5 Tipping Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Takeout

Tipping isn't just about percentages, it's about valuing effort. Even for takeout, staff spends time ensuring your order is accurate, neatly packed, and ready with extras like utensils and sauces. Skipping this acknowledgment can leave hard-working employees feeling unappreciated. Here are five things to keep in mind when deciding how much to tip.

Mistake #1: Not tipping at all

Think takeout doesn't deserve a tip? Think again. Whether it's a quick dinner or a big family order, staff work behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. While it doesn't have to match sit-down gratuity, a few dollars shows you value their effort.

Mistake #2: Overcomplicating the tip

Feel overwhelmed by screen prompts at checkout? Don't be! While some prompts suggest high amounts, tipping 10–15% for takeout is generally fair. Reserve higher tips for more complex or rushed orders that require extra attention.

Mistake #3: Forgetting special requests

Ordered extra toppings, sauces, or substitutions? If staff accommodate your preferences perfectly, acknowledge their effort with a little extra. Customizing meals takes time and care, and a small gesture of appreciation makes a big difference.

Mistake #4: Only using credit cards for tips

Did you know cash tips often go further? Unlike credit card tips, cash avoids deductions like merchant fees, ensuring the staff gets every penny. If possible, carry small bills to hand-deliver your thanks.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the quality of service

The purpose of a tip is to incentivize and reward great customer service. There's no reason to add a full tip if you're treated terribly or your order is wrong.

Be generous, share the kindness

Next time you pick up takeout, tip thoughtfully. The 20% tip for a sit-down restaurant has been fairly ingrained into American society, but pinning down exactly how much to tip for takeout is more ambiguous. Planning to add a few dollars on top of a basic takeout order is a good idea.

Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.

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