Guides/Tip for delivery
How to tip for delivery orders
Delivery tipping is less standardized than table service. Apps suggest presets; drivers may rely on tips; restaurants may add fees that are not tips. Treat percent-of-food and flat minimums as two tools, not one rule.
Common approaches
- Percent of food subtotal: often mid-teens to ~20% before tax/fees, similar spirit to dining —tip vs tax base.
- Flat floor: e.g. a few dollars minimum on small orders so tiny percents are not tiny tips.
- Adjust up: stairs, distance, weather, large drink carriers — judgment, not a formula.
Worked examples
- $24 subtotal × 18% ≈ $4.32 — many people round to $5.
- $12 lunch × 20% = $2.40 — a $3–5 flat may feel fairer for the trip.
- $90 family order × 15% = $13.50; 20% = $18 — choose within your local norms.
Fees are not automatically tips
Delivery, service, or “platform” fees may not go to the courier. Read the app’s wording. Related vocabulary:gratuity vs service charge. Pickup / takeout differs again:tipping takeout.
Discounts and promos
If a coupon slashes the food total, some tip on the pre-discount value of the order —tipping on discounted bills.