We all know the feeling of being hit with the ‘ol “it’s just gonna ask you a few questions,” POS terminal spin-move. The awkwardness of having to select “no tip” probably discourages lots of people (including me sometimes) from hitting it. But recently I’ve stopped giving a shit.

If I’m going out of my way driving/ walking/ biking to a restaurant to pick up food that I ordered on an app or over the phone, and am paying for said food at an already marked-up price to account for (assumedly) restaurant labor, OH, etc., then why am I expected to pay extra gratuity for “service?”

I understand the struggle of working for tips - I’ve done it myself as a delivery driver, bar back, and bus boy. And I know that you very quickly start to rationalize why you deserve to be tipped/ hate on the “assholes” that don’t tip you well/ or at all. But as a consumer, in this economy…I’ve started to think a bit differently.

I just can’t justify tipping the same amount (20% or more based on quality of service), or honestly tipping anything, for picking up food that someone put in a bag in the kitchen as I would for an attentive server who takes my drink order, refills my water, recommends their favorite dishes, checks on me periodically, and busts their ass to balance my table amidst sometimes 10-15 others. For them, I will happily START my gratuity at 20% and give more if they’re exceptional at their job/ having hard shift.

I agree that if you have the means, sure - it’s a nice thing to do to help out an already underpaid workforce by tipping on counter service/ take out. But it sets a bad precedent and expectation for others who just want to get some food, don’t feel like/ can’t cook that night, and are already paying more for a meal than they normally would.

I also struggle with the distinction between true pick-up/ take-out orders vs. counter service (I.e. chipotle, seafood shacks, etc) - does the latter deserve more because there IS no in-person dining service?

Very curious on others’ thoughts here!