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applezee applezee
 
February 12, 2009 03:52 AM

Should I leave a tip for my take-out order?

I never know what to do when picking up my order, leave a tip or not? It feels awkward to leave a few dollars behind, but then it feels awkward to just walk away. Not sure what the etiquette is on take-out tipping.
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looster looster
 
 February 15, 2009 01:35 PM
I think you should because usually the person who prepares your take out order, also answered the phone, and put your order together. I don't give the standard 15 to 20 percent, but at least a few dollars.


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markb markb
 
February 12, 2009 07:27 AM
No.
Why? Because the extra cost is being put on you, not them. You have traveled *to them,* using either your feet or your car. This is not a delivery. In fact it's whatever you consider the opposite of a delivery. You are not using their tables, dishes, or contributing in any real meaningful way to their operational costs. In fact, should they tip you?

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markb markb
 
February 12, 2009 07:47 AM
By the way, I asked this related question about delivery tipping:
http://www.mahalo.com/answers/etiquette/how-much-should-you-tip-the-pizza-delivery-guy

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drmatt drmatt
 
February 12, 2009 03:03 PM
I'll agree with the "no" answers. I tip for good service. The only service a takeout order has provided is making and packaging my food which is incorporated into the price.

Same thing if I'm at a buffet...

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philipy philipy
 
February 12, 2009 06:35 PM
Ditto.

I was surprised anyone even asked the question, but figured maybe they do things differently in different places. I've never heard of anyone tipping for take-out, and no place that I have ever bought take-out from has ever seemed in the least bit offended that I didn't tip.

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bernz bernz
 
February 12, 2009 08:16 PM
You shouldn't tip, but if you want to "make friends"*, small restaurants always appreciate cash. I'm not encouraging anyone to break the law (which itself is unlawful in most places), but perhaps you'll read between the lines. ;-)

* This can often result in better service/secret options, but don't misunderstand and have the wrong attitude (e.g. a sense of entitlement) going into it; in life, give expecting nothing in return, and you shall be surprised by goodness all over the place.

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markb markb
 
February 13, 2009 05:14 AM
What does "secret options" mean?

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bernz bernz
 
February 18, 2009 01:55 AM
You know how you go to a business, and say "I want X", and they say "Okay, here's X." and you do business. But sometimes, when you get to know the business owners or whatever ("making friends"), you'll say "I want X", and they'll say "Nah, X is for all the plebes; you should get Y." and you say "Y? I didn't even know you stocked Y!", and the owner says, "Hey, you're a friend, here's Y for you." and you do business, only this time, you discovered a "secret option" that was previously unavailable. ;-)

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