Should you tip when ordering take-out?

[DeLaSoul]

PERSPECTIVE ONE: Is no reason to tip when ordering take-out? You are not getting your drinks refilled or anything. Essentially, you driving to them to pick it up--very different from delivery (which should always be tipped).

PERSPECTIVE TWO: Or should it be done? The server has taken the time to package the food and give you all the utensils + napkins. How is this any different from "plating" the food?

I should say that apparently when tipping take-out, the tip is expected to be 10%, not 15-20% when normally sitting down.

[marley86]

When I was a hostess at an Italian place there was actually someone that was assigned for take-out orders. A lot of people delivering your food to your aren't actually servers, and it is their job to do take-out orders. Many of them don't get paid very much hourly, because they are suppose to rely on tips from to-go orders. 10% is what you should always tip! Especially if you have a really big to-go order. I have packaged food for 20 plus people, which I had to spend a really long time getting together, and almost in tears when I didn't receive a tip for my hard effort.

[NotTheMomma]

Well, I don't eat take-out food. But, if I ever did, I have it in the same classification as fast food (which I also don't eat, but I digress) and that I'd not tip for.

Now for delivery, yes. I always tip 20% at least in all situations. Unless I got horrid service, then maybe less. I don't think I've ever not tipped.

I dunno, take out...I've just never considered a tipping situation. I do believe they make full pay (unlike waiters/waitresses) so, I dunno...I don't eat such food so it's never came up. :)

[Anonymous]

For take-out, the expected tip if any, is whatever change you get, not including bills, to a dollar or two. It is not required if you have to pick it up yourself but it is a courtesy.