How much do you tip for carry-out/take-out?

I don't tip carry out or take out , isn't that like tipping at the McDonald window? I do tip delivery people 15% or when eating at the establishment will tip the server 20%. On occasion more if they go above and beyond to help us out with a family member who has special eating requirements like to avoid nuts in or near their food.

I'll premise my response by saying that I am a server on the weekends and have worked in the industry for around 7 years off and on and that I started out as a TueGo girl for Ruby Tuesdays....

I only tip togo people if it is in an actual restaurant (not a pizza delivery place, not a sandwich shop, etc.). Especially if that place has a designated "ToGo person" because typically that persons only job is taking to go orders, putting them together and bringing them to the car. These people typically aren't paid more than servers and do not receive tip out from serves like hostesses, bartenders and busboys do.

That being said I don't tip them the same as I would if they were serving me at a table (20% usually) because as others have pointed out its just not the same level of service - there aren't repeated drink refills, food isn't served sequentially etc.

FYI most people do NOT tip togo... but when they do the togo people get really excited....

I don't like tipping period.

These people are paid to do this job, I don't get tips in my job!

As a former bartender who occasionally prepared takeout orders, I tip 10%. I know it takes a bit of effort to get a takeout order ready, packaging, checking, adding sides and sauces and cutlery/napkins amid one's other regular duties or whatever. It's not like serving a table but I think it deserves a small recognition, particularly if the bartender/host who did the work is busy already.

I don't like tipping period.

These people are paid to do this job, I don't get tips in my job!

You do understand that wages for those jobs are different than your job, correct? Often, servers get paid next to nothing in actual hourly wages and depend almost solely on tips.

20%. They still get crap wages, have to put the order together and make less money than if they were waiting on tables.

^this. Carry out people also go through some work getting your order ready and make crap wages that are slightly above server wages. I tip 10%for carry out, which is customary.

I still tip 15% unless it's for pizza. The person boxing my meal is still only making min wage and taking time away from other customers to help me.

As long as pizza joints charge a delivery fee and expect a tip, I will not be tipping for carry out pizza.

Just say you're British, and then give them.... Nothinggggg

But the worker still gets screwed so...I don't see how this makes the situation any better.

I don't like tipping period.

These people are paid to do this job, I don't get tips in my job!

If you don't like tipping, you should not be eating out.

QFT and giggity. :laugh:

I just realized the humor of my statement. :laugh:

Nothing. In fact I'm opposed to tipping culture in general and believe that people should be paid a fair wage for the work they do. The headline price of a meal should include all service involved in getting it to me such that the people involved from the chef to the waiter are fairly compensated.

Tipping is better for everyone involved:

- For the restaurant owners: It shifts the labor costs out to customers (though, they are obligated if the patrons don't pay up to min. wage). This allows them to focus their cash on food or capital improvements

- For patrons: They feel that the price they paid reflects all aspects of their experience and allows them to reward good service as well as provide (in very powerful terms) their feedback on poor service

- For waiters: It gives them a reason to actually work hard in a job that is otherwise fulfilling.

- For the labor pool: It filters out people who aren't good at their job and allows them to move on to jobs that better align with their skills

Taking away the tip system will ensure that there is no incentive to provide a level of service above the minimum required to not get fired.

i have read where a couple of restaurants have removed tipping from their establishment and service actually improved.

I don't tip for take out

Anecdotally, I find that there is a distinct difference in tipping philosophy between those who have worked in a restaurant, and those who have not. Those who have worked in a restaurant seem to tip more, and be more forgiving to waitstaff.

Tip 10%.

Anyone who says "Those people" aren't tip dependent is wrong. It may vary state to state...but I remember reading that anyone who receives atleast $30 in tips per month can be considered a tipped employee, and thus qualify to be paid the tipped employee wage. ($2.13/hr where I live)

Not to mention, many restaurants will just assume you are making a certain percentage in tips based on your sales and adjust your wage accordingly. So, in some instances, your waiter/waitress/to go person may be paying taxes on wages they aren't even receiving because it is ASSUMED that they have made a tip.

As far as tipping in general... if you can go out and spend $40 or more on a meal for two, then you can fork over an extra $8 for a tip. Do not give me this bull**** that they "get paid for doing their job". No they don't. They get (in general) less than $3 an hour from their employer. They, and the federal government, are assuming you will be leaving a tip. Don't give me the bull**** that their employer has to and will make up their hourly wage for tips not received. I have never, ever received any kind of this compensation and if I had the balls to ask for it, I would be laughed at and let go from my job. It might be a law, but its not practiced believe that. Don't give me this bull**** that you don't agree with the way the current system is handled. By stiffing your server you aren't making any kind of rebellious statement... You are only making a hardship for that person who is working very hard for their money. You are only taking food out of the mouth of that single mother's child. You are only making it harder for that person to afford rent. You are only making it more difficult for that student to afford their books that semester.

Whenever there is a tip jar I put in whatever coins I get in my change, or an extra dollar if I feel like it. I've worked in the food service so I know that these people usually get paid minimum wage and tips really matter.

If you don't like tipping take out people or feel they don't deserve it, you should remember that it's in your interest. If it's somewhere you go regularly they will almost definitely remember you and give you larger portions and better service next time.

I usually tip $2-3. I suppose you don't HAVE to tip anything, since they didn't deliver it to you or serve you (re-filling drinks, etc.). However, I'd feel bad if I gave them nothing. I used to work carside at Applebee's and took phone orders, wrapped up all the food, and walked it out to their car. I usually got at least a little tip. I got paid $4/hr, so that was helpful. I don't tip people at places like Subway, Moes, Salsaritas, etc., though. I went to a frozen yogurt place this weekend and there was a "tip" line on the receipt. What? I just filled up my own cup with yogurt, added my own toppings, and placed it on your scale. All you did was ring it up. No tip for you!