Take Out Tip Etiquette (Vega: rental car, sales, rental)

[BearCounty]

Howdy, I was wondering what's your opinion on take out tipping. Is it required or not, or does it depend on the restaurant?
I just got some take out at Olive Garden and the credit card slip had the tip section. I didn't feel it necessary to tip since I phoned in an order and walked inside to pay at the front counter. But the cashier's attitude changed after he saw that I didn't leave a tip. He was slighty colder as I asked for plastic utensils. He didn't even say thank you, come again, or whatever. I did thank him though. Anyhow, I'd just like to get your thoughts. Thanks

[rd2007]

I never tip for carry out. I equate it with going to McDonalds or somewhere like that and I wouldn't even think of tipping them. Just be pleasant and if they get upset, oh well, let them stew.

[HisLilSecret]

If I have to go to the counter and order, go back and pick up my food (whether I take it with me or eat it there) they're not getting a tip from me.

[Bo]

I never used to tip at take-out places, until my kid started working the counter at a restaurant with take-out service. Now I tip 10% at those places whenever I see a tip jar and a tip line on the receipt. He says most people don't tip, but it is definitely appreciated when they do. Those counter-service people work hard, too.

AFAIK, counter-service people are not considered tipped employees, so they don't receive a wage that's below the minimum. Therefore, it's perfectly acceptable to tip them less than you would tip waitstaff for table service.

[nismospec]

too many people are getting spoiled with the whole "tip" idea. seems everywhere you go nowadays, there's a "tip" line on the receipt.

as for the "change in attitude"....when did it become so that money just comes your way for doing nothing? spoiled! If you want my money, then work for it, and i'll be generous. Treat me like crap, and you'll get crap in return. Simple formula.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by BearCounty

Howdy, I was wondering what's your opinion on take out tipping. Is it required or not, or does it depend on the restaurant?
I just got some take out at Olive Garden and the credit card slip had the tip section. I didn't feel it necessary to tip since I phoned in an order and walked inside to pay at the front counter. But the cashier's attitude changed after he saw that I didn't leave a tip. He was slighty colder as I asked for plastic utensils. He didn't even say thank you, come again, or whatever. I did thank him though. Anyhow, I'd just like to get your thoughts. Thanks

Truthfully, I am getting a little tired of all this tipping crap and I am a very good tipper when I think it is warrented. Like you, I do not see any reason to tip on take out orders.

You know I read an article a few years ago about tipping in Vegas (the tipping capital of the world) to make a long story short, if you were to tip everyone who handles your bags from the time you get them at baggage claim until you get to your hotel room you would have spent just about $8.00per bag. It goes something like this: you tip the guy that drives the rental car van for handling your bags, then you get to your hotel and you tip the guy who helps you get them out of the car plus the doorman. Of course now you go to the desk, check in (by now the bellman has them) you finish checking in, head to your room and proceed to call for them. The baggage handler brings them up and you tip him, each person should be tipped about $2 per bag. Of course then there is valet,, I love using valet, but what happen to tipping them only when they bring you your car? Apparently now, we are to tip at both ends.

OK, my rant is over for the day...

[tstone]

Depends for me. If I go pick up a burrito w/ counter service I won't tip. That's equivalent to Subway for me.

If I call in take-out at a sit-down restaurant that costs around $10-15 per person, I usually tip 10% rounded down to the closest 50 cents.

[nismospec]

ooohhh....made the mistake of getting valet at a local bar one time. granted my car is lowered a bit (for performance reasons) I saw the driver come down an incline and scrape my front end. I was livid! then he comes up to me, gets out, and looks at me expecting his tip.....I took a deep breath, got inside and drove off.

[Primo]

The rule of thumb use to be, if someone came to your table and brought your food to you...you tip. But now there are these 'hybrid' places like Vegas buffets..where you get your food, but a waiter takes your drink order and brings them to you. ( you tip for drink and how well they keep your table clean)
And then there is Sonic, even though your order is taken via microphone, someone brings your food to you....so YES - YOU TIP AT SONIC.

[txlnghrn]

I've asked my friends in the restaurant industry about this, and they unanimously say you should tip on take out from non-fast food establishments. I usually tip 15-20% on take out from "sit down" type places.

The truth is that aside from taking care of your beverages and clearing your table, someone (usually wait or bar staff) is doing the same work as the waiters who are working the tables out front. They're taking your order, inputting it in to the computer, making sure the order comes out together and is complete and accurate, pack it up, ring you up, etc. The people handling to-go orders aren't typically earning more than the standard $2.15 (or whatever it is these days) per hour that waiters who are getting (hopefully) 20% tips are (as opposed to people who work at, say, fast food places earning minimum wage and never rely on tips) . And in many restaurants, they are still required to "tip out" a certain percentage of sales to support staff, regardless of what they brought in. Crappy policy? Absolutely. But knowing this is how it works, I'd feel like a total jerk for not giving at the very least a few bucks. If I can spend $20 (or whatever) on carry out, surely I can throw in another $3 for the person who took care of my order....

Now, I'd much prefer an all-inclusive price (like most of Europe) that already includes taxes and gratuity, but until we have that I think its important to realize that tipping is part of the cost of dining out in this country (or in some cases, carrying out).