Ask George: What’s the proper amount to tip for pickup and delivery orders?

What’s the proper amount to tip for pick-up and delivery orders? —Nora M., St. Louis

This is an especially timely question, given the recent blow to local restaurants resulting from the coronavirus crisis. Some food-service establishments have closed temporarily and others permanently, but the majority are attempting to stay afloat through some combination of pickup and delivery orders.

Under normal circumstances, I’ve long maintained that in the United States, if service is involved (and not just order-taking), then some tip is probably in order.

Under normal circumstances, in a pick-up situation, if the staffer in question has a different job (bartender/server/host), I see processing my order as “extra work” and generally leave a tip—in the 10 percent range—if the experience was a pleasant one. But we’re no longer living under normal circumstances.

Under normal circumstances, in a fast-casual setting, I’ve never condoned tipping at the counter, because at that point service is an unknown. But we’re no longer living under normal circumstances.

Under normal circumstances, some people might contend that given the limited engagement time with counter-service staff, tipping should not be necessary, that courteous acknowledgement might not require any additional compensation. But we’re no longer living under normal circumstances.

I’ve always respected the heck out of anyone who stands behind an order counter. This week, my respect doubled. So even though there’s never been any set dollar amount or percentage to plunk down for a pickup order (10 percent has been the average), if a customer is given the opportunity to tip, they should. Consider it a sign of support for a business that’s trying to survive, as well as to the employee.

Now that “curbside pickup” is an option at many local eateries, a tip is absolutely in order, especially given the current situation. If you were considering tipping 10 percent, instead consider 15 or 20 percent.

In the case of food delivery, some standards have been established. Drivers generally agree that $3 is the minimum expected tip, regardless of order size. (Many customers think $5 is closer to the norm.) As the order size increases, the dollar amount switches to a percentage, from 15 to 20 percent or more depending on conditions, driving distance, traffic, hazards, flights of stairs, and other considerations. And while most services now charge a delivery fee, remember that money goes to the house, not the driver, and should not factor into the tip.

Given recent health considerations, one thing has changed, though. While delivery and service personnel have long preferred to be tipped in cash, that’s no longer the case, as handling paper money now comes with risks. Customers are thereby encouraged to tip digitally, which in the case of third-party delivery companies can be done after the services are complete (using the app), which is exactly the way it should be.

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