Delivery Tip Calculator
How much should I tip for delivery?
In the United States, tipping for delivery is still prevalent, though not mandatory. Here’s what you need to consider when deciding how much to tip for delivery:
General Tip Ranges:
- 15% to 20% of the pre-tax order total: This is the standard tip range for delivery drivers in the US, similar to tipping at restaurants. This applies to most situations, including food delivery apps and traditional delivery services.
- Flat rate tip ($3-$5): This is a common approach for smaller orders, especially pizza delivery, where a percentage-based tip might be considered too low.
Factors to Consider When Adjusting the Tip:
- Quality of service: If the driver went above and beyond (e.g., prompt delivery, friendly interaction, dealing with bad weather), consider tipping more.
- Delivery difficulty: Consider a higher tip if the delivery involved factors like long distances, difficult parking, carrying heavy items upstairs, or bad weather conditions.
- Delivery platform fees: Some delivery app platforms now charge additional service fees alongside the delivery charge. These fees are not usually intended for drivers and shouldn’t be factored into the tip calculation.
Examples:
- Standard delivery: If you order a pizza for $20 and the delivery went smoothly, a 15% tip would be $3, while a $5 flat tip would also be considered appropriate.
- Difficult delivery: If you order groceries for $100 and the driver had to carry them up several flights of stairs in the rain, a 20% tip ($20) or even more might be appropriate.
Remember:
- Tipping is ultimately a way to show your appreciation for the service provided.
- Use these guidelines as a starting point and adjust the tip amount based on your specific experience and the level of service received.
- You should not feel obligated to tip if the service was poor or the delivery driver behaved unprofessionally. However, it’s recommended to address your concerns with the delivery platform directly in such cases.