DEAR ABBY: I work as a runner in a law firm, which means I do pickups, make deliveries and do any other out-of-office tasks the lawyers or other staff need. Part of my job involves picking up lunch for the office.
Sometimes the office manager will give me cash from the firm account to pay, other times the lawyers give me money out of their pockets to cover it. Whenever I pick up and pay for these orders, the cashier/waiter is usually expecting a decent tip (especially when there are large orders). I am instructed to tip 10 percent -- no more.
Personally, I believe in being more generous because I know how poorly restaurant workers are paid. However, because the money is not mine, I must tip only what I am instructed to. Sometimes, depending on the order, this results in a very poor tip.
How can I let the cashier know that I would tip more if it were my money, but I can't because it's not? I know just saying "I would if I could" doesn't help them much. -- RUNNER IN THE SOUTH
DEAR RUNNER: Your bosses don't tip more than 10 percent because they are getting takeout, not table service. You should not feel embarrassed or apologize for them. If you are wise, you will say nothing, because to do otherwise will make it appear that you think your employers are cheap -- and word travels.
I totally agree with Abby. I usually don't tip at all on pick up orders. usually the ones preparing the takeout orders are the hostess or kitchen staff, that get paid a "normal" wage. The main exception is when I get a big order for the office from the club. They always label all the boxes and pack it well, and usually throw in extra rolls and dressing and such because they know what we like. Those ladies always go above and beyond. So I always tip, but still only 10%.
I agree with Abby as well. I've never seen nor heard of anyone tipping for take out. But, it's been years since I've had to do "take out" for large crowds at a job. I think 10% is fair. Now if this place of business continues to provide above and beyond service in providing extras, etc. then I'd say up it to perhaps 15%.
Maybe this person tips more. And, that is nice. And, maybe his/her employers are cheap asses in other ways. But, so what? They pay your salary. Do your job and earn your salary. You don't have to like them one way or the other. You can think whatever you think about them but keep that to yourself.
It depends on the take out. We get take out from Red Lobster sometimes, and they have a terrible take out system there. The bartender has to stop what they are doing and go in the back and get the salads and bread ready and bag up the food. I tip 10% for that take out. I also tip a little on those curb side takeouts where they bring it to my car. But there are many places I don't tip, like if they have a take out counter.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
If i order take out chinese or pizza, i don't tip on that. I am paying for the food, not any type of service. I didn't know you were even supposed to tip to pick up food! lol
If i order take out chinese or pizza, i don't tip on that. I am paying for the food, not any type of service. I didn't know you were even supposed to tip to pick up food! lol
I think that's the difference right there - if it's usually a take out system, I don't tip. If it's not, then I tip.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Chinese take out usually gets the coin change in the tip jar since they are take out only.
Pizza, if we pick up, coin change. Delivery gets a few dollars.
When I get food for Lodge (20-30 people), it varies. If I get grocery store takeout, no tip. Other places get either 10% or $10, depending on if it is delivery or I pick up. Lately, I have been cooking the food myself.
Of courses, maybe I should put out a tip jar at the Lodge. I don't get paid for cooking.
We tip for pizza delivery, the weather makes a difference in how much.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Of course! However, i never get delivery. I can count on one hand the number of times i got delivery. It's that big of deal to just go pick it up in small town.
Of course! However, i never get delivery. I can count on one hand the number of times i got delivery. It's that big of deal to just go pick it up in small town.
It is a big deal when the snow is flying, I tip well for delivery!
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
We live in a hard to describe place - no delivery person can find us. It's easier to pick it up. And when I do I still tip 15-20%. Usually a waitress/waiter has to stop serving customers to get the take out ready. Because they have to interrupt their service to their customers I tip them well.
Note: no chain restaurants in my small town so no drive up windows or take out lanes.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
No one is doing anything outside of their job description.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
No one is doing anything outside of their job description.
Actually, no the waitress or waiter does it. I have watched them do it when I arrive a bit before it's ready.
I think it depends on the place. there was a place I would get take out from frequently and a friend was a waitress there. I specifically asked her about tipping. She told me there was no need to tip because the hostesses there were responsible for take out orders. And I know that's how it's done at a few places around here.
20% for takeout? Putting it in a box? You can tip whatever you wish and nothing wrong with a great tipper. But, when you are eating in, there is a lot more service that goes into that from seating you, taking your order, topping your drinks, etc. I hope you are tipping them more than 20% then for all of that.
No one is doing anything outside of their job description.
Actually, no the waitress or waiter does it. I have watched them do it when I arrive a bit before it's ready.
I think it depends on the place. there was a place I would get take out from frequently and a friend was a waitress there. I specifically asked her about tipping. She told me there was no need to tip because the hostesses there were responsible for take out orders. And I know that's how it's done at a few places around here.
I think each place does it differently. There is no one answer to this. I mean, I KNOW that the bartenders at Red Lobster have to do the take out orders - I've ordered there and stood and waited enough times to know. Especially more than people who haven't ordered take out from there.
I like the new take out counters or curbside that make take out easy at certain places - Chilis, O'Charley's, Outback.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
DH has on occasion picked up Thai or Chinese for us. I don't know if he tips. The thought would never occur to me to do it.
When I grab lunch for myself, it's usually at a fast food type place (Baja Fresh, Subway, etc.) or the downstairs cafe. I see tip jars but I rarely contribute. I might if I pay by cash, drop the change in. But I usually pay by credit card.
