do this or that or get this or that for me") be prepared to tip. It is what you are preaching after all.-COLLAPSE
"But the majority is in the wrong. You should tip for takeout, because filling your order takes work."
There's another form of monetary compensation. It's this little thing called a Wage. For doing the job you're supposed to do, you receive a check every two weeks (sometimes once a month, sometimes once a week, it depends on the job).
Waiters and waitresses receive a reduced wage, because it's...+READ
"But the majority is in the wrong. You should tip for takeout, because filling your order takes work."
There's another form of monetary compensation. It's this little thing called a Wage. For doing the job you're supposed to do, you receive a check every two weeks (sometimes once a month, sometimes once a week, it depends on the job).
Waiters and waitresses receive a reduced wage, because it's expected that they will make up the rest in tips. Fast food workers on the other hand, receive a full income. Ontop of that, for performing your job above the norm, you often get bonuses, raises, promotions, etc.
Some fast food resaurants, such as one I worked at, even forbid their employees from accepting tips. If the customer is pushy about the employee taking tips, then the employee must simply thank the customer, take the tip, and put it in the register and count it as "accidental surplus" at the end of the day, so the employee never ends up getting any of it.
This Tuesday-Night Sushi guy is a self-important jerk, clearly, because he believes he is ENTITLED to getting extra pay without doing extra work. "Ugh, I had to actually DO the work that I was hired for? I demand compensation!" Get over yourself. This all stems back to school, where kids get pats on the back and gold stars just for breathing.
I weep for humanity.-COLLAPSE
It has been my experience that a small tip goes a long way towards a smile and better service the next time around. This is specially likely to be so if one goes regularly for a 'take-out' to a not too busy place.
Besides, how would we feel if we were in the position of the one who puts the order together? It isn't like those guys are paid handsomely.
On the other hand, there are a few places...+READ
It has been my experience that a small tip goes a long way towards a smile and better service the next time around. This is specially likely to be so if one goes regularly for a 'take-out' to a not too busy place.
Besides, how would we feel if we were in the position of the one who puts the order together? It isn't like those guys are paid handsomely.
On the other hand, there are a few places where the food is incredible but the 'service' at take-out is awful. The chaps at those places probably do not care for tips; and get none from me.-COLLAPSE
I tip on takeout if the order is involved. Like if I order steak with potato and salad with dressing on side. If the meal requires different little setups and I need silver and little condiment packs, butter, sour cream... Yep, that person is working for it and gets a tip. If, on the other hand I order a pizza - cooked, boxed and walk - no.
People are funny. They will tip sometimes 50% on a...+READ
I tip on takeout if the order is involved. Like if I order steak with potato and salad with dressing on side. If the meal requires different little setups and I need silver and little condiment packs, butter, sour cream... Yep, that person is working for it and gets a tip. If, on the other hand I order a pizza - cooked, boxed and walk - no.
People are funny. They will tip sometimes 50% on a drink preparation involving pulling a lever on a tap and letting it flow into the glass, but that same person creates a nice takeout for them - nothing. You pay for effort. There is effort in most take out in regular restaurants.-COLLAPSE
If I am ordering and picking up from a TAKE OUT RESTAURANT, there is no tip. The people who work there are paid to take calls and pack the food. There is no table service. I will tip on delivery.
As for a sit down restaurant, I've never ordered take out from one. I have, however, ordered an appetizer from the bar to go and in that situation I tip.
I've actually worked in restaurants. I think people who don't tip anything on takeouts (especially large orders or complicated orders) are jerks. The article is dead on: you are taking time to answer the phone, get everything together, make sure their order is correct and everything they asked for is there (extra sauces, flatware, etc.), and it takes your time away from focusing on your tables in...+READ
I've actually worked in restaurants. I think people who don't tip anything on takeouts (especially large orders or complicated orders) are jerks. The article is dead on: you are taking time to answer the phone, get everything together, make sure their order is correct and everything they asked for is there (extra sauces, flatware, etc.), and it takes your time away from focusing on your tables in the restaurant. It's taking time away from your TIPPING customers. Where I live, servers only get paid $2.13 an hour, so they need tips. Any time away from tipping customers is like asking someone to work for free. I've worked in restaurants since I was 16, so I always tip. I used to frequent a local Chinese restaurant pretty regularly. I always got it to go, and I always tipped. The lady would always throw in something extra, like a couple of eggrolls. When you tip, you get extra perks, like always having a correct order and a pleasant experience (servers have a much better attitude toward their tipping customers, and treat them much better than notorious bad-tippers). It's worth a few bucks to me to have the people glad to see me and make sure that my order is always correct. There is actual value in tipping, other than the feeling it gives you to know that person is thankful for an appropriate tip.-COLLAPSE
If I spend money to drive my car and take the time to find a parking spot,then I'm not leaving a tip.
One thing to consider is that if the order is taken by a server or bartender it is likely included in their daily sales and so they will have to claim a tip for it even if one was not received. The government assumes that servers make 15% on all sales and taxes are deducted accordingly.
In Canada, basic wages are fairly high and tips tend to be sparser than in the US where (last time I checked) wages seemed to be lower. Personally, I don't tip for take out or in fast food restaurants. Neither does anyone else I know. My reasoning is that the kids probably need some incentive to get a real job (or go back to school) which might not happen if they get tips. Of course, if there's a...+READ
In Canada, basic wages are fairly high and tips tend to be sparser than in the US where (last time I checked) wages seemed to be lower. Personally, I don't tip for take out or in fast food restaurants. Neither does anyone else I know. My reasoning is that the kids probably need some incentive to get a real job (or go back to school) which might not happen if they get tips. Of course, if there's a dear old pensioner clearing tables, I've been known to leave her a couple of bucks.-COLLAPSE
Helena, what a bizarre essay. Basically, as a treatise on manners, you said staff do not expect it and it is not a custom that patrons--even the wealthy--partake in. In the UK, people barely tip at all. In Paris and Italy, they put the tip in the bills, and if you order takeout and do not take up one of their chairs they do not bill you the tip. I hit the same places, I never tip, I am greeted by...+READ
Helena, what a bizarre essay. Basically, as a treatise on manners, you said staff do not expect it and it is not a custom that patrons--even the wealthy--partake in. In the UK, people barely tip at all. In Paris and Italy, they put the tip in the bills, and if you order takeout and do not take up one of their chairs they do not bill you the tip. I hit the same places, I never tip, I am greeted by name, smile, order preferences--politeness and manners are not a paid service. Do employees not get paid a salary? If you do not take pride in your work, or believe you need greater recompensation than pay and customary tip for the work you do--then quit your job. You are saying paying for food, and having it packaged properly--ie not dumping it all in one container letting breads go soggy etceteras is some special privilege you must pay for? There is an opportunity cost for a restaurant worker being a restaurant worker versus being a lawyer--should we then make up the difference between the three figure salary a lawyer earns and what the typical restaurant staff make?-COLLAPSE
Seriously?
"if we DO have it delivered, the $2 or more that goes to the delivery fee (which would have gone to the driver as his tip) is now deducted from the driver's tip as I refuse to be nickled & dimed to death in this day & age. "
DakotasRule,
As I stated below, I definitely do not think it is necessary to tip on take out. But deducting the delivery charge from the drivers tip is a...+READ
Seriously?
"if we DO have it delivered, the $2 or more that goes to the delivery fee (which would have gone to the driver as his tip) is now deducted from the driver's tip as I refuse to be nickled & dimed to death in this day & age. "
DakotasRule,
As I stated below, I definitely do not think it is necessary to tip on take out. But deducting the delivery charge from the drivers tip is a completely different concept. If you can't afford the charge+tip, you should not order. These guys have to drive around all night, cover their own cars and insurance, oil changes, tire changes, brake pad changes, plus the the value hit on their vehicle from all the accumulated miles. The service charge is generally not pocketed by the driver, it goes towards gas reimbursement and packaging, as well as being an underhanded way to help cover the rise in food ingredient costs while keeping the advertised price low. Don't be a cheapskate and subtract it from the driver's tip, he doesn't set the policies. If you have a problem, take it up with the restaurant.-COLLAPSE
Dakota, don't you realize you're "nickle and diming" the driver? You're literally doing to him that which you hate being done to you.You're really going to take the owner's policy out on the driver?
God, I've never heard so many people try to justify their cheapness...
No, I do not & will not tip on Carry-out, at Chipotles, Sub-way, or any take-out restaurant. I agree with Phillyfoodie79, I am the one using my gas & time to get there to pick it up myself. It has become a nickle & dime society & there is really no service for those nickle & dimes. They get paid a base-wage so packing up a to-go order or a take-out order is part of the job, not just waiting on...+READ
No, I do not & will not tip on Carry-out, at Chipotles, Sub-way, or any take-out restaurant. I agree with Phillyfoodie79, I am the one using my gas & time to get there to pick it up myself. It has become a nickle & dime society & there is really no service for those nickle & dimes. They get paid a base-wage so packing up a to-go order or a take-out order is part of the job, not just waiting on tables. To me this is like giving a child a reward because they did what they were supposed to do to get good grades in school or in the corporate world giving an employee a bonus for doing his or her job in which they were hired for. That is what the paycheck is for, IF they do not make enough money based on the job duties, then the employer should reconsider their wage based on the job duites in which they are required to do. The majority of people are in the right about this one Helena, NO TIP required when getting take-out. We NOW go & get our pizza instead of having it delivered because what once was a free service, meaning a bigger tip for the driver, is now a $2 or more charge. OR if we DO have it delivered, the $2 or more that goes to the delivery fee (which would have gone to the driver as his tip) is now deducted from the driver's tip as I refuse to be nickled & dimed to death in this day & age. Enough is enough. Please do not encourage others to tip when it really is not necessary. Thanks! : )-COLLAPSE
This tipping this is getting ridiculous. I never tip when I order takeout. I'm driving my car and spending money on gas to get the food and I should tip? So does that mean we have to tip at fast foods like McDonalds? No. Tipping is for SERVICE. When they serve you as waitresses or waiters and give you service while you're eating. Not when when you're picking up food. This is ridiculous, then this...+READ
This tipping this is getting ridiculous. I never tip when I order takeout. I'm driving my car and spending money on gas to get the food and I should tip? So does that mean we have to tip at fast foods like McDonalds? No. Tipping is for SERVICE. When they serve you as waitresses or waiters and give you service while you're eating. Not when when you're picking up food. This is ridiculous, then this means we should tip the cook, the person who picked up the phone, the person who opened the restaurant, etc...-COLLAPSE
Sorry, to correct my earlier entry: So at a table, TIP-WORTH EXTRAS look like timing the food, etc....
Servers' hourly wage shouldn't figure into whether you tip, regardless. A tip is a reward for good service. Give me great service, I'll give you 30%. Blow me off and get everything wrong, I'll give you a dollar. If a server isn't making more than 2.13/hour or whatever it is, the law requires the establishment to supplement their wage to bring it up to minimum. Seriously. Read it.
But that...+READ
Servers' hourly wage shouldn't figure into whether you tip, regardless. A tip is a reward for good service. Give me great service, I'll give you 30%. Blow me off and get everything wrong, I'll give you a dollar. If a server isn't making more than 2.13/hour or whatever it is, the law requires the establishment to supplement their wage to bring it up to minimum. Seriously. Read it.
But that shouldn't happen because if you're a good server, you're making way more than minimum wage. If you're not, you need a different job. I've been a good server and a terrible one and still believe this.
I'm sure someone on here will respond that no one follows that law. That shouldn't influence tipping, either, because again, minimum wage isn't the point of a waiter job -- earning more with good service is the point.
There has to be such a thing as a basic level of service included in the cost of what you're getting, or else everything would get ridiculous, as people have pointed out. Tips are for EXTRA service, not just "doing work." Preparing a takeout order is in the category of the same basic service you'd expect if you sat at a table. So at a table, that looks like timing the food and drink order-taking, not interrupting conversation, checking in enough but not too often, packaging leftovers for the table instead of flinging boxes down, etc. What are the extras for a takeout order? I can't really think of any. So why should I tip on them barely doing anything?
They should tip me for taking the trouble to come and get their food.-COLLAPSE
Dear Chowhound...You are wrong...tipping for takeout is not appropriate. It is a product of all of the coffee shops etc., who started the notion that tipping for a "service" goes with everything. When the bagger at the grocery who works hard putting your groceries in a bag, do you tip him? When a mechanic fixes your car and has to apply extra "elbow grease" to get the job done, do you tip him?...+READ
Dear Chowhound...You are wrong...tipping for takeout is not appropriate. It is a product of all of the coffee shops etc., who started the notion that tipping for a "service" goes with everything. When the bagger at the grocery who works hard putting your groceries in a bag, do you tip him? When a mechanic fixes your car and has to apply extra "elbow grease" to get the job done, do you tip him? When the librarian spends extra time looking for the book that you want, do you tip them? When the cashier breaks open a fresh roll of quarters to give you the correct change, do you tip them?
C'mon, the price of the item includes some degree of service, or at least it always has. Get your head screwed on straight.-COLLAPSE
Wow, I thought there were only those three comments shown below the article, not +125 (sorry, new to chowhound)! I should clarify based on the previous discussions: I would say 95% of the time (95% is generously leaving a margin or error for my sometimes forgetful/drunken self), my take out order is handled by either the host/hostess, bartender or owner/manager. I can't remember the last time my...+READ
Wow, I thought there were only those three comments shown below the article, not +125 (sorry, new to chowhound)! I should clarify based on the previous discussions: I would say 95% of the time (95% is generously leaving a margin or error for my sometimes forgetful/drunken self), my take out order is handled by either the host/hostess, bartender or owner/manager. I can't remember the last time my order was visably handled by a floor waiter, from a tiny mom and pop joint to a larger restaurant. Then again, I don't order nearly as much take out the last few years as I used to when I was younger. Maybe things have changed? I have no idea. Still, in North America I don't think it should be expected, based on my personal experiences. Of course every country is different and every situation is different. I have had waiters run down the street after me at local restaurants in Nepal because I 'forgot my change' and been forced to take it back. For like 25 cents. 10 min rickshaw across town to the tourist district and i've been refused a drink order and kicked out of a restaurant for not tipping on the meal while with a friend who lived there for over a year "Nepalese don't tip" he said. In rural areas the concept of tipping doesn't exist, hell, the concept of pricing by 'plates' in the western sense doesn't exist. You pay one price, you eat your meal. Hungry? Have 3 full refills. Don't tip though. Giving you 4 large plates of the price of 1 is not exlempary service, it's common sense. Who pays for a meal and leaves hungry? Unimaginable!
Sorry to double post :)-COLLAPSE
How about the person in the supermarket who does the pre-made chicken sandwiches and pasta salads? They have easily done the same amount of work or more than the person who hands you that bag of take out... And how does one track the person down who actually did the work in either case? When there is a jar I will often leave a nominal amount as it is generally understood that the tips are split....+READ
How about the person in the supermarket who does the pre-made chicken sandwiches and pasta salads? They have easily done the same amount of work or more than the person who hands you that bag of take out... And how does one track the person down who actually did the work in either case? When there is a jar I will often leave a nominal amount as it is generally understood that the tips are split. If it's a local joint that I regularly frequent and receive personalized service then of course I will leave a little extra... But under no circumstances do I think it is understood that one needs to tip on take out. I'll happily leave 20-25% for good service over dinner but this is completely different as it involves managing multiple tables, timing service and cleanup, never allowing the water or wine to be empty, checking up on the meal over the course of a few hours without interrupting conversations, being attentive without hovering, always being aware of attempted eye contact... Actual service. Taking a phone order and sticking food, napkins and a menu in a bag is simply doing one's job. If one goes above and beyond, then there is merit for a tip. "But the majority is in the wrong. You should tip for takeout, because filling your order takes work." Really, working while at work? Crazy that system.-COLLAPSE
So here's the question - who actually do you tip? The person who took the order could be different from the person who assembled the order could be different from the person working the till. If there's a jar, that's easy, but what if there isn't? Then what?
If you call in the order, should the person who takes it deserve a tip. This can get ridiculous.
Ten percent seems a fair tip on a takeout order to me, the person has taken you order, placed your order, and delivered it to you in a format that is easy to transport. If you plan to be a regular someplace it certainly can't hurt.
I have worked in all areas of the business, and as a waitress have taken many phone orders when the hostess was busy. I would do all the work, packing included, because of special instructions, and when the customer picks it up, I hand over the bill to the hostess, and if a tip is included she will keep it. As for myself as a hostess, I always handed the tip to who ever took and packed the order,...+READ
I have worked in all areas of the business, and as a waitress have taken many phone orders when the hostess was busy. I would do all the work, packing included, because of special instructions, and when the customer picks it up, I hand over the bill to the hostess, and if a tip is included she will keep it. As for myself as a hostess, I always handed the tip to who ever took and packed the order, that is the right thing to do.-COLLAPSE
I don't know if "most commenters" are noticing if they're being taken care of by a waiter or a host, rather they just don't believe they should tip whomever retrieves their take out, in general. I don't think they're "wrong", I just prefer to throw a few bucks at whomever grabs my stuff. I'd rather be guilty of overtipping than undertipping.
Inthevinotheresverde
It seems most commenters here are witnessing, as I am, to the relative rarity of that overall.
Karl, I'm just saying that when I get Indian take out, it's usually from a waiter. When I get Chinese take out, it's usually from a waiter. When I get Thai take out, it's usually from a waiter. When I get pizza take out, it's usually from a waiter. When I get grinder take out, it's usually from a waiter. I could go on and on.
Perhaps it's a regional thing, but I'm telling you, I'm almost...+READ
Karl, I'm just saying that when I get Indian take out, it's usually from a waiter. When I get Chinese take out, it's usually from a waiter. When I get Thai take out, it's usually from a waiter. When I get pizza take out, it's usually from a waiter. When I get grinder take out, it's usually from a waiter. I could go on and on.
Perhaps it's a regional thing, but I'm telling you, I'm almost always taken care of by a waiter.-COLLAPSE
Is there a way to take a poll of Chowhounds on this and other similarly controversial topics? I'd like to see that....
Invinotheresverde
Are hosts/hostesses classified as servers? What about cooks (at the pizza places, it's often one of the pizzamakers)? Owners? Pure cashiers? What about "reservationists" who don't tend bar or wait tables?
I am not feeling at all confident in your hunch. Not at all. I generally don't do take out at places where there is confusion of server and non-server roles (partly because...+READ
Invinotheresverde
Are hosts/hostesses classified as servers? What about cooks (at the pizza places, it's often one of the pizzamakers)? Owners? Pure cashiers? What about "reservationists" who don't tend bar or wait tables?
I am not feeling at all confident in your hunch. Not at all. I generally don't do take out at places where there is confusion of server and non-server roles (partly because the food at such places is not really designed for take-out, and I never acquired the habit of liking all food to be take-out the way I've known friends living in, say, Manhattan, do). I also know from observation over many years that most people not only do not tip in these situations, but there not even subtle communication of an expectation that they would. Are the owners simply grossing up their wages to minimum as required by law, then, so that occasional tipping is more about helping the owner out by reducing their need to do this (which where I am beginning to think your hunch is leading me)?-COLLAPSE
The writer states that one should tip because "filling your take-out order takes work."
Yes -- everything we pay for outside out home takes work. Should I tip the guy who changes my oil? How about the sales clerk in the shoe department? I recently had a big copy job done which took a lot of work -- does that require a tip? The "tip" is paying $16 for a cheeseburger you could have made at home...+READ
The writer states that one should tip because "filling your take-out order takes work."
Yes -- everything we pay for outside out home takes work. Should I tip the guy who changes my oil? How about the sales clerk in the shoe department? I recently had a big copy job done which took a lot of work -- does that require a tip? The "tip" is paying $16 for a cheeseburger you could have made at home for two bucks -- that's how a restaurant gets paid for the work you require of them for the audacity of ordering their food. (Yes, $16 -- I live in LA and the best burger in town [The Counter] costs that much once fully doctored.)
Tipping is getting ludicrous. The other day, I was at McDonalds and there was a tip jar on the counter. I had the snack size yogurt parfait which cost a dollar and required someone to do the back-breaking labor of taking a plastic cup out of a mini-fridge. I s'pose I should have spotted her 10% for that.-COLLAPSE
Karl, I bet the majority of those people are being paid server wages, a la
Invinotheresverde
But you're obviously not at the kind of establishments from which most of us are getting takeout most of the time. I can count on a single hand the number of places from which I have gotten takeout where a server has been involved in takeout. I cannot even begin to number those places from which I have gotten takeout where a non-server has been in charge.And my experience...+READ
Invinotheresverde
But you're obviously not at the kind of establishments from which most of us are getting takeout most of the time. I can count on a single hand the number of places from which I have gotten takeout where a server has been involved in takeout. I cannot even begin to number those places from which I have gotten takeout where a non-server has been in charge.And my experience appears to be the norm here, while yours is not. My pizza places have no servers. Ditto several of my Chinese take-out places; ditto the Thai and Indian place. In all of them, there is a cashier. In most of them, no tip jar, either, for that matter. The Mexican place - it's the hostess (I know who are servers and who are not). The Chinese dine-in place, it's the owner (sometimes, she delivers to me personally, and of course I tip her then).-COLLAPSE
I've read a bunch of responses about how managers/bartenders/hosts are the ones dealing with your to go order- this has never once been the case at any restaurant I've worked at (15 years and counting). It's always been a regular server who has to not only declare the to go order as part of his sales, he has to tip the house on it.
Really, is throwing someone a couple bucks that big of a deal?...+READ
I've read a bunch of responses about how managers/bartenders/hosts are the ones dealing with your to go order- this has never once been the case at any restaurant I've worked at (15 years and counting). It's always been a regular server who has to not only declare the to go order as part of his sales, he has to tip the house on it.
Really, is throwing someone a couple bucks that big of a deal? I always tip on take out, just not 20%.-COLLAPSE
dont see why food service sales staff should be tipped differently than any other sort of sales staff. Now , if they are compensated lower on the expectation that they will receive tip income , like waitstaff, thats a different matter. My tipping tends to be situational, but usually if I am not handing money to the counterman to pay, a tip is not going to happen.
If who ever is doing the take-out makes at least min. wage , then no I won't tip. That work is what they get a pay check for.
You tip food servers because they are on a different pay scale (BELOW minimum wage). They get paid less because they rely on tips. Most of the time the people putting together your order are on regular hourly wages, so no tip is required. (not expected... but appreciated!) When I worked at Chili's in the 80's take out was handled by the bar staff because they were on regular pay, not wait staff...+READ
You tip food servers because they are on a different pay scale (BELOW minimum wage). They get paid less because they rely on tips. Most of the time the people putting together your order are on regular hourly wages, so no tip is required. (not expected... but appreciated!) When I worked at Chili's in the 80's take out was handled by the bar staff because they were on regular pay, not wait staff pay.
Think about the pizza delivery guy. You tip the pizza delivery driver, not the pizza cook.-COLLAPSE
I worked for a chain restaurant many moons ago, as a server. Servers such as myself were paid the pittance which comes with the job: 2.13/hr. However, the bar/takeout person was paid an hourly wage starting at approx 6.50/hr. (which was around, or slightly above, minimum wage at the time.) IMO, there's a reason the tradition of tipping servers came about- they aren't making minimum wage. It's...+READ
I worked for a chain restaurant many moons ago, as a server. Servers such as myself were paid the pittance which comes with the job: 2.13/hr. However, the bar/takeout person was paid an hourly wage starting at approx 6.50/hr. (which was around, or slightly above, minimum wage at the time.) IMO, there's a reason the tradition of tipping servers came about- they aren't making minimum wage. It's difficult to convince me that the takeout server 'deserves' a great tip on top of minimum wage. Maybe if it's a great big order, or something somehow difficult.
I know people keep saying "well they work hard for it" but honestly, work is hard. I'm not sure where you stop tipping, with this argument. If you want to tip the people doing the hard work, hit the back of the house and tip the dishwasher.-COLLAPSE
It's pretty clear that the disagreements here fall largely over a distinction that completely eluded the author: between establishments where a cashier, hostess or other non-server person handles take-out orders (which comprise the vast majority of the take-out business in the USA), and establishments (typically somewhat finer but not finest dining level) that treat take-out as a mere adjunct to...+READ
It's pretty clear that the disagreements here fall largely over a distinction that completely eluded the author: between establishments where a cashier, hostess or other non-server person handles take-out orders (which comprise the vast majority of the take-out business in the USA), and establishments (typically somewhat finer but not finest dining level) that treat take-out as a mere adjunct to table service and expect servers to handle take-out orders. The first kind of establishment does not necessitate tipping (you may if you wish, but you need not). The second kind involves some level of tip at least if the sale is rung up on the servers tippable base for tax purposes - perhaps $2-3 bucks unless the order is large. The US tipping standard for buffet service is (still!, yes) 10%, ditto for delivery, so tipping on take-out of this sort should be less.
Tipping is entirely a social custom. The author makes clear that, with about 80% of people not tipping on takeout, it cannot be said to be a custom in the USA to tip on takeout as a social etiquette norm. So erstwhile recipients should stop grinding their teeth that they are missing out on something they are entitled to.-COLLAPSE
... then why not tell people to then tip at McDonalds??? ... b/c THEY make the lowest wages in the country, have crappier working conditions, and its probably the second job they've worked that day... Oh, what, no?? Somehow that doesn't qualify?
Think of the double standards you people spew (on both sides of this arguement), and the elitism that you flaunt while the rest of the country tries to...+READ
... then why not tell people to then tip at McDonalds??? ... b/c THEY make the lowest wages in the country, have crappier working conditions, and its probably the second job they've worked that day... Oh, what, no?? Somehow that doesn't qualify?
Think of the double standards you people spew (on both sides of this arguement), and the elitism that you flaunt while the rest of the country tries to get by with nothing.....-COLLAPSE
What the f--k? Of course you should tip. If they made a living wage like in Europe, no, but here in the US, they make next to nothing. Just give 'em a buck or something, if you think they're not "working enough for a tip".
Tip you bastards.
What a joke. Anyone writing any "column" about tipping will usually tell you to tip for anything. How about the garbage man? Well, of course you should tip. Why not flip your dentist a few bucks, too?
are you f'n kidding me? This is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. I mean really?
The hourly wage of 2.13 an hour for federal sub minimum wage for food servers? That's what they are getting paid for showing up? I'm a chef.. I work 70 hours a weeks and get paid a little over 10 dollars an hour when you spread it out and I still (!) think servers should be tipped regardless. I've been a sever before too, and I don't think it's that hard, and you do make a lot of money, but if...+READ
The hourly wage of 2.13 an hour for federal sub minimum wage for food servers? That's what they are getting paid for showing up? I'm a chef.. I work 70 hours a weeks and get paid a little over 10 dollars an hour when you spread it out and I still (!) think servers should be tipped regardless. I've been a sever before too, and I don't think it's that hard, and you do make a lot of money, but if you want these people to serve you while not tipping (and therefore helping to keep their hourly wage 5 dollars below the legal limit outside of food service), you are an ass... end of story. Is it really that much of a problem to throw a dollar or two into the plastic cup for those working 11 hour shifts? If that dollar is going to break you, best not be ordering out.-COLLAPSE
being someone in the service industry, i understand what happens behind the scenes. as far as tipping, i always tip at least the very least 20% at a sit down establishment. if i order take out, i usually just tag on $2 or $3 bucks for the driver. here's where it gets tricky, picking up a togo order... every server has to tip out the kitchen at the end of the night. if a server accepts a togo...+READ
being someone in the service industry, i understand what happens behind the scenes. as far as tipping, i always tip at least the very least 20% at a sit down establishment. if i order take out, i usually just tag on $2 or $3 bucks for the driver. here's where it gets tricky, picking up a togo order... every server has to tip out the kitchen at the end of the night. if a server accepts a togo order under their name they end up losing money if there isn't a tip. most servers pay the kitchen a percentage of the food sales. ( example: if a server sells a $50 togo order they have to pay out about 2.5% or $1.25 to the kitchen, no tip means they actually lost money on that sale. some servers do not like togo orders rung in under their name for that reason alone.)
always tip 3% on a pickup togo order even if you don't want to tip at all. it's the right thing to do.-COLLAPSE
Oh, pleeeeeeaaaassssse....
That's what these people get paid for. Lining up behind those who say that the rationale of tipping anyone who does anything as part of their job description just doesn't float. That's what those people get *paid* for. The hourly wage isn't just for showing up...
And this is coming from an ex-waiter, so save the wails of "you don't know how hard it is..." please and...+READ
Oh, pleeeeeeaaaassssse....
That's what these people get paid for. Lining up behind those who say that the rationale of tipping anyone who does anything as part of their job description just doesn't float. That's what those people get *paid* for. The hourly wage isn't just for showing up...
And this is coming from an ex-waiter, so save the wails of "you don't know how hard it is..." please and thank you.-COLLAPSE
soleilnyc, maybe that's how it works in NYC or a big chain restaurant, but at the local spots where I grab lunch, it's invariably a waitress who takes time from her tables to go back and pack up my order.
adamclyde, I tried to tip at McDonalds a few times but they wouldn't accept it. I think that's stupid. If every customer chipped just in a buck tip at fast food joints, the help would be able...+READ
soleilnyc, maybe that's how it works in NYC or a big chain restaurant, but at the local spots where I grab lunch, it's invariably a waitress who takes time from her tables to go back and pack up my order.
adamclyde, I tried to tip at McDonalds a few times but they wouldn't accept it. I think that's stupid. If every customer chipped just in a buck tip at fast food joints, the help would be able to make a living wage. They work just as hard as you or me, and it's just stupid that they have to work multiple jobs just to make rent. Show some consideration.-COLLAPSE
Add my voice to the chorus calling "BS". This column can't seem to get anything right when it comes to the restaurant business (Restaurant "Gaffes", anyone?"
I have worked in the restaurant biz as a host, server, bartender, and manager (throw coat check in there too, if you like). Though we may appreciate the sentiment behind the tip, the message is not communicated to the right person. The...+READ
Add my voice to the chorus calling "BS". This column can't seem to get anything right when it comes to the restaurant business (Restaurant "Gaffes", anyone?"
I have worked in the restaurant biz as a host, server, bartender, and manager (throw coat check in there too, if you like). Though we may appreciate the sentiment behind the tip, the message is not communicated to the right person. The person taking your order to go is normally a hostess, manager or bartender. Already, a manager is not allowed to keep tips. If you put the tip on a credit card charge, the tip does not go to the hostess or bartender but rather to the servers to pool. Frankly, the hostess/bartender didn't do anything but punch a couple of buttons on a computer anyway. The one person who deserves the tip, "Eduardo" in the back of the kitchen who packed your food, gets nothing because people in the kitchen don't get a cut from tips.
Blather on all you like about how the system is broken: this is how it works right now. Take it from someone who knows the industry and save yourself a couple of bucks on tipping on takeout.-COLLAPSE
honestly, that's a bunch of BS. Really? Tipping on takeout? Should I tip at McDonald's too? If you only want people who tip, don't do take out. EVERYTHING is a service - woman behind the Gap counter who packages my clothes that I buy is packaging something up too. Shall I tip? No. So just because someone spends some time doing something doesn't mean you have to tip. Tipping someone who waits on...+READ
honestly, that's a bunch of BS. Really? Tipping on takeout? Should I tip at McDonald's too? If you only want people who tip, don't do take out. EVERYTHING is a service - woman behind the Gap counter who packages my clothes that I buy is packaging something up too. Shall I tip? No. So just because someone spends some time doing something doesn't mean you have to tip. Tipping someone who waits on your table is one thing. Tipping someone for putting my food in a box for a to go order - completely different.-COLLAPSE
I always tip for take out - a couple of bucks. Most of my friends do not. Places I frequent a lot (both eating in and taking out) I tip more and reap the benefits by them remembering me (bringing me my iced tea before even bringing me the menu, or like last night, my favorite chicken place, I was in line behind 4 other people and the cook saw me, motioned asking how many orders I wanted (1 for...+READ
I always tip for take out - a couple of bucks. Most of my friends do not. Places I frequent a lot (both eating in and taking out) I tip more and reap the benefits by them remembering me (bringing me my iced tea before even bringing me the menu, or like last night, my favorite chicken place, I was in line behind 4 other people and the cook saw me, motioned asking how many orders I wanted (1 for here, 1 to go, my standard) and he started cooking mine right then and there before the 4 people ahead of me had even placed their order), giving me special tastes of things, free items, etc. It is worth it hundreds of times over to me.-COLLAPSE
It very much depends on the type of restaurant. If it's a fast food place where you know the employees are not paid a minimum hourly wage, then you probably shouldn't tip. I've worked in a high end breakfast place where, as a server, we had quite a good amount of to go orders for busy conference people. And to go orders are a pain for breakfast, I'm not going into details about it. But we had to...+READ
It very much depends on the type of restaurant. If it's a fast food place where you know the employees are not paid a minimum hourly wage, then you probably shouldn't tip. I've worked in a high end breakfast place where, as a server, we had quite a good amount of to go orders for busy conference people. And to go orders are a pain for breakfast, I'm not going into details about it. But we had to pay tip-out to our bussers, hostess and food runners for our sales, didn't matter if it was to go or not. So leaving aside the work that I had to do for it, I was losing money on it. If you've never worked in a restaurant before, take a minute to think about all these stuff that you don't notice that are being done by a server, but you take for granted. I order take-out chinese regularly and always tip out the server extra because I find all the stuff I need in my bag: silverware, napkins, all kinds of sauce, salt, pepper etc. What if the server didn't care and I would end up without silverware as I am ready to dig in my food? Again, depends on the type of restaurant and how much effort you think has been put in in gathering your order.
Nicknak, in other countries people are not paid 2 to 4 dollars per hour, they're paid close to a medium wage,this is why tipping is not permitted. Would you deliver "excellent service" if you were paid 4 dollars an hour? Didn't think so.. And another thing people don't know is that there are restaurants where servers have to tip out even the cooks. So when you're adding that tip don't think that it is all going in your servers' pocket.-COLLAPSE
But isn't a key difference between takeout and a restaurant that the Takeout employees are on salary, rather than working for a minimal salary + tips, as are servers?
I don't think it's necessarily expected that you tip for take out. With that said, the person who is serving you your food likely doesn't make a whole lot of money for doing a job that isn't always the most pleasant. If that person provides you with quality service, I don't see why offering them a small tip is a problem. It's not that they expect it, but they will appreciate it. Heck, I'll even...+READ
I don't think it's necessarily expected that you tip for take out. With that said, the person who is serving you your food likely doesn't make a whole lot of money for doing a job that isn't always the most pleasant. If that person provides you with quality service, I don't see why offering them a small tip is a problem. It's not that they expect it, but they will appreciate it. Heck, I'll even tip at a drive through if the person working the window is really pleasant and efficient. If someone makes your day brighter in the way they interact with you while serving your food, what's wrong with making their day a little brighter?-COLLAPSE
What exactly are these people being PAID for if not to scoop things into a can and/or write down an order?
this is one of the stupidest things i've ever read. i should tip on takeout because "someone had to take my order over the phone?" THEY HAVE TO TAKE MY ORDER ANYHOW, EVEN IF I'M THERE IN PERSON.
no way for tipping on takeout. servers (regardless of their minimal base pay) should be expected to do this as a general job duty.
Tipping should not be expected for takeout or for counter service even if they bring the food to your table, unless they provide you with water or refills, etc. In this country tipping has gotten out of hand and become obligatory regardless of what the quality of service is. If someone provides pleasant and attentive service to enhance my dining experience I am the best tipper but if not then I...+READ
Tipping should not be expected for takeout or for counter service even if they bring the food to your table, unless they provide you with water or refills, etc. In this country tipping has gotten out of hand and become obligatory regardless of what the quality of service is. If someone provides pleasant and attentive service to enhance my dining experience I am the best tipper but if not then I reserve my right to tip accordingly to the service I received. And I am not intimidated.
In psychology grad school years ago there had been a study. Two people frequent a restaurant. One person always tips high. Another person frequenting the restaurant gives varying amounts of tip on each visit. In the end the later gets the best service.
Cruise ships can be the worst tipping trap. If the cruise line has a policy of adding a designated amount to your tab, yo can request they not do it and tell them you choose to take care of it yourself. They then give you envelopes and you tip those individuals who provided exemplary service. And you know it gets to the right person!-COLLAPSE
As the owner of a small cafe that has both table service and an active takeout counter, I come down on the side of giving a modest tip for take=out. I used to be of the opinion that food purchased at a counter was no different than purchasing jewelry or make-up at a counter, after all, no one tips the salesperson, however chances are they are getting a commission on their sales.
what most people...+READ
As the owner of a small cafe that has both table service and an active takeout counter, I come down on the side of giving a modest tip for take=out. I used to be of the opinion that food purchased at a counter was no different than purchasing jewelry or make-up at a counter, after all, no one tips the salesperson, however chances are they are getting a commission on their sales.
what most people don't realize is that waitstaff in restaurants are paid a lower minimum wage and the tip is a significant part of their wage. I'm not arguing in favor of it. In fact, I think the European model is a more humane way to compensate people who work as servers. They are paid a much better wage and tips are quite small, and generally considered a token of appreciation. Unfortunately, try as I did, I just couldn't break either the employees or the customers of the habit of tipping, even though I actually pay my staff more than the state mandated minimum wage ($8.25/hour in CT). Very few restaurants pay more than $5.69 as a base wage for their servers (state-mandated minimum for servers in CT). Try living on that if there wasn't a tip. Most of my servers usually make about $12 to $15/hour when they add in the tips. If I had to actually pay that much per hour, I'd have to close. The economics of the food industry, particularly small cafes and take-out joints, are ludicrous.
When I get take-out, I always leave a small tip. It can be a hard job, with a lot of rude and demanding people. At the very least, a smile, a thank you and some change in the tip jar can make the servers job a little less unpleasant.-COLLAPSE
I understand tipping on delivery, but honestly, tipping on takeout...why are the employees not being paid enough to do their job? It defies logic, I tip a delivery person because he/she is bringing me the food, when I pay for take-out, I assume the costs have been covered by the price of the food. I know this is not how the world works, but expecting tips seems like a cop-out on the restaurant's...+READ
I understand tipping on delivery, but honestly, tipping on takeout...why are the employees not being paid enough to do their job? It defies logic, I tip a delivery person because he/she is bringing me the food, when I pay for take-out, I assume the costs have been covered by the price of the food. I know this is not how the world works, but expecting tips seems like a cop-out on the restaurant's part. They don't want to pay their workers, but they want the customers to pay for food AND the privilege of picking it up ourselves.-COLLAPSE
Please keep in mind that the person taking the order and packaging it up, and taking the payments is not usually a kitchen person. It is usually a server who is taking time away from their tipping tables to help you. Yeah, that set up sucks, but in small places, it's really the only way to do it easily.
You know, cooking and packaging (or putting it on a plate) the food is part of the job of the kitchen staff. I don't think the customer needs to pay extra for that. That would be ridiculous. At what point, for those who espouse tipping, would one not need to tip? If one cooked the food and packaged it ourselves?
In many countries, tipping is not only not customary, it is not permitted. Paying...+READ
You know, cooking and packaging (or putting it on a plate) the food is part of the job of the kitchen staff. I don't think the customer needs to pay extra for that. That would be ridiculous. At what point, for those who espouse tipping, would one not need to tip? If one cooked the food and packaged it ourselves?
In many countries, tipping is not only not customary, it is not permitted. Paying the staff adequately for their work is the employer's obligation. And delivering excellent service is the staffs' duty.-COLLAPSE
at tippers:
so if you get delivery, what about the people packing your food? If you give 2 dollars for delivery, do you then give another 2 on top of that for the people inside? They still have to pack. what about if teh delivery person got gas on the way? maybe you should tip for the gas pumper too? They were also a part of the process for getting your food. think about it next time.
@ k_chirayu: When I pay for the food, I'm paying for the chef to cook it. I don't have any reason to tip if I had to drive to the restaurant and pick it up myself. Personally, I never tip for anything except delivery unless the service was exquisite, then I'm very generous. There is no law requiring a tip, and there never will be. If you want one, earn it!
You tip on the to go order. period. The majority of people believe they so not tip because the waiter didn't have to do anything. But let me ask you, did you think the food was already pre-made and the waiter just pick it out of the fridge for you? No. The chief has to cook it so there is your reason. If you're such a cheapskate who need to find reason not to tip, well you're better off eating...+READ
You tip on the to go order. period. The majority of people believe they so not tip because the waiter didn't have to do anything. But let me ask you, did you think the food was already pre-made and the waiter just pick it out of the fridge for you? No. The chief has to cook it so there is your reason. If you're such a cheapskate who need to find reason not to tip, well you're better off eating your own homemade food.-COLLAPSE
I don't agree with geeral tipping because everyone is expected to. the fact that I am paying for a meal and then on top of that have to pay the wages of the employee is utter lunacy. Why is it our job to carry these people? Doesn't this fall on the shoulders of the entity paying the wages? All they are doing is taking money out of our pockets TWICE, once for the meal, and again to pay the...+READ
I don't agree with geeral tipping because everyone is expected to. the fact that I am paying for a meal and then on top of that have to pay the wages of the employee is utter lunacy. Why is it our job to carry these people? Doesn't this fall on the shoulders of the entity paying the wages? All they are doing is taking money out of our pockets TWICE, once for the meal, and again to pay the employees. I understand many people will comment negatively to this, but you have to understand that we have been tipping for so long, it's second nature to us and the stigma attached to not doing so is very negative. The employers need to stop sucking us dry and pay the employees a decent wage, if that's the problem. That being said, if I am served by a person who makes the experience memorable, then yes I am inclined to tip, but it should be my choice, not the server, the management, or anyone elses.-COLLAPSE
if you don't intend to tip on takeout - be careful when paying with a credit card. a few times i have seen take out places toss on a gratuity charge on top of my takeout order total, allegedly because they process it like a sit down service order in their computer. so when you sign the charge slip, be sure to cross out any gratuity they may have "automatically" added.
Hi Helena,
As a professional chef, I feel I have to respond to this article. One thing I think a lot of people overlook is that at many restaurants the servers are taxed (usually around 8-11%) on the totals of their checks. The employers often do this automatically whether the server was tipped or not in order to try to accommodate income tax requirements. This makes many servers I know...+READ
Hi Helena,
As a professional chef, I feel I have to respond to this article. One thing I think a lot of people overlook is that at many restaurants the servers are taxed (usually around 8-11%) on the totals of their checks. The employers often do this automatically whether the server was tipped or not in order to try to accommodate income tax requirements. This makes many servers I know understandably reluctant to be the ones to punch in a takeout order. Who wants to lose money on a gamble? I have known so many servers who would actively dodge the phone when it rings. I try to always tip well because I am in the industry and will be the first to admit that dealing with the public and their various demands can be utter hell. I know as a chef that it’s difficult enough back in the kitchen where I have the convenience of rolling my eyes and can let my frustration show, unlike these poor souls who for the most part really try to give their customers the best service possible. I can’t imagine my hard work and effort being “scored” as it were with a few bucks…and sometimes not at all. While I agree that takeout doesn’t require the full 20+% I usually like to leave, I always try to keep in mind that the server just might be being taxed on that check. Thank you for your article. I hope that more people realize how much effort actually goes into that takeout order in the future and try to have a little more consideration for the person who puts it together.
Sincerely,
Chef Heather lee Henry
Executive Chef
The Santa Ynez Inn
Santa Ynez, CA-COLLAPSE
It's their job. Waiters and Bartenders as well as people working the counter. It's their job to take orders, make and serve drinks and wait on tables. They get a pay check for it. Same as delivery people. I agree with Liquid Sky that tipping is out-of-control but I don't necessarily agree that waiters and bartenders deserve it anymore than people working the counter. Either tip them all or tip...+READ
It's their job. Waiters and Bartenders as well as people working the counter. It's their job to take orders, make and serve drinks and wait on tables. They get a pay check for it. Same as delivery people. I agree with Liquid Sky that tipping is out-of-control but I don't necessarily agree that waiters and bartenders deserve it anymore than people working the counter. Either tip them all or tip none. After all, they are in the service busines and are getting paid by an employer to do so. If someone does an exemplary job or goes out of their way or does something unusual or extraordinary, that's when a generous tip should be given, not for doing a standard job because it's expected. Further, I've noticed that in some restaurants, their are designated people to work the floor and wait on tables and others to work the phones handling the take-out and delivery orders. Also, it's the kitchen staff that does the packing, I believe. This article suggests that one person is waiting tables, taking phone orders and packing food. I don't think so, unless it's a very tiny operation, in which case the staff person is over worked.-COLLAPSE
If that person at the counter is a server and if late night usually is, that server not only has her/his customers to tend to but the takeout as well. Which depending on where they work they also have to pay 8% to 13% taxes on all there sales (regardless of a tip). IRS takes a minimum of 8%. The casino I worked at charged 13% taxes on our sales and we were lucky at that place to make 5% on a...+READ
If that person at the counter is a server and if late night usually is, that server not only has her/his customers to tend to but the takeout as well. Which depending on where they work they also have to pay 8% to 13% taxes on all there sales (regardless of a tip). IRS takes a minimum of 8%. The casino I worked at charged 13% taxes on our sales and we were lucky at that place to make 5% on a ticket. Especially comps. Average $80.00 sale and $2.00 tip and the time to bag all that stuff up was unreal.-COLLAPSE
Tipping in this country has gotten ridiculously OUT OF CONTROL. Waiters and bartenders, yes -- they deserve it. People working at the counter? Not at all! That's your job. If you want tips so badly, become a waiter or bartender.
Miley Cyrus isn't the best example. Rich or not, she's a kid, and teens are generally bad tippers (unless they've worked as waitstaff).
There's a pizza place where I call in and pick up. Don't ask me the prices. They're never the same even though the menu doesn't change. I put the change into the tip jar and sometimes add a dollar. It would be more if they delivered the pizza....they're only 6 blocks away (approx.---it's rural).
I disagree with tipping for takeout (unless it is delivered). Tips are a reward for good service. IMHO, packing my order into a take-out box is a cost of doing business.
"When the person taking your order is a server and the restaurant is busy, there’s an opportunity cost for him in taking your order. While he’s wrapping up your Peking duck or burger and curly fries, he could be serving...+READ
I disagree with tipping for takeout (unless it is delivered). Tips are a reward for good service. IMHO, packing my order into a take-out box is a cost of doing business.
"When the person taking your order is a server and the restaurant is busy, there’s an opportunity cost for him in taking your order. While he’s wrapping up your Peking duck or burger and curly fries, he could be serving customers at a table and earning a real tip." If restaurants really see take-out orders as an inconvenience or an opportunity cost, then don't accept them! Easy as that. I was a server at one time, and I would have been shocked to be tipped on a take-out order.
I feel as though in North America, we've been conditioned to feel as though we have to tip for everything, which is an excuse for restaurant owners to under-pay their staff. It's self perpetuating (staff don't make enough so I feel that I have to tip them; when I tip them, it's an excuse for the owner to pay them less...).-COLLAPSE
If its a restaurant I frequent and they are busy when I get there I will leave a buck or two.
Generally when I worked as a waiter, I never expected tip on takeout but I did appreciate those who did tip. I do agree that when I have to fulfill a takeout order I could be making sure customers had what they needed, especially if it was busy.
I think there's a big difference in tipping for takeout in a place that is a "takeout joint" type place... pizza, chinese, etc., and getting takeout from a restaurant that is primarily a sit-down place. I don't tip at takeout joints. I tip generously at restaurants for takeout.
I get takeout so I don't have to tip. If I was open to tipping, I'd just get it delivered.
I work ar a Chinese take-away, and would never expect a tip. Packaging the food is part of the job, included in the price. Would one expect me just to dump the whole order into a big plasic bag? Yes, some people are a pain: rude, wrong, distracted, greedy, clueless, and stupid beyond belief, but thats part of the job, too. I also do deliveries, and though there is a charge, all of which goews to...+READ
I work ar a Chinese take-away, and would never expect a tip. Packaging the food is part of the job, included in the price. Would one expect me just to dump the whole order into a big plasic bag? Yes, some people are a pain: rude, wrong, distracted, greedy, clueless, and stupid beyond belief, but thats part of the job, too. I also do deliveries, and though there is a charge, all of which goews to me, many people tip me, while some expect change, to the very nickle. I always thank everyone, and tell them to enjoy their meal. to the tippers, I add an extra thanks for their generosity.-COLLAPSE
I only tip for takeout because I don't want them to spit in my food the next time. I do think it's unnecessary. People order special things that take extra time and effort to prepare at fast food restaurants, but I have yet to see anyone slide a couple of dollars to the person behind the register at Burger King.
No I don't tip for carry-out, they aren’t going above and beyond for me, they are doing their job, and usually, they are doing it poorly. A tip is a thank you for doing more than your job requires of you, a bonus if you will. If you don’t provide service over what your job asks of you, and what you are already being paid for, you do not deserve a tip. You don’t tip the mechanic because he fixed...+READ
No I don't tip for carry-out, they aren’t going above and beyond for me, they are doing their job, and usually, they are doing it poorly. A tip is a thank you for doing more than your job requires of you, a bonus if you will. If you don’t provide service over what your job asks of you, and what you are already being paid for, you do not deserve a tip. You don’t tip the mechanic because he fixed your car like he said that he would, and you don’t tip the person at the grocery store that helped you find something. Why not? Because they are doing their job.
On a side note: all of you complaining about server pay, THERE ARE FEDERAL REGULATIONS THAT REQUIRE YOUR BOSS TO MAKE UP THE REST OF THE MINIMUM WAGE THAT YOU AREN'T MAKING IN TIPS. The catch is you have to report your tips just like everyone else has to for the money they receive for DOING THEIR JOB. If you report your tips and your boss doesn't start making up any difference in your pay, report them. If you don't want to report your tips so that you can get a fair wage, if you aren't making enough in tips because you are a bad server, and/or you live somewhere that people generally fail to tip for exceptional service, then stop complaining, or get another job. It's that simple.-COLLAPSE
In many restaurants servers have to tip out on take-out orders. MEANING - They loose money every time someone orders over the phone and picks it up. Tip out is usually anywhere from 3 - 5 % of total bill and it doesn't matter whether a customer tips or not.. Servers have to pay for them... PLUS.. it is a lot of extra work, especially when your server has a full section to deal with already.
Don't really care - I'm not tipping takeout - We tip a server for good service - when I opt out of the service I opt out of the tip - I am paying premium to get food that is packed in containers guaranteed to make crispy food soggy and meld flavors into something not always good. How many times has the same knife cut onions then my slice of go home cake - of course rendering the cake inedible and...+READ
Don't really care - I'm not tipping takeout - We tip a server for good service - when I opt out of the service I opt out of the tip - I am paying premium to get food that is packed in containers guaranteed to make crispy food soggy and meld flavors into something not always good. How many times has the same knife cut onions then my slice of go home cake - of course rendering the cake inedible and forever tainting the way I look at cake in general - no - I tip on something tangible - a service that happened - not packing food into styrofoam - sorry no tip for that - but it is a free country and I think you should do what your heart tells you to do - tip if you like but it is not necessary for takeout...-COLLAPSE
I tip when I am served by folks who are paid substandard wages and are expected to earn the majority of their wage via tips. A cashier or kitchen staffer who packs up a takeout order is paid a normal wage and should not require a tip!
Nope...sorry. The kitchen does all the packaging of the food. The takeout person may have to put the food in a bag, add untensils and napkins and maybe put salad dressing in a small ramekin, but that's it. been there, done that. I DO NOT tip for takeout, but of course will tip for delivery.
"Excuse me, but I’ve worked in takeout places, and scooping all the food into individual containers and packaging them up is quite time-consuming. It definitely deserves some recompense"
Yea, you are right. The recompense is called there wage! We are not entitled to pay the employees wage. Unless they give you a little something extra you should not tip them.
God, don't get me started on tipping. I hate it so much and do it only because of convention. Don't get me wrong, I think the people getting my tip usually deserve it, but only because their employer doesn't pay them - this is the ridiculous part. I think the hospitality industry is unique in that the onus of compensating the employee is transferred from the employer to the customer. This is...+READ
God, don't get me started on tipping. I hate it so much and do it only because of convention. Don't get me wrong, I think the people getting my tip usually deserve it, but only because their employer doesn't pay them - this is the ridiculous part. I think the hospitality industry is unique in that the onus of compensating the employee is transferred from the employer to the customer. This is simply stupid. The employer counts his bills and chuckles to himself when his employees get angry at CUSTOMERS for not paying their wage.
Maybe if people weren't in the habit of tipping employers would be forced to pay the employees' wages. That's my two cents.
(And yes, I've worked as a waiter, barback, and bartender before. In my opinion front of house staff make way too much money, and the fact that they feel entitled to it makes me even more annoyed.)-COLLAPSE
If the restaurant does a lot of business in take out, tipping isn't mandatory but appreciated. If it is a restaurant that doesn't do a lot of carry out, the server ringing it up, has to pay taxes on it and even tip out bartenders, host and busboys based on their sales. Ouch! I realized there are 60 comments, I bet this has been addressed. Happy tipping!
I always tip when picking up food. If the $ value is small I will give an extra dollar or two. If they bring it curbside to my car I tip 10%. Yes, those people make minimum wage and make more than the servers, but minimum wage isn't much and it still takes extra effort to put the order together.
People filling the take out order at least get paid minimum wage. Getting an extra dollar or two here and there is a perk, but they know not to expect a tip everytime. As stated, its their JOB! If they want a job with tips, they should become servers. In restaurants, I realize that BOH employees are jealous of servers because of all the tips, but they never take into consideration that servers...+READ
People filling the take out order at least get paid minimum wage. Getting an extra dollar or two here and there is a perk, but they know not to expect a tip everytime. As stated, its their JOB! If they want a job with tips, they should become servers. In restaurants, I realize that BOH employees are jealous of servers because of all the tips, but they never take into consideration that servers are paid less and their income is rarely consistent. The worst part is that they're dependant on cooks and bartenders and hosts the entire time, so one wrong move on someone else's part could screw up their money. Everyone's jealous of all the money servers supposedly make, but they never want to be servers...what's up with that?-COLLAPSE
what about the cooks that actually make the food? They often make less than the servers taking out the food, and working conditions are often much more difficult. They are the ones that are truly delivering the goods.
I think in the case of a pizza place, yes the person has to put up with my insane pizza order, and yes I may ask if the have goat cheese for a topping, but no I would not tip. Why? because wait staff make less then minimum wage (in Canada) and need the tips to make up the balance of their wage. The person who takes my pizza order on the other hand is very rarely the person who hands me my take...+READ
I think in the case of a pizza place, yes the person has to put up with my insane pizza order, and yes I may ask if the have goat cheese for a topping, but no I would not tip. Why? because wait staff make less then minimum wage (in Canada) and need the tips to make up the balance of their wage. The person who takes my pizza order on the other hand is very rarely the person who hands me my take out and they get paid a fair wage (if their employer follows labour laws).-COLLAPSE
NO...........Isn't this their JOB to gather whatever is needed so you can have your food? It's not going above and beyond. It's like it is someone else's job to do that and they are taking care of it on top of what they're suppose to do.
At a lot of restaurants, they have a person specifically devoted to Carryout. Not at nice restaurants, but definitely at chains. They always get paid minimum wage bc theyr'e not making enough in tips. And really, they don't do that much work. Most of the time, the kitchen packages everything, they just have to grab maybe sauce or forks or napkins etc. It's not that difficult. I worked in a...+READ
At a lot of restaurants, they have a person specifically devoted to Carryout. Not at nice restaurants, but definitely at chains. They always get paid minimum wage bc theyr'e not making enough in tips. And really, they don't do that much work. Most of the time, the kitchen packages everything, they just have to grab maybe sauce or forks or napkins etc. It's not that difficult. I worked in a restaurant, I worked Carryout, I will NOT tip for it. It's idiotic. No one tips me for working at the front desk as a receptionist where I work and all I make is minimum wage. So there.-COLLAPSE
I agree with Billy33 from New Zealand. I'm from Canada and think the whole tipping thing has gotten way out of hand. This is not a criticism or commentary on servers in any way. I feel that maybe food establishments should pay their employees a decent wage so they don't have to depend on tips to survive.
Well, let's see. A waiter/waitress/waitron (as Anthony Bourdain would say) delivers the food to you once in a bag--no taking your order (I assume that this was done over the phone), no refilling water glasses, no checking on you to make sure you have everything you need, no bringing appetizers, then salad, then main course, and maybe dessert. No removing your dishes, no hanging around, basically,...+READ
Well, let's see. A waiter/waitress/waitron (as Anthony Bourdain would say) delivers the food to you once in a bag--no taking your order (I assume that this was done over the phone), no refilling water glasses, no checking on you to make sure you have everything you need, no bringing appetizers, then salad, then main course, and maybe dessert. No removing your dishes, no hanging around, basically, for an hour and half while you eat.
So as a fraction of the service you receive from a waiter/waitress/waitron, this is what? five percent? No, not a five percent tip. Five percent of what a waiter (etc.) does for you. This is like people who give you a cup of coffee at Starbucks leaving a tip jar on the counter.
I tip 20 percent to waiters (etc.) but not to people standing behind a counter, handing me a bag. Get real!-COLLAPSE
My general philosophy is to tip if the work a person is performing is similar to tipable work they would normally perform or takes them away from other tipable work.
Since the article mentioned sushi, I'll use that as an example. At most sushi restaurants, tips go to the sushi chefs who are not only preparing the food but setting it out for customers. Those chefs do about the same amount of...+READ
My general philosophy is to tip if the work a person is performing is similar to tipable work they would normally perform or takes them away from other tipable work.
Since the article mentioned sushi, I'll use that as an example. At most sushi restaurants, tips go to the sushi chefs who are not only preparing the food but setting it out for customers. Those chefs do about the same amount of work on a takeout order that they would do on a dining-in order. Therefore, I generally tip 10% or so when I get takeout from a sushi restaurant.
Otherwise, I generally do not tip at most other restuarants. Yes, it takes a little bit of work to fill an order, but most of the work is done by the cooks, who (unlike sushi chefs) do not normally receive tips for the work they perform. On takeout orders, it is usually the chef who cooks the food and puts it in to go containers. The host or hostess taking an order does some work, but it is far less than the service you get from servers, busboys and food-runners. I typically will only tip when the host has done something beyond taking the order, putting the food in the bag, and checking that the order seems correct. Those tasks take about the same amount of time as taking a reservation and walking customers to a table, tasks for which most of us typically do not tip.-COLLAPSE
jefskil, it's not uncommon in restaurants, especially higher-end, for the servers to be required to share a portion of their tips with non-tipped employees.
My problem with tipping for carryout is that I have no idea whether the order was filled correctly, packed thoughtfully, etc. I do tip delivery drivers, but I consider that a tip for -delivery- rather than for the food itself. I'd be happy...+READ
jefskil, it's not uncommon in restaurants, especially higher-end, for the servers to be required to share a portion of their tips with non-tipped employees.
My problem with tipping for carryout is that I have no idea whether the order was filled correctly, packed thoughtfully, etc. I do tip delivery drivers, but I consider that a tip for -delivery- rather than for the food itself. I'd be happy to tip carryout if I could watch them load it up correctly and well-packed, but so often I arrive to pick up and there's just a bag there. And when I get home, it's not always right or not always packed well. I'd find it REALLY irritating if I'd tipped, gotten home, and discovered they'd left out the lamb bhuna or packed the sushi on its side. Not sure what the solution is, though, as obviously if I don't tip this time, they're unlikely to treat me like a potential tipper next time. :)-COLLAPSE
oh, and not to mention I find it particularly ridiculous how tip somehow scales up with the price of your meal. A waiter at Friendlies can do all the same actions and put in as much effort as a person delivering me a dry aged prime rib, yet make 1/5th of the money in the end.
Sorry way off topic there. Bottom line is tip is your a regular and want to help the establishment!
/rant over :)
kdb:
where the heck are you working that servers have to tip kitchen employees???
Are you telling me that dishwashers, prep and line chefs, and head chefs all require tipping?
I agree with both the article, and Billy33. Its nice to tip to show a reward to a place you frequent and its karma in action, also always ask for a name and greet that counter employee everytime you go in - it does...+READ
kdb:
where the heck are you working that servers have to tip kitchen employees???
Are you telling me that dishwashers, prep and line chefs, and head chefs all require tipping?
I agree with both the article, and Billy33. Its nice to tip to show a reward to a place you frequent and its karma in action, also always ask for a name and greet that counter employee everytime you go in - it does wonders. Pretty soon dont be suprised when you have free soda's / bigger portions, free dessert etc thrown in. If nothing else I always throw my change in the jar, if only because I hate having loose coins in my pockets.
Having said that I really wish the US worked on a non-tip based system. Time for a little rant because I can:
These days its virtually a guaranteed action and yet very rarely do servers rise above and beyond, and even then what do you reward them with? A meager 2-5%? I've worked in both bars and restaurants and I always give 20% out of habit and empathy but rarely do I think it's worth it other than the thought I am helping out someone who needs the money.
Conversely I would never lessen a tip even though about 95% of my servers don't bother to refill water until I specifically ask or provide any actual service besides the obligatory "Hows everything tonight?" comment. Sometimes (as was the case in my first job) they aren't even taking dishes, resetting tables, or filling water glasses, they have a lower tipped bus boys doing almost all the work. So great, they're doing their job, and most times the bare minimum, which is understandable, I don't want to be bothered 5x during dinner, but it doesn't make sense to give them extra money as a 'reward' or incentive for performing basic services that their job entails - that's the restaurant owners job, not mine.-COLLAPSE
I work in the bar resturaunt industry and I dont expect a huge tip on take out but people should keep in mind most servers have to tip the kitchen a percentage of all food sold soooo if we dont recieve a tip we are paying for a bit of your meal! thanx.
a side not: I eat at a tiny 3-person Thai take-out place once or twice a week; 98% of their business is take-out. One of my fellow diners-in one evening was a rough looking fellow who enjoyed a meal and left before I did. The owner explained that he was one of a dozen odd people that he and his wife feed once or twice a week. He uses the tip jar to buy the extra rice they need for this.
After...+READ
a side not: I eat at a tiny 3-person Thai take-out place once or twice a week; 98% of their business is take-out. One of my fellow diners-in one evening was a rough looking fellow who enjoyed a meal and left before I did. The owner explained that he was one of a dozen odd people that he and his wife feed once or twice a week. He uses the tip jar to buy the extra rice they need for this.
After that, I have always tipped 20%.-COLLAPSE
Coming from a country (New Zealand) where tipping is NOT the norm (thank goodness), I find this discussion highly amusing.
Are North Americans also expected to tip on takeaways from fast food restaurants or places that ONLY do takeaway? If so, what a nightmare!!! Where do you draw the line?
Oh, and if only 20% are tipping on take-out, it is very far from a standard where recipients may rightly expect it.
One only needs to tip on counterservice if the server is a below-minimum wage person who relies on tip income to make up the difference: so, not in joints where the cashier or counterserver is non-waitstaff, but yes in finer dining establishments where waitstaff is ringing you in on their ID and are being withheld based on that.
An important nuance to keep in mind. But the metastasization of...+READ
One only needs to tip on counterservice if the server is a below-minimum wage person who relies on tip income to make up the difference: so, not in joints where the cashier or counterserver is non-waitstaff, but yes in finer dining establishments where waitstaff is ringing you in on their ID and are being withheld based on that.
An important nuance to keep in mind. But the metastasization of tipping without such a strong reason will have the unintended effect of undermining the rationale of the social contract that legitimate tipping culture depends on. In other words, expanding it can upset the whole apple cart in the long run.-COLLAPSE
"And to say that management extracts unpaid labor to prepare orders for those who won't be dining in is simply pointing out unfortunate exploitation that will only stop as a result of people refusing to pay when service is not provided."
If the stats that 80% of people already don't tip are correct, then your argument that the exploitation will stop with a cessation of tipping doesn't hold.
We...+READ
"And to say that management extracts unpaid labor to prepare orders for those who won't be dining in is simply pointing out unfortunate exploitation that will only stop as a result of people refusing to pay when service is not provided."
If the stats that 80% of people already don't tip are correct, then your argument that the exploitation will stop with a cessation of tipping doesn't hold.
We all seem to agree that the system is the problem; as I've suggested, neither tipping nor refusing to tip appears to be any kind of solution. Determining one is presumably beyond the bounds of an etiquette column, but if anyone has links to interesting discussions on the subject, I'd be interested in seeing them (maybe on the Not About Food board?).-COLLAPSE
The logic behind suggesting that you should tip on take-away orders is flawed. I consider myself a generous tipper. I value the service provided in restaurants and realize the servers are paid a marginal hourly wage. But, this personal service is not provided with take-away orders. And to say that management extracts unpaid labor to prepare orders for those who won't be dining in is simply...+READ
The logic behind suggesting that you should tip on take-away orders is flawed. I consider myself a generous tipper. I value the service provided in restaurants and realize the servers are paid a marginal hourly wage. But, this personal service is not provided with take-away orders. And to say that management extracts unpaid labor to prepare orders for those who won't be dining in is simply pointing out unfortunate exploitation that will only stop as a result of people refusing to pay when service is not provided. In other words, it should not be the server's job to prepare "to go" orders.
Now, if the order is picked up curbside and someone has to bring it to you, or provide some other service, I agree a tip is appropriate.-COLLAPSE
First- Miley Cyrus? Are we now looking to 16 year olds for etiquette advice?
Second- I always tip on take-out, it's a couple of bucks of good will, and believe me, it's noticed and appreciated.
As a server who also works take-away on a regular basis, tipping would be greatly appreciated. We get $2.13/hr just like the servers, but we rarely get tipped. Take-away is usually ran by 2 people where I work. One to answer the phone, check orders, take food to cars, assist with gift card purchases, etc. The other prepares and bags orders. This involves preparing dressings, condiments, potato...+READ
As a server who also works take-away on a regular basis, tipping would be greatly appreciated. We get $2.13/hr just like the servers, but we rarely get tipped. Take-away is usually ran by 2 people where I work. One to answer the phone, check orders, take food to cars, assist with gift card purchases, etc. The other prepares and bags orders. This involves preparing dressings, condiments, potato toppings, and any special requests; per order. On top of that, we box all the sides separately from the protein portion, along with checking to ensure everything is correct and labeling everything. This is very time consuming and we rarely get even a thank you for it. Instead, we usually get call backs complaining that we didn't give them enough bread (free), dressing, butter, etc, when they didn't ask for it; or that their steak was overcooked ( we explain that due to styrofoam retaining heat, steaks should be ordered one degree under desired doneness if the steak is in the container for more than a few minutes). We also offer complimentary drinks while the customer waits, so my take-away position is actually very similar to being a server. I am still at the mercy of the customer for the duration they are there. Any tips that we do receive we split between each other and occasionally 3 ways on weekends and I usually only go home with around $25-35 for 6+hrs of work. Hence the reason I am quitting soon.-COLLAPSE
Weewah, I think that's a perfectly reasonable, fair answer. I'm sold.
The person who answers the phone at an establishment is the one who receives a takeout order & prepares the accoutrement. Not random servers, but the hostess or barmaid (or bartender). I have been there, done that and it requires time and effort. Not a lot though. However, those positions pay an real-job hourly wage, like a cook or dishwasher so they're not depending soley on tips for a living. A...+READ
The person who answers the phone at an establishment is the one who receives a takeout order & prepares the accoutrement. Not random servers, but the hostess or barmaid (or bartender). I have been there, done that and it requires time and effort. Not a lot though. However, those positions pay an real-job hourly wage, like a cook or dishwasher so they're not depending soley on tips for a living. A tip is nice, but it is ridiculous to tip on the value of the meal. Drop a dollar, it's nice to be appreciated. They'll smile when they see you coming, and try to please you when you call in your order, by getting it right.-COLLAPSE
It all depends what kind of person you want to be. Nice and generous? Then go ahead and tip. Selfish and miserly? Go ahead and keep the extra couple bucks in your pocket.
I would take the pro-tipping arguments more seriously if it weren't for the fact that every friend I've had who worked in a reasonably decent restaurant made way more money than I did working in basic admin/office positions.
i was a cashier and took phone orders. I got the whole tip. I did not tip the kitchen. Granted, I made about $3 on tips a day, if I was lucky. Most people don't tip on pick-up orders.
I do not subscribe to the logic that I have to pay a tip to a server who was forced by their managers to take time out from their tipping tables to package up my order for 30 seconds and "lose" money for this time they spent.
The way the system is set up right now is in favour of restaurant owners. They pay their servers below a living wage and set their meal prices as high as they damn well...+READ
I do not subscribe to the logic that I have to pay a tip to a server who was forced by their managers to take time out from their tipping tables to package up my order for 30 seconds and "lose" money for this time they spent.
The way the system is set up right now is in favour of restaurant owners. They pay their servers below a living wage and set their meal prices as high as they damn well want, then pass on the cost of compensating their staff to a living wage to their customers. This doesn't happen in any other business. If you can't make a profit while still affording to pay your staff a fair wage, your business fails. But not in the food service industry!! The customer has to pay high prices for their meal AND THEN also pay the staff.
I also like to tip for good service, not just because tipping is customary. I accept that tipping *is* customary for table service though, so I tip 15% as standard, 20% for stellar service, and less than 10% in rare instances when the service is truly, truly awful. I will leave a note on the bill explaining why. But I will not tip for take-out. I don't feel guilty about my choice either. It's not my responsibility to make up for the fact that servers are working for bosses who are out for profits and not paying them fairly.
I'll make a crude comparison: you know how we're always told to get pets from reputable breeders or from the SPCA, but never from pet stores because it just encourages them to keep churning out puppies for profits? Everyone seems to buy into that logic, but that doesn't help the individual kittens and puppies who *are* at the pet stores and are lovely animals, I'm sure. We are encouraged to ignore their cute faces and not feel guilty for refusing to support these practices. So why are we okay with being guilted into paying a tip to take-out servers just because their bosses won't pay them that extra that their peers doing table service are able to make in tips? The thing is, if you continue to tip them because you feel guilty that they aren't making the money anywhere else, you just further reinforce the current system which sucks.-COLLAPSE
That said "a shitty system." I accidentally censored myself.
@mdzehnder: "I would love to be able to reward a server for an excellent product (in my opinion a good server produces an artisan product worthy of reward) but the system that is in existence prevents me from doing so. I would much prefer to simply pay a higher up front cost for my meal so that the server can earn a living than to be dishonestly strong-armed into tipping regardless of the quality...+READ
@mdzehnder: "I would love to be able to reward a server for an excellent product (in my opinion a good server produces an artisan product worthy of reward) but the system that is in existence prevents me from doing so. I would much prefer to simply pay a higher up front cost for my meal so that the server can earn a living than to be dishonestly strong-armed into tipping regardless of the quality of the service in order that the server not become a homeless vagabond."
Bingo. I actually totally agree with that. As I've said, we're faced with the reality of a shitty system that isn't very fair to either the server or the customer. Tipping doesn't solve that any better than not tipping.-COLLAPSE
@BBQ Chicken Recipe Love--I think your use of the term "appreciation" is totally off--base. Its a business transaction--there is an arrangement between you and the business that they will give you a certain product and you will give them a certain percentage of your money. I don't chase my mailman down the street to express my "appreciation" for his being so kind as to leave me a letter. I don't...+READ
@BBQ Chicken Recipe Love--I think your use of the term "appreciation" is totally off--base. Its a business transaction--there is an arrangement between you and the business that they will give you a certain product and you will give them a certain percentage of your money. I don't chase my mailman down the street to express my "appreciation" for his being so kind as to leave me a letter. I don't send the car salesman a Christmas present to express my appreciation for his allowing me the opportunity to buy one of his cars. Its a business transaction--I give money, they give product. Period.
@tatamagouche--What you are saying is precisely the point. If people were _truly_ free to not tip if they chose to not tip, then I would agree with you completely. But they're not. Sure, no one's taking them to jail or shooting them if they don't, but they have to endure social stigma, poor treatment from people who feel tipping should be ubiquitous (and that its their duty to evangelize that belief upon the world), possible mistreatment of their food by the server(s) in question, etc.
The fundamental difference here seems to be between people who tip (or don't) based on the presence (or absence) of quality service (in my opinion what tipping should be about) and people who tip based on the amount of guilt they do (or don't) feel regarding the fact that without their tips servers do not make a living wage. My problem with this entire arrangement is simply that it is dishonest, and it degrades the efforts of those who truly do want to show their support of high-quality service by tipping well. If you do tip well its considered expected (not necessarily a reward for good service) and if you don't you're just considered a cheap bastard (rather than the service being poor). The tip is meaningless. I WANT to tip. I would love to be able to reward a server for an excellent product (in my opinion a good server produces an artisan product worthy of reward) but the system that is in existence prevents me from doing so. I would much prefer to simply pay a higher up front cost for my meal so that the server can earn a living than to be dishonestly strong-armed into tipping regardless of the quality of the service in order that the server not become a homeless vagabond.-COLLAPSE
I'd love to hear from people in the business whether such tips are routed to the person who did the assembly. If I give a tip to a cashier, am I tipping to the person who worked to assemble the food?
Now, let me say I tip on take out. However...
Servers do more than wait on tables. They sweep floors, they get ice, they stock glassware, they wipe down counters. They are not tipped on that. A take out orders is like rolling silverware at the end of the night. Taking away from potential to earn tips, but necessary to be done. If a server can't take care of tables because of all the take out...+READ
Now, let me say I tip on take out. However...
Servers do more than wait on tables. They sweep floors, they get ice, they stock glassware, they wipe down counters. They are not tipped on that. A take out orders is like rolling silverware at the end of the night. Taking away from potential to earn tips, but necessary to be done. If a server can't take care of tables because of all the take out orders they are stuck with... the server should question the management perspective and maybe look to better venues.
As for servers losing money by taking a to-go order... how is that possible? You charge the guest the ticket price, you pay the ticket price back at the end of the night during cash-out. The restaurant is not charging you an additional fee. It's not like your tipping service bar out or busser for their meal. Or at least shouldn't. Take out totals were always listed seperate from dine-in totals so you should only be tipping out the busser on dine-in not the complete total.
But hey what do I know.-COLLAPSE
@barryg, no need to snipe at me in particular. Again, not sure I understand the defensiveness. As I said, it's your prerogative not to tip; I've explained why I think it's proper, as have others, and you and others have explained why you think it's unnecessary. So be it.
As for my logic, nothing I've said has confused etiquette with charity—though I agree with others that paying it forward once...+READ
@barryg, no need to snipe at me in particular. Again, not sure I understand the defensiveness. As I said, it's your prerogative not to tip; I've explained why I think it's proper, as have others, and you and others have explained why you think it's unnecessary. So be it.
As for my logic, nothing I've said has confused etiquette with charity—though I agree with others that paying it forward once in a while seems right to me; if it doesn't to you, as I also said, it's a free country.-COLLAPSE
@tatamagouche, get over it. It is not my responsibility to make up for every injustice in the world out of my own pocket. By your reasoning I should be inviting every bum into my house and adopting every orphan. Which also highlights the point that a server losing a few minutes at a table to put a box in a bag in really a minor inconvenience in the scheme of things.
Really? I'm shocked at how many people don't think a tip is customary when ordering take out....
In my opinion, whenever you are having someone prepare your food and it's not fast food, then a tip should be customary. I don't tip in the drive thrus but when I have someone prepare, and bag my food for take out, I make sure to show my appreciation with a tip. I'm not saying that a large tip is...+READ
Really? I'm shocked at how many people don't think a tip is customary when ordering take out....
In my opinion, whenever you are having someone prepare your food and it's not fast food, then a tip should be customary. I don't tip in the drive thrus but when I have someone prepare, and bag my food for take out, I make sure to show my appreciation with a tip. I'm not saying that a large tip is necessary but you should always tip something to say Thanks :)
I agree with a couple of the other comments that when we order take out, we are still taking time away from the tipping customers who dine in. And that's not fair to those that serve our needs.
Come on chow hounds, get to tipping :) And maybe the next time you order take out you might just get better and faster service than before, all because you showed the staff or server a lil appreciation towards them. Just a thought :)
Cheers!-COLLAPSE
But then you're assuming that the person bagging and ringing *isn't* a server forced to take time out from his/her tables to do so, no? Or do I misunderstand?
Tatamagouche, I understand your point, but it's off the mark. As a former server I never, NEVER made less than minimum wage after tips. That's why I worked as a server and not at the 7-11 around the corner. Bagging food and working a cash register is no different than other non-food service jobs. The whole point of a tip is to provide incentive for quality service. I agree, waiting tables is a...+READ
Tatamagouche, I understand your point, but it's off the mark. As a former server I never, NEVER made less than minimum wage after tips. That's why I worked as a server and not at the 7-11 around the corner. Bagging food and working a cash register is no different than other non-food service jobs. The whole point of a tip is to provide incentive for quality service. I agree, waiting tables is a hard job. Standing in front of a cash register is not. There's a difference, which is why one group gets extra compensation.-COLLAPSE
CurlieGlamourGirlie, John EO and others—again, McDonald's employees and 7-11 clerks make at least minimum wage. Servers generally do not; they depend on tips. See fluffysouffle's response. Take out is *too* a service. If people didn't perform the proper actions, your take out order wouldn't get filled. It doesn't magically fill itself. And how do you know they're merely ringing up your order and...+READ
CurlieGlamourGirlie, John EO and others—again, McDonald's employees and 7-11 clerks make at least minimum wage. Servers generally do not; they depend on tips. See fluffysouffle's response. Take out is *too* a service. If people didn't perform the proper actions, your take out order wouldn't get filled. It doesn't magically fill itself. And how do you know they're merely ringing up your order and handing you a bag? As has been pointed out, they may also be taking your order on the phone, packaging it, and doing other things that take time out from their actual duties. A service performed by a restaurant is a service performed by a restaurant.
As for the person who said they can get a job doing something else—easier said than done, especially in this economy.
I feel as though a lot of non-tippers commenting here are awfully defensive...you're the ones who are using words like "guilt." If you feel a tip is unwarranted, the thing about tipping is it's a free country. If you feel as though your logic on the debate stands, you don't have to do it. All I know is it's a hard job, I admire the people that have the stamina for it, and I try to express that by tipping. That's my prerogative, just as yours is yours.-COLLAPSE
I very rarely tip when picking up my own take-out. I don't tip when I get 'take-out' from McDonald's or a comparable fast food place, so why should it be 'commonly accepted' to do so in a similar situation? The only times I would tip would be if I had a truly complicated or large order that took extra effort above and beyond the usual order.
A tip is for SERVICE. Take out is not a service, it's a PRODUCT. Taking less than 30 seconds to bag and ring up an order isn't service, it's a business transaction. Do you tip the 7-11 employee that rings up your coffee? How about the KMart employee who checked you out? They make less than a waiter/waitress who at least has the opportunity to increase their earnings on dine in service.
If the restaurent owner is making servers do takeout orders and not paying them more than servers' pay, then this should be illegal and should be reported to the appropriate authorities. You should not try to make us feel guilty for the sins of the industry.
As a server in a casual sit down restaurant I'd like to point out that I LOSE money on take-out orders if the person doesn't tip. I pay out the kitchen based on my sales. If someone has a $50 take-out order and doesn't tip I still have to pay the kitchen. Losing money. It sucks. I will never change my level of service and will always be perfectly cheerful to any customer, but when they leave I'll...+READ
As a server in a casual sit down restaurant I'd like to point out that I LOSE money on take-out orders if the person doesn't tip. I pay out the kitchen based on my sales. If someone has a $50 take-out order and doesn't tip I still have to pay the kitchen. Losing money. It sucks. I will never change my level of service and will always be perfectly cheerful to any customer, but when they leave I'll grumble to myself about it.-COLLAPSE
WITH a trip credit, not without. Oops.
How often do people get take-out from sit-down restaurants...that aren't ethnic restaurants run by people from countries without a tipping culture ? And how often are those take-out orders actually handled by a waiter rather than the host...in a state with no tip credit?
Tipping for take-out orders that don't involve any service beyond ringing up the check and handing over a package of food is...+READ
How often do people get take-out from sit-down restaurants...that aren't ethnic restaurants run by people from countries without a tipping culture ? And how often are those take-out orders actually handled by a waiter rather than the host...in a state with no tip credit?
Tipping for take-out orders that don't involve any service beyond ringing up the check and handing over a package of food is just an unnecessary expansion of an already-silly system. If you want to leave a tip in the hope of receiving future special treatment, feel free, but don't insist that I do the same.-COLLAPSE
Wow; what exactly does Helena think is included in the price of the food? Taking our order and some type of device to convey it to our table or out the door (plate or take out container) must be considered included. I happily tip in many situations, including take out; can we just be realistic about what is included in the actual dollar amount listed on the menu?
This just in: people, when asked, will say that they want more money.
This is one of the few behaviors I've actually changed b/c of CH. At restaurants that are strictly counter service, the kind of places that do not warrant a tip even when dining in, I do not tip for takeout. If I'm getting takeout from a restaurant that has full table service, I tip around 10% - the kitchen staff may box the food, but a lot of the work (taking the order over the phone, putting it...+READ
This is one of the few behaviors I've actually changed b/c of CH. At restaurants that are strictly counter service, the kind of places that do not warrant a tip even when dining in, I do not tip for takeout. If I'm getting takeout from a restaurant that has full table service, I tip around 10% - the kitchen staff may box the food, but a lot of the work (taking the order over the phone, putting it in the computer, bagging the boxes with cutlery, running my credit card) is performed by staff members that are paid a server's wage, and the service they provide me cuts into the time they spend on those who are dining in.-COLLAPSE
Helena's right on this one guys.
Plus, take-out customers make more money for the restaurant because they aren't taking up a table, using dishes, glassware, etc. I realize that this $ does not go directly into the pockets of the person who's packaging up the order, but as others have pointed out, nearly everything we buy must be packaged up. I don't tip the bagger at the grocery store, either....
I count myself as an excellent tipper, when dining out, and if I pick up an order, and pay cash, I'll likely toss my small change into a tip cup.
But preparing and plating (or traying) food is someone's job, no matter the effort. When I worked in a retail warehouse, I never got tipped for bringing a different size shirt out to the floor, because that was my job. I also never got tipped for...+READ
I count myself as an excellent tipper, when dining out, and if I pick up an order, and pay cash, I'll likely toss my small change into a tip cup.
But preparing and plating (or traying) food is someone's job, no matter the effort. When I worked in a retail warehouse, I never got tipped for bringing a different size shirt out to the floor, because that was my job. I also never got tipped for helping customers load large purchases (ice fishing huts, gun safes) into their trucks. That service, at least, was not in the letter of my job, but in the spirit of making the warehouse run smoothly.
As others have said, waitstaff is there to make my visit comfortable. They get a tip based on how well they do that job, because that is how their paycheck works. If they get stuck piling egg rolls into takeout boxes instead of serving their in-house customers, that's not my responsibility. Similarly, if a grumpy waitress took my order, brought my food to the table, and I never saw her again through the meal, she wouldn't be getting a tip (or would maybe net herself 5%) because she wasn't doing her job.-COLLAPSE
Um...have we forgotten that the people who work in these takeout places do, in fact, have free will? And that they can go elsewhere to work, where their making a living does not depend on gratuities, or where their employers allows them to perform a service that is routinely rewarded by said gratuities? I'm sorry, but I find the notion that it's a) time consuming; or b) difficult to shovel food...+READ
Um...have we forgotten that the people who work in these takeout places do, in fact, have free will? And that they can go elsewhere to work, where their making a living does not depend on gratuities, or where their employers allows them to perform a service that is routinely rewarded by said gratuities? I'm sorry, but I find the notion that it's a) time consuming; or b) difficult to shovel food into a takeout container absolutely ridiculous. I've been in many a take-out place where I've watched the workers pack up my food. In places that serve the majority of their meals on a takeout business, they've learned to pack food at lightning speed. I mean, we're talking an order of General Tso's here, not a French Laundry entree...-COLLAPSE
@barryg—but that's a bit of a Catch 22, isn't it? I mean, it is what it is—if a server's on a takeout order, then that's the reality of the situation. The restaurateur may be in the wrong, but the customer did in fact get served by the server.
I always tip of carry out, but hate when my co worker sends me w/ her credit card to pick up her carry out and I can't tip b/c she won't allow it...then I look like the jerk to the server (especially to places I visit often). It's very frustrating.
I tip b/c I figure what is the harm is giving this person 2 or 3 dollars to make them remember me for a good reason next time? No harm done.
@tatamagouche, except that since 80% don't tip on takeout, if a restaurant owner is putting servers on takeout orders, they are ones in the wrong--not the customer.
The difference is that of all these examples, only the server largely depends on tips, getting paid less than minimum wage.
Sorry, if 80% of people don't tip on takeout, then it is "not commonly accepted". We all understand that in the US, we DO tip on table service because it IS commonly accepted and built in to the system. As ToddBradley and Kater said, we get similar service in all sorts of other service venues. Go ahead and tip if you want, but don't try to say that those of us who don't are wrong.
By this same logic, you should also tip the butcher when you ask him to wrap up a piece of meat for you to take home to cook. Or is that only if you phone the order in ahead of time?
I do not and will not tip on takeout orders and I am a very generous tipper. There is not a single item I purchase that does not 'take work' and I do not tip on groceries, clothing, housewares, art supplies, jewelry, etc...
When I order take out, the kitchen puts my food into containers rather than onto a plate. That is not some sort of extra service, it is the bare minimum that they need to do...+READ
I do not and will not tip on takeout orders and I am a very generous tipper. There is not a single item I purchase that does not 'take work' and I do not tip on groceries, clothing, housewares, art supplies, jewelry, etc...
When I order take out, the kitchen puts my food into containers rather than onto a plate. That is not some sort of extra service, it is the bare minimum that they need to do in order to expand their income through take out sales. Unless the restaurant plans to follow me home, plate up the take out and check back with me while I eat it and refill my glass I will not be paying a gratuity for service.... because I DIDN'T GET ANY.
When anyone involved in the industry shamelessly asserts that they should get a gratuity because I didn't have to go into their kitchen and shove my sushi into the bottom of my purse something has gone TERRIBLY wrong in the restaurant world.-COLLAPSE
Oh god I love Europe where tip is a reward for good service, not a necessity.
Excellent column, Helena.