Tipping for Food Delivery in the US: The Unspoken Norm

Tipping for food delivery drivers in the United States is a widely accepted practice, despite the fact that it is not legally required. This tradition is rooted in the recognition that delivery drivers rely heavily on tips to make a living, especially in regions where the base pay for these positions may not be sufficient to cover basic expenses.

The expectation to tip spans both dine-in and takeout situations. When you order from a restaurant, you are expected to tip the waiting staff; the same principle applies to food delivery services. Whether it’s a traditional sit-down restaurant or a modern app-based food delivery platform, tipping is a critical practice for ensuring that the employees' hard work is appreciated and rewarded appropriately.

Is Tipping Mandatory?

It's worth noting that tipping is not a legal requirement in the United States. According to The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers are responsible for providing a minimum wage to their employees. However, in the service industry, tips can be used to supplement this wage. The concept of tipping is a social norm rather than a legal one. Delivery drivers, like servers in restaurants, count on tips to enhance their earnings.

Practical Tips for Food Delivery Tipping

Many people take a practical approach to tipping food delivery drivers. Here are some guidelines that can help you determine an appropriate tip amount:

Preparedness: Before placing an order, have your payment card or cash ready, and let the driver know your budget. This helps in negotiating a delivery that fits your financial situation and the amount you want to tip. Communication: You can ask the delivery driver for the best deal based on the amount you have, similar to how you might negotiate at a restaurant. For example, say, "I have $20 and want a pizza, what can you give me? The rest goes to the driver." Consider the Circumstances: If the delivery driver has to travel a long distance or encounter unexpected delays, consider giving a higher tip to acknowledge their effort.

Insight from a Food Delivery Driver

To get a deeper understanding of the food delivery tipping culture, we spoke with an experienced driver who works with an app-based service. According to this driver, the app does not disclose the tip amount or show if the order has one. The company pays a base rate that is often insufficient to make deliveries profitable. As a result, many drivers set minimum thresholds for orders, such as a $2 per mile rate, which they consider as a bare minimum to cover their costs.

"When I'm 'on' the app, it offers me deliveries, showing me the distance to the restaurant and the amount. It doesn't specify whether there is a tip or the amount. A lot of my fellow drivers require a payment of at least $2 per mile and over $7 total to take an order. If the amount isn’t enough, they decline the order, and the app sends it to the next driver for a little more. This process can sometimes lead to an order being declined multiple times, which can delay the delivery significantly," explains the driver.

“I recently took a lunch order that arrived two hours after the recipient’s lunch break. I only got the order 15 minutes before I delivered it, and it took me in the direction of home. These drivers are working to survive, and you’re paying for the convenience and time you save. You also benefit from reduced risks in your daily routine due to their service,”

Drivers, like those working with app-based platforms, willingly take on these roles because they value the ability to earn a living through their services. In light of the current pandemic, their role has taken on even more significance, as they save customers from the risk and discomfort of venturing out in public to dine at a restaurant.

Conclusion

Tipping food delivery drivers is an act of gratitude and a crucial part of the US tipping culture. While it is not mandatory, it significantly impacts the livelihood of these individuals. By understanding and adhering to tipping practices, customers can ensure that delivery drivers receive the recognition and support they deserve. In a world where convenience and safety have new meanings, tipping plays a vital role in maintaining the dignity and well-being of those who provide these essential services.