I am curious to the views of the folks here on RAFO about the idea of tipping someone in the food service industry. I recently read a thread on FML about someone getting a 40 cent tip on a 135 dollar order and the responses to it were just horrible. I am curious to your views.

When you go to a restaurant, do typically tip?

Do you tip a set amount or do you vary based on service quality?

Why do you tip or choose not to?

Pizza delivery, tip the driver?

Why or why not?

Other ideas in the area?


Personally, I am working part time delivering pizzas while I finish up my degree requirements here at MSU. It is irritating when I take a delivery to a house and do not get a tip, but it is even more insulting when someone will take the time to explain why I should not be tipped because "You are getting paid to drive this food here". I want to clear a few things up.

Yes, I do get paid for being at work. Minimum wage is currently 7.25 per hour, I get paid 6.25 per hour (soon to be decreased)

Tips are reported at the end of the night and taxed.

If I dont make up for the difference between my pay and minimum wage, the company is forced to make up the difference. but that is still 7.25 per hour.

I put a lot of wear and tear on my vehicle. yes the company must reimburse me for mileage (roughly a dollar a delivery) but the mileage is eaten up by gas costs and the overly large delivery area, up to 15-20 miles from the store. At the end of the night, mileage will barely cover gas when it is all put together, and there are maintenance costs to driving my car.

Delivering pizzas is one of the most dangerous jobs out there for the regular person, I could be mugged and killed at any time. I risk my life to bring your food.



I know it is a bit irritating to feel obligated to tip someone like me who has delivered your food in the rain, snow, cold, hurricane, or whatever crappy weather system is keeping you inside because you do not want to go out for supplies or food. But think about the guy who is soaked to the bone to bring you the food in the driving rain... Those tips add up, and if you dont tip and the company has to fork over more money to compensate the driver, they will raise delivery fees, food costs and everything just to get the money back from you any way.

Thus ends my little rant, I hope to hear some interesting responses and have dialog with you folks about this issue...