Tipping Etiquette

If in doubt, tip.

Pretty simple advice, but that’s the first thing that came to mind when the idea of writing a blog on tipping etiquette came to mind.

Actually, it didn’t ‘come to mind,’ but was sold to me as a “brilliant idea” for a blog by Heather and Kathy, my two dispatcher/bosses at R & D Deliveries.  Some driver must have had a rough night and was bitching and complaining, I reckon. In any event, it is a good idea for a blog, so without further ado, here’s my Top 10 take on tipping etiquette:

Number #1 is If in doubt, tip. I know, I said it already, but it bears repeating.

2. Please tip, no matter how small. Your driver is providing a service to you and needs to be compensated for his time and effort. He or she has to make a living and if you don’t help out by throwing in a couple of bucks or so at the door, that cost will have to come from somewhere else, such as a jacked up delivery fee. So you’ll end up paying in the end anyway.

3. The ‘delivery fee’ is not the exclusive property of the driver. With some companies, the driver doesn’t see a dime of that money. In the private delivery service structure, the company and I split the fee, but then I don’t get paid an hourly rate. If I’m not delivering, I’m not getting paid. With corporate drivers, it’s hit and miss. Some pocket the fee, but don’t get paid an hourly rate. Other companies keep the delivery fee (they do pay a small allowance per delivery) but the drivers are paid an hourly rate. (You are expected to earn that rate, however, by performing duties such as prep work, cleaning, folding boxes, dishes, etc. when you’re not on the road.)

4. Tips are considered part of the driver’s income. Just ask Revenue Canada. We are expected to claim tips as employment income. That explains why companies that do pay hourly rates pay way, way less than the minimum wage. Because, just like with waiters and waitresses, it is understood that we earn part of our wage from tips.

5. Without tips, the whole system breaks down. Without tips, restaurants wouldn’t be able to entice drivers to deliver for them. Without tips, food prices would have to go up and delivery fees would also have to spike. And nobody wants that.

6. How much to tip is a matter of personal preference, though ten per cent and up is standard. You have a couple of pizzas coming and the bill is 22 bucks and change? Two or three bucks should be the minimum. If the driver is personable and got your food to you promptly, a fiver is nice, too. And if you’re dropping a hundred dollars on a feast of Chinese or sushi, then ten or twelve bucks for the driver is in order. The gesture also makes you look good in front of your guests, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

7. If you know it’s me coming, tip large. Just ask if a handsome, 53 year-old dude is bringing your food. I will totally appreciate it.

8. If the service is less than wonderful (especially if it’s not the driver’s fault), tip anyway. Just tip small if you must. In my opinion, if the service is so bad – and I’m talking rude or other unprofessional behaviour from the driver - that you would withhold a tip, you should be complaining to the restaurant. And if the food- for whatever reason – is very late or cold or otherwise unacceptable, well, you’re going to be lodging a complaint anyway. Just try not to take it out on the driver.

9. Remember that we’re doing our best out there. Weather, traffic and other issues out of our control sometimes prevent us from getting to your door as quick as you would like. But we’re trying.

10. See tip #1.  And thank you for your support.