Tipping on To-Go Orders: Current Practices and Evolving Expectations

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Tipping on to-go orders is a nuanced practice in the United States, with varying opinions and practices. Here's a detailed look at the current tipping culture for to-go orders:

Do People Tip on To-Go Orders?

Yes, many people do tip on to-go orders, though it is not universally expected. The practice has become more common, especially in dine-in restaurants that offer takeout services. However, tipping is generally not expected at fast food or counter service establishments.

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How Much Do People Tip?

The amount people tip can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of the order, the complexity of the order, and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Small Orders: For smaller to-go orders, a tip of $1 to $5 is common. This small gesture is seen as a way to show appreciation for the service provided.
2. Standard Orders: For typical to-go orders from dine-in restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is considered standard. This percentage is based on the total bill before taxes.
3. Large or Complex Orders: For larger or more complex orders, a tip of 15-20% is often recommended. This is especially true if the order involves special requests or a significant amount of preparation.
4. Delivery Services: When using third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, tipping 10-15% of the total bill is typical. However, some people prefer to tip 20% to ensure the delivery person is adequately compensated.

Evolution of Tipping Culture

The tipping culture for to-go orders has evolved significantly, particularly post-pandemic. During the pandemic, many people tipped generously for takeout orders as a way to support restaurants and their staff. This has led to an increased expectation of tipping for takeout orders, even as in-person dining resumed.

Criticism and Pushback

Despite the growing expectation to tip, there is also a notable backlash. Many customers feel pressured or emotionally manipulated by tip prompts, especially when using self-service kiosks or POS systems that automatically prompt for tips. This has led to a phenomenon known as "tip fatigue," where customers feel overwhelmed by the constant need to tip.

Conclusion

In summary, while tipping on to-go orders is not mandatory, it has become a common practice, especially for orders from dine-in restaurants. The amount typically ranges from a few dollars for small orders to 15-20% for larger or more complex orders. However, the increasing prevalence of automatic tip prompts has led to some criticism and a growing sentiment of tip fatigue among consumers.