Are you supposed to tip when you order a drink (or food) at Sonic?

Question

Are you supposed to tip when you order a drink (or food) at Sonic?

Answer 1

My daughter works there, Yes she says everyone tips. Even when they order a drink and its .15 cents change, they tell her to keep the change. Yesterday she made 20.00 in small change, but as you see....that change turns into good cash. She has a new 8 mth. old baby, and that 20.00 bought her Diapers and Wipes. Shes VERY greatful when she gets tips.  They are just like a waitress, bringing your food out to you. Tip the next time, and make someone happy  :o)

Answer 2

I've always wondered that myself......I never do, though.

Answer 3

They would like you to, but they get paid regular wages not a servers wages.

Answer 4

YOU DON HAVE TO ,BUT THEY EXPECT YOU TO

Answer 5

The fast food restaurant?  No.

Answer 6

couldnt hurt.

But i have friendf waiters that work there, and they get tiped ALOT. Like they can bring in alot of money in one day. So dont feel obliged, but it always puts you on much better terms with the employees, which is good if you go there often.

2-4 bucks is a great tip for just taking your food out.

Answer 7

if you were the one working at sonic wouldn't you want people to tip you?

Answer 8

you dont HAVE to. but you should

Answer 9

no

Answer 10

Yes.  20%, or double the tax, would be appropriate, and most appreciated.  Spread the word!

Answer 11

It is only polite to do so.   They have to walk your food out to you and face the weather conditions where as other fast food employees stay inside all the time.  I think it's just the right thing to do

Answer 12

I've never eaten at Sonic.

My general rule is, if its a fast food place where you walk up to the counter or pull up to the drive up window, place your order and get your food on a tray or in a paper bag to go, then no tip is necessary or expected.

If you sit at a table and get served by a waiter/waitress, you need to leave a tip -- usually 15% of the check before tax, unless the service is really good, then 20% or more.

Answer 13

if they give you extra cheese for free YEAH!

Answer 14

I do, but it also causes me to hesitate before patronizing Sonic.  They set the drive through up so that a person delivers your order.  Someone walks 10 feet out a door, and I have to tip?  Hand it out the window.  That works for everyone else.

Answer 15

if you go threw the drive thur no. but if you use a carhop yes. but only like the change or a dollar. depending on what you order.

Answer 16

They don't make very much - I do if they hand deliver the food or drinks - if I pull through the drive-thru - then I don't tip :)

Answer 17

Yes, it's good etiquette.

Answer 18

Sonic is a fast food restaurant just like McDonald's and Burger King do you tip at those places, why tip at Sonic unless you want to.

Answer 19

I don't.  It works the same as if you were inside waiting line.  Tips are for people who don't make a high hourly wage, like at restaurants.  At restaurants the servers are paid $2 - $3/hr, which basically covers taxes.  Therefore the tips are their source of income.  I'm sure the "waiters" or walking cashiers make a regular hourly wage like at McDonalds.  I'm sure it would be nice for someone who is having a bad day though.

Answer 20

I'm sure they would appreciate it, but if you do it then everyone else is going to have to, so don't bother

Answer 21

Are you supposed to? No, it isn't really expected.  

Do I?  yes, I do every time.

Answer 22

yes, I always do!

Answer 23

Your not actually obligated to but it would be nice. They get the food together the way your ordered it and then skate their butts off trying not to smack into the door on the way out. I feel sorry for them some times. But its a job.. So yea I would say thumbs up to tippers!

Answer 24

It's a grey area because it's a fast food restaurant but th wait staff actually brigs the food out to your car, so it'd really up to your discretion.