What is the correct etiquette for tipping when you get carry-out?

Question

I went to two different places in the last week, Quizno's and Chili's, for take-out for my family. At each counter there was a tip jar. I was just wondering what is expected of you when you get carry-out. Are they expecting a tip? Is it optional? Would the change from your bill be an insult? or appreciated? I guess I never really thought about it because I wouldn't tip a drive through worker and they do the same amount of work as the person who puts my food in a bag and rings me up. Also, I am a cashier at a grocery store who does about the same amount of labor per person as a carry-out worker would, but I don't expect a tip. Is it because waitstaff makes so little per hour? Just curious what everyone thought and what everyone does in this situation. I'd love to hear from customers AND employees if possible. Thanks!

Answer 1

no tip for carryout.

Answer 2

I'll usually throw a buck in the tip jar at a place like quizno's or chipotle. The way I see it, they're working hard (especially chipotle...they get slammed) and it's not like one dollar is that much money. I've never gotten chili's to go so I'm not sure how that works but usually when I get "To-Go" at a restaurant that primarily does Dine-In I will tip about 10-15% to the person who took the time out to make sure the order was right, bag it up, put napkins/condiments etc. I do that because I have worked in restaurants that are primarily dine-in (As in, no take out counter) and I know how bad putting together to go orders sucks because although you are taking time away from your other, tipping tables to make sure this person's order is correct and they have everything they need, you also know that 90% of the time you're not going to get a tip from them. Maybe just because I've been in the industry but usually when there's a way to tip, I tip. I don't think that's a bad thing.

Answer 3

I don't tip for take out, I tip pretty well when it is deserved, I'll even tell a manager about great service( they're not used to that). I think the tip jar is being overused.

Answer 4

I never tip on a carry out

Answer 5

I retired from food service after 40 years. You don't tip take out. Tipping is not a custom, nor is it a city in China. T.I.P. is an achronim for: 'to insure prompt service'. Taking your order at a counter, is not service. It's thier job and they have provided nothing extra to be tipped for.

Answer 6

I usually never tip at a place like Quizno's or any other service chain, although if I have loose change left over from my change, I might throw that in the jar if the staff were courteous, gave quick and friendly service or put a little "extra" on my sandwich - I don't expect it, but when I get it, I will try to pay it back.

At a place like Chili's, you have three options - dine in, take out and carry out service where a server brings your items out to your car. For dine in, definitely tip. If you go in and pick up your items, then no tip - they are doing the same job you do as a cashier. If they are performing carry out service, then you might tip the server a buck or two, particularly if they are quick or the weather is nasty.

As you have mentioned, in many places watiers/waitresses do make very little money and depend upon tips to earn a living wage. Fast food workers make a steady salary at or above minimum wage and shouldn't expect a tip - I don't believe that I have ever seen a tip jar at McDonald's or Burger King, and I don't think most other chains should allow this. But I will often tip at a mom & pop sandwich shop or restaurant, especially if it seems family run - the same 3-4 people there EVERY time I go in.

I hope this kind of makes sense to you, but for me, it is usually one of those "it depends" situations.

Answer 7

I think we've gone tip crazy in the US. Sorry but I would not leave a tip.  A tip is for service received.  If you ate in and the waiter/ress had to serve you and attend to your needs (refilling drinks, bringing you your food, clearing your table prior to dessert etc.) than he/she would deserve a tip.  It's like you said, you, a cashier don't get a tip and you have to bag groceries, lift heavy items and put them in the customer's cart but you don't receive a tip.  If you feel inclined to leave something when you pick up an order, then by all means do so but it shouldn't be expected or proper etiquette.

Answer 8

I never tip anyone when do carry-out.  No one is waiting on me, so no service was given.  I don't think anyone expects a tip, but if you want to give one, they'll gladly accept it.

Answer 9

When I did carry-out for a restaurant I was only paid $3.50 an hour a little more than my hourly rate on my serving shifts (which was $2.13 an hour). I was a bartender, server and carry-out specialist at this restaurant for about 2 years.

When doing carry-out you should still tip b/c the person taking care of you is going to be taxed 8% of their sales just like the servers. I always tip them like I am eating their. I also tip the carhops at Sonic.

Answer 10

I don't tip for carry out. I don't believe that you should be tipping someone when all they have done is take your money and hand you your packaged food.  Now, if they are actually providing a service, then that;s different.