How much dough for delivery?
August 18th, 2010
09:15 AM ET
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"Ding dong." "Buzz." "Knock, knock." Delivery.

It’s pizza. Or sushi. Or Chinese food, Italian, Thai, burritos or burgers. I fumble for my wallet, secretly wishing my husband makes it to our apartment door first. I have no desire to be the one to decide how much to tip the delivery guy. Some women want a man around when it’s time to kill an insect or plunge the toilet – my fear is the delivery tip.

Ordering in food is a way of life in New York. Our kitchens are small, our work days long, our social calendars are full and perhaps we’re just lazy. We also can pick from nearly any type food imaginable – from dirt cheap to high end – and have it delivered to our door in a matter of minutes. It’s a huge convenience, but it’s partially offset by the anxiety of figuring out the tip. If I’m the one to answer the door, I usually grab the receipt from the delivery guy (and no, I have never seen a woman doing the job) [Ed. note - plenty of delivery ladies out here in Brooklyn], scan it and try to do some quick math in my head.

Usually, I give between 15% and 20%. This seems to be on average for New Yorkers, at least according to some message board discussions on the topic.

But in New York City there is something called Manhattan Math: you give extra if it’s raining or snowing, or if the restaurant is more than X blocks away. People also tend to give less if the delivery is slow. But even when I’ve had nightmare delivery experiences, I still don’t have it in me to take it out on the delivery person. One time, we ordered in dinner from a French bistro three blocks away from our apartment. Five angry phone calls and an hour and a half later, our salad and roasted chicken arrived. Although I most definitely had steam coming out of my head, I still tipped 15%.

I’m sure that most of the delivery guys could use the extra dollar or two a lot more than I could. Many of them are immigrants and they work hard. I also take into account the conditions under which they do their job. First, there are the taxis, the buses, the crazy drivers; there have been fatal accidents in New York involving delivery people. Aside from the dangers of the street, delivery people surely put up with obnoxious New Yorkers, people who aren’t home or don’t have enough money when they show up, humongous dogs, 6-floor walk ups, cranky doormen and people answering the door in all states of mind and dress. My husband sometimes answers the door in a t-shirt and boxers. He then contorts the bottom half of his body behind the door in an attempt to hide his half-dressed self from an unknowing delivery man. It’s not pretty.

Not everyone agrees on how much to tip though. Some people just give a few bucks, regardless of how much the tab is. Their arguments go like this: the delivery guy isn’t serving you, he’s not pouring drinks, opening wine, folding a napkin on your lap. If the meal isn't cooked properly, he isn’t waiting around to bring it back. That’s the kind of service you tip a waiter 20% for in a restaurant.

So what do the experts say? Daniel Post Senning from the Emily Post Institute says tipping delivery people depends on the city and the region. Typically a 10% to 15% tip is appropriate. You should tip on the higher end if the service is especially good, the food gets there hot, etc. And even if the service is bad, Senning says you should still give 10%. Like servers in restaurants, delivery people aren’t even paid minimum wage; they count on the tip money as part of their salary. Plus, he says, it’s not always their fault if the food is late. No surprise, according to this etiquette guru, one of the places with the strongest expectations when it comes to tipping is New York, more specifically, Manhattan.

And, cheapskates beware: most restaurants allegedly keep blacklists of customers they won’t deliver food to any more. It’s worth remembering next time your doorbell rings and you reach for your wallet.

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Filed under: Bite • Restaurants • Tipping


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  1. gkindzerows

    Dropbox – 404

    Error (404)We can't find the page you're looking for. Check out our FAQ or forums for help. Or maybe you should try heading home.

    October 7, 2011 at 11:48 pm | Reply
  2. tkindswrows

    Dropbox – 404

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    October 7, 2011 at 10:49 am | Reply
  3. fkindbxrows

    Dropbox – 404

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    October 7, 2011 at 4:26 am | Reply
  4. qkindierows

    Dropbox – 404

    Error (404)We can't find the page you're looking for. Check out our FAQ or forums for help. Or maybe you should try heading home.

    October 6, 2011 at 9:53 pm | Reply
  5. vehyclearcatt8

    What is the best search engine http://google.com or http://yahoo.com?

    June 2, 2011 at 12:25 pm | Reply
  6. kacap

    Пенсионная реформа Украины.

    Расчет. Пенсии будущего.

    Если допустить, что женщина уйдет на пенсию в 60 лет ,то за пять лет она недополучит пенсии от государства из расчета мин. пенсии
    750х12х5=45000 грн. (расчет на 8 04 2011 )

    Сумма в 45000грн сможет компенсироваться даже при увеличении пенсии на 25% только через 20 лет.
    Итого вы должны дожить до 80 лет только для того чтоб вернуть то что у вас украли!!!

    А тек же если добавить вычеты из зарплаты в различные фонды за лишних 5 лет, и пересчитать инфляцию в стране 18% (расчет: средние банковские проценты минус 2%),
    то получается что шансы у вас вернуть свое только реальны к 95 годам.

    Возникает вопрос, а где же увеличенная пенсия?,
    Таких реформаторов нужно на ..ла.

    хохлам труба

    April 8, 2011 at 2:40 pm | Reply
  7. redsdogs1976

    Ôðàíöóçñêèé áóëüäîã
    Ôðàíöóçñêèé áóëüäîã

    November 29, 2010 at 1:19 am | Reply
  8. Joan Pelphrey

    keep these great post coming

    October 21, 2010 at 7:20 am | Reply
  9. markv

    I usually tip $3-4 if i order for 1-2 people no matter how much I paid. What difference does it make to a delivery guy? If a guy has to deliver food for 5+ people, I can see why he should get paid more. But if I order salad for $10 or steak for $30, it is still the same box he has to carry. The only exception is when it rains or snow or if it takes over 1 hr to deliver it AND its cold (means the guy probably went to two other places before he came to me).

    August 23, 2010 at 10:00 pm | Reply
  10. Bill

    Tipping is a gratuity. It's a tangible way of saying thank you the service rendered. (delivery, housekeeping, whatever . . .)

    It's part of the give and take of a hospitable society.

    When you legitimately can't afford the tip, then forgo the service! Or, order hamburger vs. Fillet Mignon.

    Treat people who serve us the way we would like to be treated. Better yet, the way they would like to be treated!

    August 23, 2010 at 8:28 pm | Reply
  11. Tim

    I can't believe these tight asses that don't tip or make a big deal out of it. If you can't afford to pay for the delivery, don't call someone to bring it to your home.

    August 23, 2010 at 10:58 am | Reply
  12. mrTipper

    I can't imagine getting mad for food taking a half hour to get to me! Around here thats super fast for anything delivered. And honestly when places take it in their hands to charge a delivery fee I can promise the tip wont be very much, let me decide and your employees will be much happier I promise.

    August 22, 2010 at 11:30 pm | Reply
  13. grofys

    i don't think you can tip a pizza delivery person enough in pittsburgh as they are regularly shot at, beaten up and attacked with bow and arrows. (but i always give a delivery person 15%)

    August 22, 2010 at 4:49 pm | Reply
  14. jake the bum

    RATHER PAY A WORKER FOR DELIVERY THAN A SURLY LAZY IN HOUSE SERVER /WAITER/WAITRESS WHO LIVE UP TO THE NAME !!!WAIT!!!

    August 22, 2010 at 4:40 pm | Reply
  15. Betty

    As long as there is not a delivery charge, I usually tip 15 to 20%. That gives the delivery person at least $5. I don't know how it works for the pizza places and other places that deliver, but here in Calif at a sit down restaurant the servers would pool all their tips and it would get divided between them. Now out of that the servers had to tip the bus boys. Not sure if they still do that. I never thought that was fair because that meant a real bad server got the same in tips as the one that was always looking out for your needs.

    August 22, 2010 at 4:26 pm | Reply
  16. Dakkota

    One point I would like to bring up as well is, how many of these service workers honestly report the true amount they recieve in tips? Coming from a former food service worker, I never fully reported the amount of tips that I made so that I didn't have to claim them on my taxes. So now, being older, this along with bad service, slow service time, cold food, bad attitudes, etc., all gets factored in to determining a tip. On a good meal with exceptional service, I have tipped 100% because the service was outstanding, but then again, I have tipped 0% and have told that to servers when I get a disgusted look from them because they wonder why they didn't recieve the 'mandatory' 15%. If you are relying upon the kindness and generosity of strangers, you better be on your A-game; otherwise, be prepared to suffer the consequences of your actions.

    August 22, 2010 at 5:02 am | Reply
  17. Monica

    I was in the restaurant business for nearly 20 years in New York and know that it is hard work. Tipping is a way to say thank you for good service. But if you start treating your customers as if they owe you something and you cannot even say a simple thank you for your tip – you don't deserve it!

    It used to be a pleasure to tip delivery guys in NY because they would say "Thank you" when I gave them 20-25% tip on deliveries. These days I get a grab of the cash and a dash out the door or a look as if they deserve even more than what I give. I have seriously considered to start lowering my delivery tips. Sad sad sad..

    August 21, 2010 at 9:06 pm | Reply
  18. Jeff

    Gratuity: Something given voluntarily or beyond obligation, usually in response to or in anticipation of a service.

    Deal with it.

    My preference, raise prices 20% and pay your staff. A standard tip used to be 10% then 15% and now it's 20%. When is the next scheduled 5% increase? Or is it going to jump straight to 30%?
    Quit making me do math, put it in the price!

    August 21, 2010 at 8:09 pm | Reply
  19. ToraTiger

    Most of my deliveries are pizza. To be honest, there's not much in West Michigan that delivers besides pizza joints (or Jimmy Johns.)
    I will usually tip $2 for the delivery, plus $1 for each person eating/paying for the food. That usually comes out to about 15%-20%.

    There are some places that charge for delivery though. HOWEVER, they don't always pass this on to the delivery person! One place in particular adds $3 delivery fee, but the driver does not get the money–they still have to use their own car and gasoline. I guess this is one way for them to "pay for the minimum-wage driver" per order.

    Similarly, I have friends who don't tip at restaurants, or tip 10% (down to the penny) to a waitress who's making $2.13/hour, even when we've been the only people in it for hours.

    August 21, 2010 at 5:05 pm | Reply
  20. JonDavis`

    I used to tip a pizza delivery person when I lived in NY. Now I live in Tulsa OK and here they don't get min wage. They are payed $13.50/hr plus delivery is not free. They do drive there own cars and buy their own gas though. When gas was high a couple years ago I did tip. I'm retired now living on social security and they make alot more than I do. I know the salary because I applyed for a part time job delivering pizzas.They make alot more than you think here. I already pay a $3 delivery fee for a 4 blk delivery for an $8 pizza.Thats a 37.5 % manditory gratuity. I most off the time pick it up anyway but sometimes they are slow and you have to wait. Now I just give them an hour and go pick it up and if I wait just the 40 min required I wait another 20 to 30 mins when I get there. When I'm not in the mood I pay the outragous delivery fee. No tip though, they are paid adiquitly.

    August 21, 2010 at 1:25 pm | Reply
  21. Wordweaver

    I deliver pizza in upstate NY. I'm a single mom and my day job just doesn't pay enough. So I deliver at night to put food on the table. I've been doing it for several years. I have to tell you that in recent years I'm not making much at all. People aren't tipping as well as they used to. I spend a lot of money on gas and car repairs and even the general maintanence like brakes and tires have to happen much more frequently because of all the use. We go though a lot, rain, sleet, snow, lightening, big barking dogs, snotty nosed kids grabbing for the pizza not to mention putting our lives in jeapardy becasue some people don't have the best intentions. The point of it all is well we aren't all that appreciated and people are quick to blame us when the food is late but when it's late it's almost always the resturant to blame, too busy, understaffed, made a mistake on the order and had to remake etc.
    Now here is what you need to know. If you tip us good we remember you and we make you a priority when you call back. In other words if we have three deliveries you get yours first even if you called last. Yeah it works like that. If you stiff us we remember that too and I think you can guess the rest. Oh and I used to work somewhere where people did gross things to food of those that don't tip. I would never do that but I've seen it done and it happens more than it should so you might want to keep that in mind. Remember a large portion of deliverly people are young men. If you can't tip you should probably go pick it up yourself. Just saying.

    August 21, 2010 at 1:12 pm | Reply
  22. David Hoffman

    See Tip The Pizza Guy at http://www.tipthepizzaguy.com for a real world look at what delivery people do, in addition to deliverying food, at a restaurant that delivers.

    August 20, 2010 at 6:17 pm | Reply
  23. Erin

    I always tip a flat amount that depends on how far they had to travel to get me my food. The delivery tip shouldn't depend on how much you spend (unless you're making the guy carrying up 20 pizzas or a large amount of bags/sodas in which case I'll throw in some extra tip). What does it matter if I order a slice of pizza or prime rib? The delivery person is still doing the same service of transporting an item from point A to point B and that's what I'm tippiing them for.

    August 20, 2010 at 1:38 pm | Reply
  24. Alex

    Come to North Dakota: Delivery boys make 10-15$ an hour+gas+tips. No minimum wage delivery boys here.

    August 20, 2010 at 1:07 pm | Reply
  25. lewax00

    I don't bother with percentages, whether I make $5 or $50 purchase in food its still the same as far as the delivery is concerned. But I never tip less than $2, unless the delivery guy screws up.

    August 20, 2010 at 12:20 pm | Reply
  26. MOBADTHANGOOD

    When I call Dominos or Papa Johns for delivery on college football Saturdays and they get me my pizza in a timely manner the guys or girls know they are going to get at the very least $5.

    August 20, 2010 at 8:33 am | Reply
  27. Cindy

    My problem is when they charge a delivery charge and then STILL expect you to tip the delivery person. For adding an extra $5 to the cost of the food, I can go pick it up myself. That's more than the cost of 2 gallons of gas.

    August 19, 2010 at 8:22 pm | Reply
    • Jim Bob

      Yes, and the pizza is way overpriced to begin with. A piece of bread, a spoon of sauce, a sprinkle of cheese & chintzy toppings, $10-20?

      August 23, 2010 at 5:31 pm | Reply
  28. Breeze

    Always ALWAYS tip at least 10% for sit-down meals even when the waiter is obviously having a hard time/bad day. Sometimes its beyond their control and you dont know what that person is going thru. For delivery (usually just a pizza) about 5-7$. I have a better job now but back when I had no skills and no big opportunities I had to hustle my ass delivering food and it sucked. Also, if you tip over the phone sometimes the driver WONT get the tip. I had this happen several times because the franchise store owner who was also our manager was a cheap asshole and kept it. He wouldnt even tell you if you had gotten any tips via phone.

    August 19, 2010 at 5:17 pm | Reply
  29. Jeremy

    I am glad the new trend on the west coast (SF Bay) is not to allow tipping and actually paying employees a fair wage.

    August 19, 2010 at 4:54 pm | Reply
  30. M Jerz

    Stiffing waiters is not smart (especially if you are a regular). That is how you end up with visine in your food. (look up the results of that little trick)

    August 19, 2010 at 2:51 pm | Reply
    • Jim Bob

      Look up on Snopes.com about ingesting Visine. That's no joke, you can die from it.

      August 23, 2010 at 5:57 pm | Reply
  31. Tiff

    I know a lot of people in my area stopped tipping very much because the restaurants started charging a delivery fee. So they assume that the $2 for delivery is going to the driver..

    August 19, 2010 at 2:49 pm | Reply
    • Jim Bob

      Yes. A way-overpriced pizza, plus delivery fee, plus tip, = "A fool and his money are soon parted".

      August 23, 2010 at 5:27 pm | Reply
  32. Marie

    It is NOT TRUE that delivery people or waiters make less than minimum wage. If their wage+tips do not equal minimum wage, the employer BY LAW must make up the difference so that they are at least making minimum wage. Technically yes, they get an hourly wage that is less than the minimum wage, but they are NOT allowed to actually be paid less than minimum wage.

    August 19, 2010 at 1:58 pm | Reply
    • Jim Bob

      True, Marie. These delivery guys are hustlers.

      August 23, 2010 at 5:25 pm | Reply
  33. CC

    I definitely tip at restaurant the usual 51-20% (for GOOD service) and I tips delivery guys probably $2 (Live in NYC, the dudes all bike). The thing I don't get is why things like taxi's and hairdressers need tips. I definitely don't tip taxi drivers much. I Just round up to the nearest dollar because it's more convenient. But why the heck does a hairdresser need a tip? Aren't they getting paid adequately?

    August 19, 2010 at 11:16 am | Reply
    • CC

      Ack, I meant 15-20%.

      August 19, 2010 at 11:16 am | Reply
  34. Tiffany

    On a side note, I do payroll for a living and handle checks for many of the delivery type of restaurants in town. I know at least one place that pays their drivers the server rate of $2.13, then has the drivers pool their tips and at the end of the night divides it out evenly among all drivers. Certainly not fair when you think you're tipping your person but they're having to add it the general pool. In our state, delivery people are at the mercy of their employer – most I see pay the minimum wage of $7.25 (which is often higher depending on the state you're in) and let them pocket their tips under the table, but a fair share also treat them as servers and report their tips resulting in $0 paychecks and taxes due at the end of the year because they've pocketed the cash tips but their hourly wage has to cover the taxes on those tips.

    August 19, 2010 at 10:52 am | Reply
  35. Tiffany

    I think tipping falls into the category of "value is in the eye of the beholder". Yes, I expect my food to be warm and correct when it arrives. Most days I just order a pizza while I'm out running errands and swing by to pick it up on my way home. But some days, if I'm not feeling well or just have other things to be doing while waiting for food, I'll order delivery. The value of having it brought to me, especially when I'm often just ordering one large pizza with no extras, is worth a decent tip. Since Papa John's allows you to add a tip on the front end, I often round up by way of a $3-$5 tip, even though the bill is only $13 and some change. The last time I did that, the delivery "kid" was an older retirement age gentlemen who practically skipped up to my front door, grinning and thanked bme for such a generous tip. He thanked me again after I signed the slip, cheerfully wished me a great day, and left. His gratefulness actually kind of made my day AND brought dinner to my door when it was most helpful. That was well worth the tip. Otherwise, I'm generally from the group that never orders take out and just picks it up because of the tipping situation.

    August 19, 2010 at 10:43 am | Reply
  36. Cecilia

    I live in Central NJ and the delivery people only expect a 10% tip. So when I ordered $20 worth of pizza and gave them $25, they were ecstatic. Why don't you just brighten up their day?

    August 19, 2010 at 10:39 am | Reply
  37. TC

    I live in a suburb of Houston, the only thing that delivers to me is Pizza and Chinese. I don't like the 25 dollar min order for Chinese so I stick with the pizza and I tip them 2 bucks, I thought that was the norm I had no idea you are supposed to tip them 10-15%

    August 18, 2010 at 9:59 pm | Reply
  38. Frank S

    I do not know when tipping became a required fee to any meal; delivered or served at a sit-down. Years ago, it was To Insure Prompt Service; TIPS were given prior to ordering a meal. Then it changed to after the meal check was presented and 10% the "standard".; and it was to reward the server for their attention, etc. Restaurant meal prices increased ... so did the server's amount of money (still based on 10%). Now, I read and am told that I should tip 15 – 20%; or more. And, it is in your best interest to verify that a restaurant (including deliveries) are not adding tips and/or delivery fees to your bill. Some places add charges to the bill AND still expect you to leave additional money as a tip. This has gotten crazy. Soon, we will be expected to pay a 100% tip. So, what is fair? I do not tip any pre-determined amount. Right or wrong, I tip for the service only. If it is good, I tip up to 20%. If it is lousy, I may not tip at all.

    August 18, 2010 at 9:24 pm | Reply
    • Erin

      totally agree. Growing up I was always taught to tip 15%, less if the service sucked, more if you think they deserve it. Now I have a lot of friends in the service industry so I'm usually sympathetic and round up to as close to 20% as possible. Still I was out once with some friends and we had terrible service. I still put down 15% and my friend yelled at me for being cheap which totally threw me off. He told me that the standard tip should always be 20% and leaving less than that was an insult. Tips should not be expected, they should be earned.

      August 20, 2010 at 1:57 pm | Reply
  39. Jamie

    Those who tip and who don't tip are being mapped on goodtipbadtip.com. Drivers can then check the site and deliver to good tippers first and leave the deadbeats last.

    August 18, 2010 at 9:22 pm | Reply
  40. Justin Case

    Tip the poor slob.
    He had to deliver to YOU didn't he ?

    August 18, 2010 at 9:07 pm | Reply
  41. Jim Bob

    Pizza is aready way overpriced: bread with a sprinkle of sauce & toppings, $10-20?? And delivery fee added? What a racket. I delivered pizzas for 3 years. Why are they allowed to say "Free Delivery" when tips are required? And every ad shows a lifted slice with cheese stretching down: I haven't seen a chain pizza do that in years.

    August 18, 2010 at 7:33 pm | Reply
  42. jillmarie

    I don't order for delivery often, but I give $4-5. My orders are never big. I used to be a hairdresser, so I understand working on tips.

    August 18, 2010 at 6:44 pm | Reply
  43. Amber

    I put more than 20%, but then I don't order delivery that often. On the other hand when I do it's always either J(1) my favorite Chinese place or (2) a pizza/wings place. In both cases I'm ordering food that's in the $15-$20 range most often, and in both cases I am tipping to skip to the front of the line and get the food faster. The Chinese place knows me pretty well since I order every 2 weeks or so. It takes about 5 minutes to drive down the street if you hurry. I almost always get my food in about 15 minutes and piping hot which is less time than if I got in my car, went there, ordered it, waited, and drove back. You KNOW they are putting it on the stove as soon as I order. The $10 tip I give the driver I'm sure is the reason why. The same thing happens with pizza and wings although I don't order often enough from the same place to be known, but most places like Dominos will let you charge the tip to your card when you order. One time during finals week I was told the wait would be a minimum of 2 hours. I ordered 3 medium pizzas anyway for a study group and tipped $25. My pizza came in 25 minutes and the delivery guy was even breathing hard in his rush. He told me himself that when I'd ordered my pies went in the oven immediately, and he decided to go out of his way to deliver my pizza first even though he had several other orders in front of me waiting in his car.

    Take care of your delivery guys and they will take care of you. They might not completely control how fast your get your food, but they can certainly speed it up, particularly if the kitchen gets in on it too. I don't know that all places do this, but in my experience, it's worth it.

    August 18, 2010 at 6:24 pm | Reply
  44. Former pizza delivery girl

    I delivered pizzas for about a year and a half when I was in college. Maybe it's because I live in a rural area, but I was never robbed, kidnapped or raped just for being a female delivery driver. But it really pissed me off when people didn't tip. Delivery drivers make minimum wage (if that) and put wear and tear on their own cars, using their own gasoline so that you don't have to leave your house to get dinner. The least you can do is throw them a few dollars!

    To this day, I always tip at least $4-5 even if it's a small order simply because I know what it's like. If you don't tip, you're a selfish assh*le and you should go pick up your own pizza. A gratuity is a part of the luxury of having food delivered, especially if you live in a rural area like Ohio where the driver can drive a solid 30 min round trip to bring you your food. Where is the love?!!

    August 18, 2010 at 6:14 pm | Reply
  45. Captain Slapaho

    But it's not delivery, it's Degiorno

    August 18, 2010 at 5:57 pm | Reply
  46. Wildcat fan

    I don't necessarily disagree with you, but it does bring up another debate. Many people determine their tip in a sit-down restaurant based on a percentage of the billed amount. But obviously some restaurants charge more for their food than others. The server is performing the same basic duties whether the plate being delivered to the table costs you $10 or $25 (unless you're in a more upscale establishment that might employee additional service staff such as server's assistants, etc.). So why tip more just because the restaurant charges more for their food? Or why tip less just because the restaurant charges less for their food? Assuming the server refills the drinks in the same fashion and delivers a hot meal in the same approximate amount of time, what's the difference? I'm not sure, just throwing the question out there for folks. As someone who waited tables and bartended my way through college the one thing I think everyone should remember is that if you use a coupon or a gift card, if you base your tip on a calculated percentage, I believe your tip should be based on the original amount of the bill before any discounts/credits were applied. Why punish the server because someone gave you a gift card or you clipped a coupon from the paper?

    August 18, 2010 at 4:54 pm | Reply
  47. Xasthur

    Tipping is awkward, and I hate it. I like how it is in Japan with no tips. Employers should pay their employees instead. Also, sometimes even when you pick up your own pizza, they have a tip jar there and I feel guilty if I don't put anything in it. Are you supposed to tip when you pick up the pizza yourself as well?

    August 18, 2010 at 4:35 pm | Reply
  48. pizza guy

    I was delivering pizza on a bad day once when i had a snobbish customer that laughed at me and said get a real job when i asked for a tip. Angry i flipped the pizza out of his hands and the pizza got exposed to the floor. I quit later that night, but i felt great. =)

    August 18, 2010 at 4:32 pm | Reply
    • Betsy

      Wow. I've been a waitress, and I can't believe you actually asked a customer for a tip. Where has this world gone, that service employees have decided they are so entitled to someone else's money, that if they don't get it, they ruin the product that the customer has rightfully paid for? They paid for the pizza, fair and square. If you didn't earn enough money to meet minimum wage because they didn't tip you, then you need to take that up with your employer, not flip out on the customer, no matter how snobbish they are.

      August 18, 2010 at 4:44 pm | Reply
    • Truth

      I am sure you will fit right in here in Obama's amerikkka.

      August 18, 2010 at 5:58 pm | Reply
      • Jim Bob

        Hey "Truth", get a life and stop ragging the pres. Do you have brain damage or just ignorant. Keep your comments on the topic.

        August 23, 2010 at 5:53 pm | Reply
  49. Jena

    I was the first pizza delivery girl in this area over twenty years ago. Some loser jumped out from behind a bush with a knife demanding my money. I had a gun. He left quickly.

    August 18, 2010 at 4:03 pm | Reply
    • Xasthur

      LoL

      August 18, 2010 at 4:36 pm | Reply
  50. Jen

    The delivery guys drive our food to us so we don't have to cook or leave the house... we always tip more because we appreciate it. :)

    August 18, 2010 at 3:59 pm | Reply
  51. Jami

    All of you people talking about not getting tipped... THAT'S NOT PART OF YOUR JOB!
    Delivery people, waiters, waitresses, etc. are SUPPOSED to be tipped and that's calculated into what they make. I waitressed and made $2.50 an hour PLUS tips.
    I think everyone should have to wait tables at least once in their life to understand how much it involves. It's not a hard job, by any means, but it's not just the waiter that is involved. People that haven't waited tables don't understand that the waiter has NO control over the kitchen and how fast your food comes out. Same with delivery guys... they aren't the one's cooking your pizza.

    They are driving to your house to deliver you your pizza... because you're to lazy/busy to go get it yourself. Whatever the reason, they're providing a service directly to YOU. So why would you not tip them?

    August 18, 2010 at 1:53 pm | Reply
    • Tipping point

      I think that's the point most people are making. The tip system started as a reward for exceptional service. A thank you for going above and beyond, and was a motivator for good service.

      Now that it has become a necessary part of wages for the service industry, that has changed. It's no longer a reward, it's expected. Even if the service is bad or unremarkable, the tip is demanded because it's a part of wages. And the more people expect for tips, the less they feel they should have to do for them.

      So then, the people who aren't working in the industry start feeling resentful. Wasn't I supposed to reward good service? Why am I rewarding bad service? Why aren't the companies paying their employees the way they are supposed to? That's where the disconnect comes in.

      August 18, 2010 at 4:28 pm | Reply
  52. Jdiddy

    I usually tip between 15% and 20%. And I agree you never call up to the restaurant yelling and screaming at the staff because your food is taking too long. Who wants to be coughing up blood and wondering why their thoart is sore because you ticked someone off? And better yet I'm sure you don't want to eat someone's spit, urine droplets, snot or some other bodily fluid that resembles cream sauce on your food? Yell, rant and complain with caution when you decide to not cancel the order.

    Now I have experienced horrible delivery service. What I simply do is weigh my options. If this is a chinese resturant and there are at least ten others that deliver in my area, I simply cancel the order and cross them off my list. If it's a place that I like and it's just taking too long and the drive is less than ten minutes I will call to see if it's in route. If not I let them know I'm coming to get it. I've done this with one and they threw in free drinks and dessert.

    August 18, 2010 at 1:23 pm | Reply
  53. andrew

    want me to tip better? how bout dominos stops charging me a delivery fee and then also expecting me to tip the guy as well? so my food costs $10, and the delivery charge and tip are $5...THATS RIDICULOUS! 50% on top of my food for gratuity???without even tipping my food already costs me $2.50 more...thats 25% by the way.

    August 18, 2010 at 1:20 pm | Reply
  54. Erica Boston

    I used to waitress and think that the restaurant owners are awful for paying wait staff $3 an hour expecting that they'll make a lot in tips (which is never the case) plus expect them to share tips with bus boys and bartenders.

    Restaurant owners should be paying all staff BEFORE CONSIDERING TIPS at LEAST Minimum wage!

    August 18, 2010 at 1:16 pm | Reply
  55. Caroline

    I tip at least 20% and if the weather is nasty, even more...this is someone who is bringing me food that I was obviously too lazy to either make for myself or go pick up. Living in NYC where delivery is king, not tipping the delivery guy well is like shooting your self in the foot, it'll hurt...allot. I firmly believe in taking care of the people who take care of me, even if it's just delivering my pad thai.

    August 18, 2010 at 1:12 pm | Reply
  56. dali

    Why on Earth would you have food delivered from three blocks away? If you walk over there to pick it up, you solve all the "anxiety" issues about tipping the delivery person. I have my own quibbles about "the rules" for tipping and I do believe the whole system should work differently. But I do not even want to get to that. Right now I just think we are pushing "convenience" to the extreme.

    August 18, 2010 at 1:08 pm | Reply
  57. lacrosseson

    First of all, EVERYONE (here legally) makes at least minimum wage. To employ someone for less violates federal law.

    Second, you should never, ever, ever, EVER tip the pizza guy if the company charges a "delivery fee" or "gas surcharge".

    That aside, you should always tip the person who brings you your food. They remember those who tip well and especially those who don't. Your next order might not be to your liking if you stiff the delivery guy.

    August 18, 2010 at 1:04 pm | Reply
    • Erica Boston

      Not true wait staff make minimum wage. THEY DONT. It's one of the unfortunate jobs where minimum wage is exempt because the government listens to restaurant owners and says tips make up for the minimum wage.

      August 18, 2010 at 1:20 pm | Reply
      • ronaldo the magnificent

        Restaurants are required by federal law to make up the amount a waiter doesnt get in tips if its less than minimum wage. This never happens though because waiters get paid well above minimum wage thanks to tips. Bussers and dishwashers are the lowest paid employees at a restaurant, waiters and managers are the highest.

        August 18, 2010 at 1:39 pm | Reply
      • Betsy

        Depends on the state. I know I'm being a broken record, but not all states allow businesses to reduce the wages because of tips.

        I get it – in New York you might not be making minimum wage, and you have to share your tips (which is against federal law to make you do if they are taking the tip credit), but please stop generalizing for everyone. If I travel out of state, I am aware of the possible tipping differences, but in my home state, don't even try to tell me that they are not earning minimum wage before adding in tips.

        August 18, 2010 at 1:55 pm | Reply
    • kristen

      um no... if you are in the service industry.. pretty much any industry where tips are acceptable you are only REQUIRED to pay your employees $2.75 (in TN) thats $110.00 a week... and if you claim your tips your taxes comes out of that $110.00 a week and you usually dont get a pay check and end up oweing the IRS money.. Plan and simple... You dont want to tip you dont agree with tipping etc... FINE thats your opinion so get off your lazy butt and go to the grocery store and cook, or drive there and pick it up dont get a service you dont want to pay for!

      August 18, 2010 at 1:55 pm | Reply
      • lukeduke

        @kristen. I was waiter for many years. I never got a paycheck because i made too many tips and it equaled almost three times minimum wage. Its all a big rip off

        August 25, 2010 at 3:23 pm | Reply
  58. BankerByDayDriverByNight

    Websites like to post these tipping stories every once in awhile to get everyone riled up. Aside from taking your order over the phone (which I do sometimes) what exactly is a waiter doing that a pizza guy isn't? Just because I don't come back and bother you while you're eating doesn't mean I'm doing all that much less. I have to make sure your order is right when I bring it to you (right pizza, the correct salad, sides, pop order), make sure you were charged the correct price, get your food to you as hot as possible, offer extra services for large orders, and if something is wrong and you call to complain? Guess who brings you a new pizza or the extra order of breadsticks you need? That's right, the same pizza guy, just like your waiter would.

    Most of us that do this job do it as a second job and I know I'm going to get a hard time for this, but there is a skill to it, at least the better guys have skill. To move that quickly without forgetting any steps to be able to know where every street is in your delivery area (ours is 7 towns, about 70sq miles, and a GPS will undoubtedly slow you down) is not easy and I've seen many fail.

    To most people you deliver to, you are the face of the pizzeria. How you treat them will determine if they order again, and vice-versa. For example, I have 5 drivers working, 13 deliveries coming out of the ovens in the next 10minutes, everyone will take at least 2, guess who is getting their pizza first? My bet is on the repeat customer who tips $5 everytime, not the name you never heard of who is using a deep-discount coupon.(Not that their pizza would be late regardless)

    And the delivery fee? Not every driver gets to keep the fee and not every driver is making anywhere near minimum wage. It's the ultimate "you do a good job you get paid for it, you don't and you'll be broke" occupation. And yeah, that $5 brightens up my evening a lot better than the $3. If you can't afford to tip the pizza guy, then order pick-up, but I'm guessing it was worth more than the $1.50 tip for me to bring you your food. But I've been doing it for 5 years since my last year of college and I'll continue to do it as long as it doesn't interfere with the rest of my life or until it wears on my wife.

    Be nice to your pizza guy, he's probably busting his @55 more than you realize. I offer anybody to come along for a ride-along that think we got it easy.

    August 18, 2010 at 1:04 pm | Reply
    • Jeremy

      I don't think you have it easy, but neither do the migrant farm workers that pick your vegetables for next to nothing. Quit whining about taking a second job that pays crap and start living within your means (or start closing some deals during your day job). If the guy you work for keeps the delivery charge that sounds like a problem between you and him, not me.

      August 19, 2010 at 4:50 pm | Reply
    • Springs1

      "Guess who brings you a new pizza or the extra order of breadsticks you need? That's right, the same pizza guy, just like your waiter would."

      Not always true. Times when pizza drivers forgot cheese sauces that I PAID for, SOMEONE ELSE delivered them, NOT the driver that messed up the order by not looking in the box. If I know the order taker took the order wrong, that's a different story. I do know if I am quoted the correct price, because I figure out with tax what my full order will be BEFORE I call. In fact, the times I had this happen, the 2 times SOMEONE ELSE brought the sauces, NOT the original driver.

      August 22, 2010 at 8:17 pm | Reply
  59. CB

    Wow this is not the type of article I would associate with CNN. It's offensive. You sited only one source (buried at the bottom) for all of your broad sweeping generalizations about gender, class and ethnicity. And in the end, you told me nothing new.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:57 pm | Reply
  60. EK

    We order in maybe once a week. Normally we tip $2-5. We keep a tally on the fridge, and every 10th order we give the delivery person a $20 tip.

    Delivery to our place is almost always surprisingly fast, and we often get extra food... Added up, it comes to much more than the $20.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:56 pm | Reply
    • kristen

      This seems like a very odd system to me... Thats awesome you tip that much on the 10th order but why dont you just spread that out and just make all the tips higher?

      August 18, 2010 at 1:50 pm | Reply
      • EK

        Nobody remembers a $5 tip past the end of the shift or a $7 tip for more than a day or two. But a $20 bill? That they remember and they tell their co-workers. Then everybody goes out of their way to give you good service hoping they'll get that $20 tip.

        August 23, 2010 at 12:00 pm | Reply
  61. Nick Marino

    i used to deliver pizza, so let me explain how it works - most drivers earn minimum wage or a buck or two above that per hour from the pizza place (whether it's under the table or taxed). some places like Pizza Hut charge delivery fees, but the driver doesn't see a big piece of that fee. in fact, if i remember right, most of it goes to Pizza Hut. for local pizza joints, it's probably done under the table, but we're only talking about 7 bucks an hours. so no matter how you cut it, most of the money comes from tips. i think a fair tip is $3 for an average order (one of two pizzas and a two liter). $4 if it's there really fast. however, if you know your house is far away or hard to get to from the pizza place, you should account for that and add an extra buck or two. if you live next door to the pizza place, don't get pissy if it's not there in five mins - that's the kitchen's fault about 95% of the time. in fact, the speed that your pizza gets to you is more about when it's cooked, not delivered. delivery drivers tend to be prompt because more deliveries = more money. kitchen people don't care as much cause they make the same amount whether you get your food fast or slow. don't tip with pennies, and don't tip less than two bucks - it's just rude. you might as well not tip at all if you're going to be insulting and give a dollar.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:53 pm | Reply
    • Nick Marino

      i should add that i'm talking in Pittsburgh prices, so definitely tip higher if you live in a more expensive metro area.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:56 pm | Reply
  62. Chriseatspenis

    Chris, you totally eat penis. I deliver pizzas on the side of my normal job. When I deliver, I get deducted 2 dollars from my hourly wage (which I never get back because the company gets that money) while I'm on delivery. I use my vehicle so there's wear and tear on the engine, brakes, tires, etc... that I pay out of my pocket to deliver your food because you decided not to deal with traffic and waiting in line. The only compensation the company pays me is mileage and it's definitely not enough to cover those expenses. I can't believe you're an MD, you're more like a dumb ass.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:51 pm | Reply
    • HAHHA

      So what, get another job. I could give a crap how much you make. Deliver my pizza then buzz off!

      August 18, 2010 at 1:16 pm | Reply
      • Jdizzle McHammerpants

        I bet you get a lot of jizz on your food that you're unaware of.

        August 19, 2010 at 10:04 am | Reply
    • Jim Bob

      Mr. "Chriseatspenis", your snivelling grovelling job say that YOU eat your boss's penis. What do you think he serves on your pizza?

      August 23, 2010 at 5:21 pm | Reply
    • lukeduke

      @chriseatpenis – GO GET A BETTER JOB. all these people crying about tips should be crying about why they acnt get a better job. I have been a delivery boy and I made decent money. Plus, its EASY. i drove around listening to music, smoking cigs and weed, and having a great time.

      August 25, 2010 at 3:16 pm | Reply
  63. Sarah

    One more question – delivery people are not reimbursed for gas?

    August 18, 2010 at 12:51 pm | Reply
    • kristen

      I know a few that work at pizza hut and I know that they do not reimburse for gas...

      August 18, 2010 at 1:46 pm | Reply
      • Torias

        Uhhh, what Pizza Hut is that? I'm Management at a Pizza Hut and right now where I'm located our drivers get nearly half of the delivery "Convenience Fee". Maybe PHI run stores don't, but all NPC International run Pizza Huts give gas reimbursements.

        August 23, 2010 at 5:36 am | Reply
  64. Sarah

    Question – if I add my tip online and it is charged to my credit card – do the delivery guys actually get it? I have always wondered. Or shoul dI wait and give them cash?

    August 18, 2010 at 12:49 pm | Reply
    • Nick Marino

      they get it paid out from the register, but the incentive to deliver the pizza promptly goes out the window. i recommend always giving in cash when you can because that ensures the driver will get the pizza there as quick as they can.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:54 pm | Reply
  65. Rachel

    And natch, I tip at least 20% for delivery people, just like servers. I know how much that job sucks, and how much you need the cash if you're doing it.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:44 pm | Reply
  66. DSW

    I am always so glad to get that pizza! Its usually a large with 5 toppings (so $25 to $27 pizza.) I tip not less than $10, sometimes $15. I've never seen such gratitude as I get from my pizza delivery guys. I don't order often but they appreciate it so much, it makes me happier to make them happy. I have alot of Blessings, making my pizza delivery guy smile broadly makes me very happy and adds to my Blessings!

    August 18, 2010 at 12:44 pm | Reply
    • Nick Marino

      that's incredibly generous of you and definitely something to be proud of.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:57 pm | Reply
    • Brad the Dad

      Agreed. Worth the 10 to 15 bucks to see the look of gratitude on their faces. You cheap NY ba$tards should be ashamed of yourselves.

      Brad in SoCal

      August 18, 2010 at 1:53 pm | Reply
  67. Dude

    You're playing God with people's lives.

    You need to tip the delivery guy $5-$10 so he earns enough to overcome the pressure of rent, insurance, auto payment, auto repair, gas, brakes, oil, spark plugs, tires, etc. Otherwise you are enslaving the person in your fantasy world. Do you really want to pay the delivery person the absolute least amount until they experience financial failure and quit? They get paid less than minimum. They do NOT get the "delivery" charge - that is going into the pocket of the cowardly store owner. If you really took tipping out of the equation of labor compensation, and added all the cost in properly, then you'd be paying $40 for your medium pepperoni pizza in order to get that thing delivered to your doorstep.

    Maybe some day Obama will come to your workplace and decide you don't need $87,000 each year. Maybe some day you'll get $7.00/hour so you can just barely survive week to week. Wouldn't that be fun?

    So you choose. Tip AT LEAST $5 or get the itemized bill for $40 plus local access fees. Do you want to pay for delivery like you pay for cell phone twittering? Tip for crying out loud. Or start paying for the real cost of food and transportation. How about call a taxi cab and ask the driver to stop and pick up a pizza on the way to your house.... get ready to add $15 to the price. The delivery guy is doing you a favor you damned fool.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:43 pm | Reply
    • I NEVER TIP

      @ Dude: Seriously, shut up! No matter what you say you cannot make people tip. I struggle to pay rent too and do I get tips? NO. So quit complaining. Its all part of life. If you don't like your job quit. Take it up with your boss if you don't get paid enough idiot.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:59 pm | Reply
    • ronaldo the magnificent

      $10? lolwut

      theyd be paid like engineers if everyone gave a $10 tip for pizza

      August 18, 2010 at 1:01 pm | Reply
    • lukeduke

      @DUDE. your ramblings, argument and logic is about as good as one I would expect from the REAL Dude, Jeff Lebowski

      August 25, 2010 at 3:11 pm | Reply
  68. W

    I don't believe delivery boy/girl should be tipped at the same rate as waitstaff. First, they are not excempt from minimum wage laws, like waitstaff are. Second, if they use a car to make deliveries, the write off per mile is close to 30 cents a mile, enough to dramatically reduce their taxes. Waitstaff don't get these benefits.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:40 pm | Reply
    • Jdizzle McHammerpants

      Wait staff also doens't have to worry about things like road conditions, drunk drivers, breaking down, vehicle wear and tear, depreciation of the vehicle due to mileage, getting dragged into someone's house and mugged/raped/beat up, etc.

      August 19, 2010 at 10:00 am | Reply
  69. Rachel

    If you eliminate the tipping system, there will stop being a divide between the steakhouses and Burger Kings of the world; if you think that most restaurants are going to be willing to pay much more than eight bucks an hour, you're fooling yourself. If that was the case, servers would all head into retail where you don't go home smelling like a french fry, and yes, your quality of service would go down. ALSO, your cost of food would go up. The difference in costs for restaurateurs would jump hugely if tipping was eliminated. It would be reflected in the price of your meal, hurting both you and the business.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:38 pm | Reply
    • David

      Rachel- The fancy places will still get better staff. They will need to charge more for the meal on your bill, but that doesn't mean your total cost will go up. You pay more on your bill with no tip vs. paying less on your bill but then still needing to tip.

      Some places – especially middle-to-high end – already do this in some cases when they automatically add service charge to your bill, e.g. "party of 8 or more," certain hours, just because that's their practice. Eliminating tipping would just make them advertise the true price on the menu rather than listing a price and then telling you the service charge in small print.

      For every place else, competition will still drive owners to find the right balance of cost and service that keep us going back. Competition will also tend toward the great servers ending up in the higher end places where the wages are higher.

      For us as consumers, we still drive the system by choosing where to go based on the (total) costs to us and the experience.

      I see no obvious losses to anyone by eliminating tips so long as the law doesn't let employers pay under the minimum wage in expectation of tips. Maybe even more to the point, there's nothing that stops employers from adopting this now with out legislation by paying a full wage and prohibiting tips in their establishments. (If you go REALLY high end, this sometimes is the way.)

      August 18, 2010 at 1:23 pm | Reply
  70. flat

    I never have and I never will tip based on percent. Its a completely ridiculous concept. Lobster is not harder to serve than a cheeseburger, people shouldnt get paid more or less based on what food the person got. I do a flat rate based on time and the amount of things ordered, price never has anything to do with it.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:33 pm | Reply
    • Russ

      absolutely correct. I have no idea where this whole thing with percentages ever came about (probably from a waiter)

      August 18, 2010 at 1:36 pm | Reply
    • rusty bumper

      Agree 100%. Read my post from 11:40 a.m.

      August 18, 2010 at 4:34 pm | Reply
  71. Christine

    NacLady, "somebody" may "gotta do it", but if you don't like being tipped according to the service provided, get another job! Your crappy job is your issue, not mine. Or go bug your employer for more money if you don't like it, like the rest of us.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:24 pm | Reply
  72. b.

    20%, always! Once in college I undertipped a delivery guy. I felt awful about it, but ran into him a few weeks later in town. I explained that he had delivered to me a few weeks earlier and I had undertipped him accidentally and gave him a few bucks. I will never forget the look of appreciation on his face!!!

    August 18, 2010 at 12:23 pm | Reply
    • Russ

      man, you need help. I think you make up for it by overtipping the rest of the time. $1-$2 is always sufficient for a delivery guy.

      August 18, 2010 at 1:35 pm | Reply
  73. NacLady

    I live in a smaller town, that is also a College town – I've also been a delivery driver (one of my many jobs while going to school) and I've been stiffed, short-changed, snet back because they couldn't afford it...but I've also had some really good tips – try this on for size: Christmas Eve, it's around 40 degrees outside, roads are slick...we're slated to close early, but I have one last delivery – half-way across town. I get there, hand them their order, get the check for the delivery, $25 (tab only, no tip included) and then ... the gentleman hands me a $100 bill. Quite probably the BEST night I ever had. Delivery people put up with a LOT; kinda one of those "somebody's Gotta Do It" jobs, you know? And lots don't even get a gas allowance from their employer, some pay for their own uniforms. Be Kind, Tip!

    August 18, 2010 at 12:19 pm | Reply
    • STUFF

      NACLADY: So what? Who's problem is that? We all do jobs we dont like. I don't get tips at my job and I go above and beyond every day so dont give me that crap. Enough with the entitlement.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:53 pm | Reply
  74. Russ

    The only reason I tip is so they won't spit in my food the next time. Tipping anybody (in restaurants, taxis, etc) is stupid. It's a viscious cycle. The only reason these people make less than minimum wage is BECAUSE of expected tips. If nobody tipped, wages would have to go up, by law. Of course, that's the last things waiters would want. Most make WAY more than minimum wage when they add in their tips (most of which don't even get reported as income, believe me). And if I order a steak, why should I pay more than if I order a hamburger? They don't work any harder bringing me my plate. I always tip $1 per person in a restaurant, regardless of the total. Percentage tipping doesn't make sense.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:15 pm | Reply
    • Tyler

      I agree 100%. Did you know that in Japan tipping is an INSULT? Only in this entitled country do they think its mandatory. What a joke.

      August 18, 2010 at 1:29 pm | Reply
    • Donna

      Unless your food + drink is less than 5 dollars total you should be prepared for some potential spit the next time, I suppose.

      August 18, 2010 at 3:48 pm | Reply
  75. David

    I'd rather see service workers PAID BY THEIR EMPLOYERS on the same basis as all other workers and tipping eliminated all together. I'm not convinced that the tipping system leads to better service, especially since, for most of us, the range between a poor tip and a great tip isn't really that large. (The difference between one person and the next might be large, but each individual person seems to have their comfort range that's pretty static.) All the tipping system really seems to do is push the manager's job of ensuring that the delivery people / waiters / other service staff do their job onto us as the customers. If the option were more widely available, I'd frequent places that paid their workers directly and didn't allow tips over places that create the expectation that the customers will tip by paying low – possibly under minimum wage – rates.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:11 pm | Reply
  76. Chris

    with regards to delivery, if you pay a delivery fee, my thought is that encompasses the food preparation as well as the delivery. I might tip a dollar regardless of the total bill. If no delivery fee, 2 bucks. What am I tipping for? You took a meal prepared by the kithen (not you) and drove /biked it to my house for which you are already being paid. It's not my fault you took a job that pays less than minimum wage and don't have the skills for a better paying job. To those saying you are paying for your food to be hot or delivered accurately as ordered, most people would consider that standard not special service.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:10 pm | Reply
    • Donna

      Another callous one. You realize that people with ALL SORTS of skills and knowledge are doing these jobs because there ARE no jobs these days. Right?

      August 18, 2010 at 12:15 pm | Reply
      • Chris

        Sure, but why should I be the one compensating them for that? I work as a medical resident (MD), for what amounts to less than minimum wage. Do I get tipped for saving a life or doing what my job entails. Decidedly not.

        August 18, 2010 at 12:18 pm | Reply
    • HAHHA

      Donna you imbocile ! Food should be hot and the plates clean. That is not an added bonus. I also HATE when people say, 'oh tip the waitress when they are nice and helpful' UMM> THAT IS YOUR FRICKIN JOB! You better be nice and helpful or you can bet I will not only NOT tip you, but complain to your manager about you not doing your JOB! Get it? Being NICE is not a bonus. What is wrong with you? MORON.

      August 18, 2010 at 1:25 pm | Reply
    • Tim

      You are a moron. By your (flawed) logic if a doctor (which I know you aren't) has a patient that dies or isn't healed, then they shouldn't pay either. Fool.

      August 23, 2010 at 11:08 am | Reply
  77. trojan fan

    I always think to myself, if I give this person a really good tip will I miss the extra dollar or two, and will it really make that persons day, maybe they tell people what a great day at work they had because I gave them $6 instead of $4.

    August 18, 2010 at 12:00 pm | Reply
    • Donna

      Nice.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:14 pm | Reply
    • Torias

      You have no idea how true that is. Two most memorable tips ever: a $17 tip from a family that had a tent in their living room for some reason, the other was a $23 tip from the what I consider to be the most drunk human being ever. Good tips on delivery do make a driver's day a little better.

      I do remember one lady in particular. No one wanted to deliver to her because her apartment smelled so bad you could smell it from outside. How she stayed in that place for so long I will never know. I was always willing to deliver to her simply because I knew she would always give a $2 tip. I could always hold my breath for 45 seconds or breathe through my mouth if I needed to. Drivers will always bring you your food fast and hot if they know there is at least something in it for them, and greed is a powerful motivator.

      August 23, 2010 at 5:23 am | Reply
  78. Quackles

    does giving the delivery guy a slice of the pizza he delivered count as a tip?

    August 18, 2010 at 11:58 am | Reply
  79. Karen

    I have never worked in the food service or delivery business but I have heard horror stories from friends who have and I have seen FAR too many people tip a dollar to the delivery person (Or the waiter/waitress in a sit down eatery) and consider it a fair tip.

    I, personally, consider a tip to be a two-part exchange ... Part of the service NOW and part for service LATER. Now, for the deilvery person/waiter/waitress current service and some for later so they will remember that I tip well and get equal or better service later on.

    It may seem wonky .. but it seems to work for me. I frequent the same places so they know me & my tipping habits.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:51 am | Reply
    • Betsy

      In other words, you double tip. You tip on meal A for service on meal A and service on meal B. You tip on meal B for service on meal B and service on meal C.........

      This is something that you can certainly choose to do, and some servers do deserve much more – but I don't have the money or the desire to double tip. When I waitressed, I learned very clearly that while most servers complain about the tips, they continue to serve because the money is well worth the effort. Minimum wage PLUS tips on 6 tables or so an hour is a lot more money than many other entry level jobs. (And yes – many states do still require the employers to pay them the full minimum wage, and not take a "tip credit" against the wage they pay.)

      August 18, 2010 at 12:53 pm | Reply
  80. Wait a minute

    "Typically a 10% to 15% tip is appropriate. You should tip on the higher end if the service is especially good, the food gets there hot, etc."

    Since when is getting your pizza hot a service that's especially good. Good enough to deserve extra tip. As a customer, shouldn't we expect our food to get there hot, undamaged and correct? Why should we feel these are extra services?

    August 18, 2010 at 11:42 am | Reply
    • Dave

      Reminds me of that old make-it-yourself pizza ad. "It's stuck, Helen." [to the lid] "It's cold again, too." Thank goodness for the little tables and the warming pouch, I say. That beats me having to heat up my oven.

      August 18, 2010 at 5:50 pm | Reply
      • Wait a minute

        I can't tell if your comment is sarcasm or not. :) However, frozen pizzas have improved an awful lot over the years. Some really are as good or better than anything you can get from Domino's or Papa John. I figure, I'm ordering a pizza to get a complete, hot meal, not something I don't get for an hour, and then I have to reheat. If I'm going to get it cold anyway, why not get a frozen pizza at a third of the price, especially when it cooks in 15 minutes?

        I just can't get over the "expert" saying that getting the pizza hot is exceptional service. Get real.

        August 20, 2010 at 12:01 pm | Reply
  81. Christine

    For all of you who say that the delivery drivers or servers make at or less than minimum wage and use that as a reason to tip... hmmm, that's not our fault. Cry me a river!! If they don't like their wage, get another job. I don't expect to get an extra bonus because of the amount of salary I make, I expect to get a bonus based on the performance that I give. Same goes for tips - you want a good tip, provide good service! If your service is crap and you don't like the tip, get another job! It's called a free market, don't cry to me that you make minimum wage, that's your issue, not mine. The service I receive is my issue, and if you serve me well, you will be tipped well. And yes, I used to serve as well, and didn't expect the customer to pay my wages, I expected them to pay me for my service.

    My general rule of thumb...

    Delivery, 10%. This is because they are simply driving it to my door, they are not waiting on me hand and food as in a restaurant.

    Table service, a sliding scale of 10%-20%. 10% if the service is barely adequate, ie. I get my food but not with a smile or extra effort. 15% is for good, expected service. 20% is for the servers that go above and beyond.

    2 cents, and yes I've left that before, is for service so bad that it didn't even deserve that, but I want to make a point and 2 cents is a perfect point. It's intentional, and it gets the message across loud and clear: Your service not only sucked, it was abhorrent and may have been downright insulting. I have only done this twice!

    August 18, 2010 at 11:42 am | Reply
    • Donna

      You sound like a pill.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:12 pm | Reply
  82. rusty bumper

    I have always had an issue with the amount to tip, especially in sit-down restaurants. I doesn't take any more work to serve 4 lobster dinners than to serve 4 grilled cheese sandwiches, yet the cost of the check results in a much larger tip. For what? Yes, I do tip according the so-called "experts", like who appointed them anyway? I don't really have a solution, other than to pay the wait staff more.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:40 am | Reply
    • Donna

      Or you can just stick to the grilled cheese.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:11 pm | Reply
      • rusty bumper

        You're right. I can't afford lobster anyway. I'm justing making a point.

        August 18, 2010 at 4:30 pm | Reply
    • Erica Boston

      I agree 100 percent with you. I used to waitress in different cities for years and made well below minimum wage. The problem lies with the restaurant owners/unions who finagle their way around so as to claim their staff always get tipped well and it makes up for lack of minimum wage. It's a joke.

      I also agree on frustration with tipping more when your meal costs more. Sucks. Again, I think wait staff should just be paid well and we wouldn't need tipping.

      August 18, 2010 at 1:27 pm | Reply
    • Kevin

      That's just waiters working their way up the ladder. You pay more for a waiter who is serving you a high end experience than for the guy serving out of the food truck. Just like you pay more for a pair of jeans at Macy's than at Walmart. You're paying for the hightened experience. It's the American dream.

      August 23, 2010 at 1:41 pm | Reply
  83. Truth

    If Obama has his way, we ALL will be working for tips.
    How's that "hope and change" working oout for you?

    August 18, 2010 at 11:39 am | Reply
    • Jdizzle McHammerpants

      LOL. Sometimes I think you're just a bot, Truth. I think it's amazing how you can tie anything to the current administration: tipping, hot dogs, ice cream, etc.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:09 pm | Reply
      • Jim Bob

        Beyond bad-mouthing BHO "Truth"'s life is meaningless.

        August 23, 2010 at 5:17 pm | Reply
  84. Sasha

    It takes a delivery guy 10 minutes to get to my apt in NYC on his bike and he gets to make $5 for that trip. Plus, I live in an apartment building. So if there are multiple orders in the building (which is often the case)...Taking in the round trip of 20 min, that equates to $20 per hour. NOT bad at all.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:36 am | Reply
    • Dana

      I agree. Tipping in the United States is out of control. Do you know that many other countries view tipping as an INSULT? Only in this self-righteous egomaniacal society do they think they DESERVE a tip.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:30 pm | Reply
      • european

        Do you know how many other countries view tipping as MANDATORY? Try visiting Italy or France sometime, why don't you.

        August 22, 2010 at 8:22 pm | Reply
      • Kevin

        In those countries they charge you more for your food and drink and use this to pay the staff. Either way, you pay. If people were willing to pay $3 more per pizza 100% of the time, I'm sure companies would be happy to remove tipping and just pay the employee directly, but either way, you would still be paying the $3.

        August 23, 2010 at 1:25 pm | Reply
      • Fees

        Actually, Kevin, if they figure people would pay an extra $3, they'd charge, and STILL ask for tips. That's the way it is, here. We'd have to do some major overhauling to get rid of that attitude.

        August 23, 2010 at 3:18 pm | Reply
    • lukeduke

      @ european. I have been to every country in Europe and not one has mandatory tipping. SOME restaurants include a fee for service but those are mainly tourist joints. You should try really traveling in a country like Italy or France before you open your fat mouth to something you have no clue about.
      The larger point of this point is that those countries pay a living wage to servers. Not until Americans got over there did those people start wanting tips.

      August 25, 2010 at 2:54 pm | Reply
  85. avd

    I can't get over how many people are tipping delivery people the same amounts as you would tip a waiter/waitress? Seriously people, that's ridiculous. They're just driving it to your home. Sure, they don't make enough money, but there are other jobs they could look for! Why should I sacrifice my family's hard earned money just because some pizzeria doesn't want to pay their employees the right amount? I usually go in and pick up my pizza anyway, because I think the whole tipping thing is out of control lately. No one tips me for a job well done and our company hasn't given employees a raise in 4 years. Where's my cut?

    August 18, 2010 at 11:35 am | Reply
  86. Delivery Fee

    Most places charge a delivery fee now. I see it as mandatory gratuity. If that's what they want, that's what they get, then I usually only give a dollar or two on top of that to the delivery guy. Otherwise, I tip normally.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:34 am | Reply
    • Aaron

      delivery drivers do NOT get the delivery charge!!

      August 19, 2010 at 5:29 am | Reply
      • Delivery Fee

        Then they shouldn't call it a delivery charge. As a consumer, we don't automatically know where that money is going, and each place does it differently. As noted by the comments here, some drivers do get this fee, some get part of it, some don't get any of it.

        But I'm not going to pay 100% gratuity on a pizza just because somebody brings it to my home. If the place charges a delivery fee, I automatically assume it's going to the driver. And, as you saw, I still usually give them a dollar or two at the door. I rarely order pizza, and usually pick it up myself. On the rare days that I don't want to have to do that and I utilize the system they put in place, I don't feel I should have to pay an arm and a leg in mandatory and "voluntary" fees. If the company charges a fee, I'm going to tip less.

        August 20, 2010 at 11:55 am | Reply
      • Torias

        I don't know how all of them work, but our delivery charge is for several reasons. First – partial gas reimbursement for the drivers. Ours fluctuates as gas prices raises or lowers. Second – purchasing new delivery pouches so when the pizza arrives at your door, it's in a nice, clean, presentable, thermal-insulated bag instead of some ratty-soiled "thing". If also helps purchase maps, car toppers for vehicles, or other items for our drivers to use like flashlights or condiments to bring to your door. Third – it also helps to pay the driver to bring it to your door. I realize that delivery in and of itself opens up more doors for more business and money to come in, but we still need to pay and have people on the clock to bring food to your door. We also have to pay insurance on the drivers, to a certain extent, to make sure that if something extreme happens, we as a company are covered. Our drivers do need to have their own vehicle, their own insurance, and pay for gas and repairs for their vehicles, but the store needs to pay for a few things too.

        I understand and have to answer that question to customers at least once a week as to why they should have to pay for a delivery fee, which we call a "convenience fee". If a $2 fee is that big of a deal that you won't get delivery, then come on in and pick it up. We'll have it ready and hot for you, and you won't even have to tip. Tips are appreciated and I give them to the cooks, because in our store, the cooks in the kitchen are the hardest working members of our team, and they NEVER receive even a thank you from customers or from the servers and drivers. They don't even have to split their tips with them.

        Convenience Fee = Exactly what is says. Paying a little extra for a little extra convenience in your life.

        August 23, 2010 at 5:09 am | Reply
      • Delivery Fee

        That's all well and good rationalization, but you understand that right now all of us are being nickle-and-dimed to death for absolutely everything.

        Want delivery? Convenience fee. Want to pick it up yourself? Pick-up charge. Giving it up and buying a frozen pizza or ingredients to make one yourself? Copycat fee.

        Aside from the first one, these aren't real pizza fees, but for some things we are buying today, this is exactly the way the system is. (And yes, I can give you specific examples.) Frankly, I'm tired of it. It's deception.

        When you buy something from anyone, you expect that the general costs of getting that product to the customer are rolled up into the cost of the item. I'm not paying $5 for the item, plus $2 stocking fee, plus $5 shipping-from-china fee, plus $8/hr employee wage. I'm paying $20 for the item. I expect that with pizza. The ingredients aren't all that expensive, judging from what I can make at home with a total of $4 of ingredients. So when I buy that $12 pizza, I recognize that I'm paying for the ingredients, the labor, the time, the equipment, etc.

        So to justify extra fees for equipment/gas/etc. and call it a "convenience fee" doesn't fly with me. The only reason you are doing that is so that you can deceptively lower the price of the pizza and still make up the difference. Trust me, all this "trick marketing" everyone's into right now is going to majorly backfire soon.

        One of the way that it is already backfiring is that people see a delivery or convenience fee and stop paying tips, or stop paying as much in tips. It sucks that it's the delivery guy that suffers, but that's the way it goes. If the industry wants to keep the system in place, they'll end up having to treat their deliverers better. Which is what we all collectively want, after all.

        August 23, 2010 at 3:14 pm | Reply
  87. Mark

    Add a delivery charge to the bill if extra remuneration is expected. This is pizza delivery, not a restaurant meal.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:34 am | Reply
  88. Michelle

    If I have a pizza delivered I usually give a $2 tip, because the pizza place automatically adds in a $3 delivery charge.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:29 am | Reply
    • Isabelle

      Exactly. Many pizza places have added a three dollar delivery charge. What a load of crap! I ask everyone to ban together and NOT TIP any pizza places because of this. Watch that delivery charge disappear. They are only screwing over their delivery people so Pizza Hut and others get what they deserve.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:37 pm | Reply
      • crystal

        they do that in LA and my pizza gets delivered via bike! what costs $3 in that equation

        August 18, 2010 at 4:29 pm | Reply
    • Wife of Delivery Driver

      Mind you, that although the store may charge a delivery fee, it doesn't go to the delivery driver. It covers the store for their liability coverage if the driver is involved in an accident while delivering your pizza. The driver still has to carry their own insurance on their vehicle, but the store can be held liable over the driver coverage. Think about that fact when you see the delivery charge listed on the receipt.

      August 23, 2010 at 4:04 pm | Reply
  89. Craig

    I think pizza delivery people (let's be politically correct here) SHOULD be tipped for their service. However..I will go out of my way to not have pizza delivered. It's WAY less expensive to drive there and get it your self. Tipping people...the whole concept...is absurd. But if you invite someone to your home who expects a tip...and you don't tip them...all your asking is for your house to be egged or worse. Call me pessimistic...but I don't like tipping. I DO tip people...but I don't like it.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:29 am | Reply
  90. Tipping Point

    Tips are such a debatable matter. Those in the industry believe they deserve them and see them as a vital part of wages. Those outside of the industry often see them as optional and based on the services they have received.

    I'm afraid I'm one of the latter on pizza delivery tips. While the delivery boy/girl/man/woman usually has to pay for their own gas and vehicle wear-and-tear, they are also not paid under minimum wage with the expectation that tips will make up the difference. I think the employers need to pay them for their mileage, but that's not something I have control over.

    So I tip usually in the $2-$5 range, which is generally more than 15-20%, as I don't often buy a lot of pizzas at a time. However, even on large pizza orders, say four or so, which can be anywhere from $40-$60 depending on the place, I give the same $2-$5 (usually $5) tip. Why? Because the delivery person didn't do any more work in bringing me four pizzas than one. Of course if it's an unreasonably giant order or if it's on a night that the weather is terrible or there's some other extenuating circumstance, I take that into consideration. But generally I see it as paying for the gas they're using to get to me. And I know they're not using more than $5 of gas to come less than a mile to my house and back.

    And yes, SOME delivery drivers do help make the pizzas, but not all. And if I was to walk in and get it myself, would I tip the person pulling it out of the oven? No. So that doesn't factor into the equation.

    I believe I tip fairly and take their feelings into consideration, but I'm not going to pay based on a percentile scale like in a sit-down restaurant. It isn't the same at all.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:28 am | Reply
    • Dan

      Great point, which brings up another point of contention with quick food / pick-up restaurants: when I pay with credit card and there is a space for a tip. If I put nothing, I look ungrateful (even though there is not necessarily a similar expectation for a tip when paying cash).

      Sometimes I round up to the nearest dollar. One time that meant an $.87 tip on a $5.13 take-out lunch. I was looked at incredulously by the cashier for this tip. Why? I was an unpaid intern at the time, working in a service industry (golf course) to pay the bills. I didn't expect someone to tip me for selling them a greens fee, because that's what I was there for. I thought even the $.87 tip was somewhat generous given that it was at a take-out taco restaurant and my order was 3 tacos in the never-ending conveyor belt of tacos being produced.

      August 18, 2010 at 4:25 pm | Reply
  91. Dan

    It caps off at $5, no matter how much the tab is. Unless you order something unwieldy that requires additional set-up, like a mobile luau... $2-5, depending on the total, but that's the cap. They have other places to deliver who will help contribute, I shouldn't have to pick up his hourly wage on my own. Not to mention, it ISN'T restaurant service. There aren't multiple trips back and forth, refills, customer service, etc. It's just dropping something off once, essentially. It's the same job whatever the contents that are being dropped. $2-5, definitely.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:27 am | Reply
  92. Betsy

    I'm tired of every article regarding tips stating that all servers and delivery people are not making minimum wage. It depends on the state you live in people! Many states, such as Minnesota, still require ALL employees, including waiters and other servers, to earn at least the state minimum wage – which also happens to be higher than the federal minimum wage. In Minnesota, there is no "tip credit" that allows resturaunts to count the tips as part of the wages and pay them less.

    That said, I have been a waitress. I know it is hard work. I tip 15-20%, depending on the location, when the service has been good. I tip around 10% if the service has been sufficient. And yes – when the service has been very bad, I have tipped 25 cents. (Worse than stiffing, because they know it was intentional.) A tip is a thank you for a job well done, and in Minnesota, they will make at least the minimum wage either way. You want to earn more – do a good job.

    August 18, 2010 at 11:16 am | Reply
    • Betsy

      I should add those amounts are for dining in. I also base the percentage on the mid-line meal prices for the restaraunt, and then multiple by the number of meals. I don't get into this whole thing where I have to pay an extra $10 in a tip because I got the lobster instead of hamburger at the same place.

      For delivery, I generally give around $2-$3 during a typical meal time since the driver will be out and about anyway. Bad weather = higher tip. Slow time = higher tip because I am going to one of few they are delivering to at that time. Big group with lots of food = higher tip.

      August 18, 2010 at 1:05 pm | Reply
      • Erica Boston

        I waitressed for years in NY, Boston and Los Angeles and GUESS WHAT - I DID NOT MAKE MINIMUM WAGE!!!!!! I made $2.50 an hour if I was lucky and was expected to pool my tips at end of shift with bus boys and bartenders.

        August 18, 2010 at 1:23 pm | Reply
  93. Principle

    @Jdizzie. "Tip like $hit, order again and see how much faster they are at getting you your Chow Mein, free of saliva"

    Okay this makes me not want to order out. Ever. Disgusting and criminal. Good that you're not delivering food any more. if you don't like the tips or the job then quit like Slater. Spitting in food does not make people tip more. Yuk!

    August 18, 2010 at 11:12 am | Reply
    • Jdizzle McHammerpants

      Yeah, assuming is never good, dude. I never did that, nor ever thought of it. And it is gross. Not sure why people do it.

      August 18, 2010 at 11:34 am | Reply
    • Kevin

      You're making a big leap here assuming the only people who would spit on your food are the delivery guys. I worked i n a grocery store where people spit on food.

      August 23, 2010 at 12:57 pm | Reply
    • Kevin

      You're making a big leap here assuming the only people who would spit on your food are the delivery guys. I worked i n a grocery store where people spit on food. Welcome to reality.

      August 23, 2010 at 12:57 pm | Reply
  94. Capt Slapaho

    I actually had a friend growing up that got lucky as a pizza delivery guy. My friends and I all had jobs to support our highschool teenage lives. My friend was told to delivery a pizza to a hotel in the area. When he got there a middle-aged, very attractive female (i'm going by what he told me, but he's an honest guy) decided to invite him into her place. Needless to say he got his 15% worth.

    August 18, 2010 at 10:49 am | Reply
    • Jdizzle McHammerpants

      SCORE. Sounds like a porno.........so I've heard.

      August 18, 2010 at 10:53 am | Reply
    • Loverboy

      That wasnt your friend, that was the plot to the 80s movie Loverboy.

      August 18, 2010 at 11:49 am | Reply
      • Capt Slapaho

        Yes, I understand this has been a popular fantasy for some time. Thats why it's surreal that it actually happened to my friend. Thats exactly what went through my head when he told me what happened. He's just a lucky guy. It's not like it played out exactly like the fantasy. He said she just asked him, "Would you want to come in for awhile?" Believe it or not, these things happen.

        August 18, 2010 at 12:00 pm | Reply
    • lukeduke

      i once delivered for a wing place in college. I was making a delivery and when the guy opened the door I smelled some Mary Jane. He then told me that the food smelled good. I replied that it smelled better in his house. He looked at me, then invited me inside to partake. Not that it made a difference, but all 4 people in the room were blind, so it was wierd being in a room with blind pot smokers, but nevertheless was a great tip!

      August 25, 2010 at 2:44 pm | Reply
      • Jdizzle McHammerpants

        That happened to me once, but it was a group of stoned Indians, Native American type.

        August 25, 2010 at 3:10 pm | Reply
  95. Lone

    If it is pizza, and you can drive, do a pickup. You'll likely live close enough that the cost of delivery with the new fees will be more than the gas driving. I always drop some on the tip line at the store.
    Otherwise, around $3.

    August 18, 2010 at 10:41 am | Reply
    • Jdizzle McHammerpants

      True dat. Buffalo Wild Wings doesn't deliver, so we have to go pick it up. Otherwise, like on Football Sundays when the beer has already been flowing, I like delivery. I tend to tip around 35% when drinking anyway, I'm a lovable drunk X). Better than getting a DUI.

      August 18, 2010 at 10:51 am | Reply
      • S

        I am with you on that one. I tip a lot when I have been drinking. Ah how I have missed Sunday Football. I can't wait.

        August 18, 2010 at 11:31 am | Reply
    • flat

      You do pickup to avoid paying a tip but you tip the phone guy anyways? That doesnt make sense, if youre going to tip then have it delivered. I do carryout for everything because I dont want to pay a tip, that means no tip to anyone.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:24 pm | Reply
      • muffin-o-doom

        Don't even get me started on that bs you take-out people pull! I'm a waitress and work for $3 bucks an hour and there'll be days when all we have is to-go orders (and BIG ones at that) and the people who order them just pay and leave with no tip! I really don't mind if it's a small order for one but if you're order is going to feel a friggin' hippo, TIP;I have to take your order, pack the damn thing for you...come on!

        August 19, 2010 at 4:15 pm | Reply
  96. va

    I have a friend that delivers pizza while looking for a teaching job. He shells out $90 a week in gas alone and makes minimum wage. That of course doesn't cover the insurance, wear and tear, or in reality, all his other bills like rent. So I feel for the guys. I usually order a med pizza and wings and always give around $5 and if its a dog day I might give more. I know what they make and the crap they live with and I don't have to deal with it so I'll give a bigger tip....

    August 18, 2010 at 10:38 am | Reply
  97. teekrul

    Uhm.. How is tipping associated with hate? I mean if I'm giving someone extra money thats not required... I don't see how thats hateful..

    August 18, 2010 at 10:20 am | Reply
  98. Truth

    Tipping is a very liberal concept, designed to further the division between the classes. Typical of Obama and typical of the party of hate.

    August 18, 2010 at 10:13 am | Reply
    • Maggie Peterson

      Excuse me? Tipping has been around alot longer than Obama. Crazy!

      August 18, 2010 at 10:22 am | Reply
      • Truth

        Tipping is merely a way of saying "I'm yo boy! (for a price)

        August 18, 2010 at 10:27 am | Reply
      • Jdizzle McHammerpants

        "Truth" posts a lot around CNN.com. He likes to get a ruse out of people, but normally you can post facts and he'll shut up. Sometimes, though, he'll actually post something that makes sense – so we put up with him.

        August 18, 2010 at 10:37 am | Reply
      • Merewyn

        He's just a troll...

        August 18, 2010 at 1:15 pm | Reply
    • Jdizzle McHammerpants

      There he is!! (Truth) I was missing your anti-Obama sentiments. <3 <3

      Yeah, it's unfortunate the Obama Administration introduced this "tipping" crap. When wil it end?? Tax cuts for the rich expiring, healthcare for all, economic ideologies, ppfffft. This SUCKS.

      August 18, 2010 at 10:34 am | Reply
      • sarah

        I think I just fell in love!

        August 18, 2010 at 11:39 am | Reply
      • Jdizzle McHammerpants

        I'll send you flowers......someday.

        August 18, 2010 at 12:10 pm | Reply
    • Douge

      Take of the tin foil hat man.

      August 18, 2010 at 11:22 am | Reply
    • Lie

      I was hoping you would blame Obama for grilled cheeses but you disappointed me.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:16 pm | Reply
    • kristen

      hahahaha..I LOVE how in every article and everything I hear someone ALWAYS blames something on Obama.. You know what I think i'm going to start doing this.. I'm late for work HEY sorry boss its Obamas fault :) Ha I like it just blame everything on Obama :)

      August 18, 2010 at 12:25 pm | Reply
      • Kate

        The problem is, I never know if they are just lamo trolls or seriously deluded. I never can under estimate those guys.

        August 18, 2010 at 12:46 pm | Reply
    • Eric in Manhattan

      You must truly be an asshole!

      August 23, 2010 at 2:54 pm | Reply
    • lukeduke

      whoever says tips are designed to make class distinctions worse is retarded? Tipping was invested to pass the cost of the employee on to the customer and is one of the dumbest/unfair things I have ever heard. In Texas, tipped employees are allowed to be paid $2.13 an hour. Why should the employer get to pay an unlivable wage just because a person might earn tips?

      However, a delivery person gets paid at least minimum wage in Texas. It is their choice to take that job well knowing that their income is not guaranteed. I do tip a delivery boy a 2-3 bucks, but it is not my responsibility to pay his wages. A tip is just that, something extra and I am tried of it being expected.
      I have traveled to many countries where no one but hotel employees are tipped. IT IS AWESOME. But it is being ruined as Americans go to these places and tip out of habit, despite the employee being paid a real wage, so now everyone is starting to expect tips. I just returned from Mexico City and a waiter had the audacity to add whatever tip he saw fit to my bill. Then, when i got my credit card receipt, he had added even more than what was on the original receipt.

      August 25, 2010 at 2:37 pm | Reply
  99. Jdizzle McHammerpants

    I am in my late twenties and work in finance these days, but my delivery boy days aren't that long ago. I feel the need to punish the delivery guy for the failure of expediency of the kitchen/wait staff/restaurant/traffic, is inexcusable. Usually (not sure how it works in NY) these cats are making minimum wage, using their own vehicles/gas, and deal with drunks and stoners at the door. Go ahead, Tip like $hit, order again and see how much faster they are at getting you your Chow Mein, free of saliva.

    August 18, 2010 at 9:33 am | Reply
    • Jdizzle McHammerpants

      Oh, yeah. In response to the quip about how delivery guys are always GUYS: Girls go missing when they work in those positions, that's why. "Oh, look," says Drunkie McGee and his pals, "A pizza AND a Chick!". Based on my work experience, wouldn't want my daughter doing it, for sure. Delivery people get robbed, stiffed, and doors slammed in their face without paying for the food all the time. It's not a safe job, take it from me. Tip your delivery guy!! He's working for a living. <3

      August 18, 2010 at 9:37 am | Reply
    • Tipping is overrated

      Its YOUR fault if your job does not pay you enough. Your fault alone. I don't get tips at my job and I constantly do extra work for other people. I pay for the food and thats it. If I found out that anyone spat in my food, I would go down to the establishment and stab them.

      August 18, 2010 at 12:33 pm | Reply
      • JOhn

        You have serious anger issues. Wow!

        August 18, 2010 at 1:00 pm | Reply
      • Oh my!

        You are not only paying for the food, but for the luxury to have it delivered to your door. If you choose not to pay for such a service, get off your *** and pick up your own pizza.

        August 18, 2010 at 1:12 pm | Reply
      • Joey

        If you don't want to tip someone who is paid less than minumum wage for cooking your food for you, and then hand delivering it to your door while you wait on your couch watching reality TV, then perhaps you ought to get your lazy @ss up and cook your own dinner. No one is forcing you to order from these people, and while you may not like the way it works, not tipping isn't going to change it. Having worked in the food industry, yours is the type of order that I would tell the kitchen "oh, and if you dropped this one on the floor, I won't mind"

        August 18, 2010 at 1:20 pm | Reply
      • Hamilton

        I agree with you. Tipping is overrated. Screw you that says get it yourself. Um no. I bought the frakin pizza with my hard earned money. Ordering pizza delivered to you does not equal being lazy numbnut. Give me my pizza then scram.

        August 18, 2010 at 1:33 pm | Reply
      • jmoore45

        If you really feel like you dont have to tip the delivery driver, than DO NOT ORDER DELIVERY. As a former delivery driver i was forced to use my own gas and car. Yes the job sucked but there werent to many options for a 19 year old college student. If you feel you dont have to tip someone for driving their car, using their gas, and delivering your food to your door, than DO NOT ORDER DELIVERY YOU SELFISH A**HOLE.

        August 18, 2010 at 2:37 pm | Reply
      • twsted

        Ok Dwight, calm down. I think your beets need picking.

        August 18, 2010 at 2:43 pm | Reply
      • BABAK

        No matter when the food arrives, I always leave a nice tip for the delivery guy. They always appricite it. But it isn't just about giving an extra $5. How about a nice "thank you". Folks a little courtesy goes a long way with everyone... Also keep in mind this is sone one you don't know that now konws a little about the layout of yuor house.

        August 18, 2010 at 3:32 pm | Reply
      • Jan

        I agree. Those who can't earn minimum wages are stupid loser. Who cares about they could make a living or not?

        August 18, 2010 at 4:02 pm | Reply
      • Kevin

        And if you worked for me and I somehow found out that you had stiffed a delivery person, you'd be on my shortlist for "downsizing". (gotta love "right to work" states)
        I've walked away from multi-millon dollar deals because the other guy was a jerk to the waitress at lunch-and know of many other business owners who feel the same way- so don't think it can't happen.
        Personally, I think that you see a persons true character in how they treat those they somehow see as "inferior" (usually because that person is currently making less money).
        And simply put, I dont want jerks and cheapskates working for me... in the long run, they are bad for business.

        August 18, 2010 at 5:16 pm | Reply
      • Jeremy

        I completely agree. These businesses need to pay their people. It should not be my responsibility. If you can not do that at your current prices, raise them. Restaurants in San Francisco add a breakout to the bill to pay for the city mandated health coverage and that is fine. Do that same thing with a delivery fee and quite giving me crap about tipping.

        August 19, 2010 at 12:38 pm | Reply
      • Ninja

        STRONGLY AGREE!!! No one tips me either!!

        August 19, 2010 at 3:00 pm | Reply
      • Drach

        Congrats. you're the type of person who DOES get their food spit in. i'd bet you dont tip at actual sit down restaurants either. do you want to see the prices for food if the government required the restaurants to pay the 7.25 federal minimum wage to wait staff?

        if you don't want to tip a delivery driver, go get it yourself. of course that for most people defeats the entire purpose of delivery doesn't it?

        August 20, 2010 at 11:41 am | Reply
      • we make your food

        @ tippingisoverrated. Do you ever wonder why your drink always tastes weak? Why your food always tastes like spit?Why your friends(if you have any) hate going out with you? And why most people generally hate you? Its because your a dick.

        August 21, 2010 at 12:00 pm | Reply
      • Tardy to the Party

        You are such classist garbage! Entitled people like you have such contempt for others who have to take jobs you find "beneath" you. Rather then show all people respect, you chose to ignore decency and punish others instead of just tipping a measly 10% like the majority of those who posses common decency. You know what else is common decency? Wearing pants, but I don't see your tightwad ass nude. You know better, and yet you attempt to flaunt your complete lack of class & couth as if you're exposing some sort of universal racket. Whatever. Have no doubt- it will come back to you. It always does.

        December 2, 2010 at 10:50 pm | Reply
    • Get a grip

      I work as a 911 operator. My job is definitely more important than any stupid pizza delivery guy. I help save lives. I have done so many times. Do I get tips? No. Be grateful you have a job. And no its a myth that they make below minimum wage. Its a lie. Most of them make minimum wage plus tips so they can make more than many office jobs. Do not be fooled.

      August 18, 2010 at 1:39 pm | Reply
      • kristen

        when I was a dispatcher I made $15.00 an hour... thats a big difference compared to the $2 dollars an hour they make

        August 18, 2010 at 2:06 pm | Reply
      • Willfood

        Wow. Shoulder hurt much?

        August 18, 2010 at 8:01 pm | Reply
      • delivery girl

        When I was a delivery girl in the 80's I made 15$ per hour for every hour I worked. 2.01$ per hour on the books and the rest in tips.

        August 19, 2010 at 10:20 am | Reply
      • benny66

        You are a 911 operator...hahaha...congrats, you get paid to answer the phone and dispatch cars – ooooooh. You do the same job as a delivery manager in a restaurant, except your drivers get to run red lights, and have a more "important" purpose.

        P.S. No one was asking you to judge whose job is more important – the delivery driver or the 911 operator – but did announcing it make your insecure self feel better? I hope someone gives you a hug soon, because it sounds like you could use it. No need to be so hard on people that are just trying to make a living.

        August 21, 2010 at 12:19 am | Reply
      • server

        yeah actually we do. minimum wage in colorado, 7.25 an hour. server wage? 4.01 an hour. after taxes my paycheck is 0$ for 80 hours or more. and at the end of the year, i pay taxes! but hey, thanks for dispatching those ambulances. must be nice to sit on your ass all day, kind of like a more dignified telemarketer....

        September 8, 2010 at 5:02 pm | Reply
    • rachel

      so, you're a loser. period. sure it's not the first time you've heard that

      August 18, 2010 at 6:03 pm | Reply
    • Marianne

      A couple of decades ago I was a delivery woman for a pizza restaurant. I only worked in the daytime on the weekends. I needed the tips to pay for my gas and car repairs. I needed the checks for my housing. I was working on a graduate degree.

      August 18, 2010 at 7:42 pm | Reply
    • cheappeoplesuck

      I think it's absurd to say that delivery drivers don't deserve what a waiter does in a restaurant. Sure they don't pour your drinks, or take back your food when when there is an issue, but do waiters have to brave the elements to get the food to you? Do they have know every short cut and side street so they can get you your dinner as fast as possible? Do they have higher expenses such as car insurance for using their car as a work vehicle? The answer to every one of these questions is NO, and delivery drivers work for the same pay as most waiters. Keep all this in mind when you reach for your wallet/purse.

      August 20, 2010 at 2:54 pm | Reply
    • Vinny

      Way to go Jdizzle....you're a real class act. Only a low-life would spit in someone's food because they didn't get tipped to their satasfaction.

      August 21, 2010 at 7:24 pm | Reply
      • Jdizzle McHammerpants

        Re-read my post. I never said I spit in anyone's food, just mentioned the act exists.

        August 25, 2010 at 4:13 pm | Reply
    • lukeduke

      Tipping in America has gotten totally out of control. And we are spreading this nonsense to other countries. I just got back from Mexico City 2 weeks ago and had gone to dinner twice with a family friend. I noticed both times that he had tipped than 10%. Later, I asked him about tipping in Mexico and he told me to tip 20%. I called him on his cheapness for telling me to tip 20% when i saw him tip less than 10% twice. His reply was that I was American and 20% was expected.

      August 25, 2010 at 2:59 pm | Reply

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