General Guidelines
Tipping delivery drivers has become a common practice to express gratitude for their services. While tipping is not mandatory, it is generally considered a polite gesture. The appropriate tip amount can vary depending on the type of delivery service, the cost of the order, and the level of service provided.
Key Facts
- Tipping etiquette: According to CBS News, it is generally recommended to tip delivery drivers between $3 and $5, depending on the cost of the meal and how far they travel.
- Delivery services: Different delivery services may have their own policies regarding tipping. For example, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and GrubHub suggest tipping between 25-30% for meal delivery.
- Cash or gift cards: While cash is a common form of tipping, some businesses may have policies that prohibit employees from accepting gratuities. In such cases, it may be acceptable to give a gift card instead.
- Furniture delivery: Tipping furniture delivery drivers is not expected but is appreciated. If you choose to tip, the suggested amount is generally between $10 and $20 per delivery person. Factors such as the difficulty of the delivery and the quality of service received can also influence the tip amount.
Delivery Services
For meal delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and GrubHub, the recommended tip range is typically between 25-30% of the order total. This is because delivery drivers for these services often rely on tips to supplement their income.
Cash or Gift Cards
When tipping delivery drivers, cash is the most common form of gratuity. However, some businesses may have policies that prohibit employees from accepting cash tips. In such cases, gift cards can be an acceptable alternative.
Furniture Delivery
Tipping furniture delivery drivers is not an expected practice, but it is appreciated. If you choose to tip, the suggested amount is generally between $10 and $20 per delivery person. Factors that may influence the tip amount include the difficulty of the delivery, the number of items being delivered, and the quality of service received.
Considerations for Tipping
When deciding whether or not to tip and how much to give, consider the following factors:
- Cost of the orderHigher-priced orders may warrant a larger tip.
- Distance traveledLonger delivery distances may justify a higher tip.
- Difficulty of deliveryDeliveries that involve stairs, narrow hallways, or inclement weather may warrant a larger tip.
- Quality of serviceFriendly, punctual, and helpful delivery drivers may deserve a higher tip.
Alternatives to Tipping
If you are not comfortable with tipping, or if the delivery service has a policy against accepting gratuities, there are other ways to show your appreciation for the delivery driver. These include:
- Offering a bottle of water or a snack
- Leaving a positive review for the delivery service
- Contacting the company to express your satisfaction with the driver’s service
Sources
- Tipping etiquette: What’s the right amount to tip?
- How much to tip delivery drivers, servers, hairdressers, valet, more
- Do You Tip for Furniture Delivery?
FAQs
Is it expected to tip delivery drivers?
Tipping delivery drivers is not mandatory, but it is a common practice to express gratitude for their services.
How much should I tip delivery drivers?
The recommended tip amount can vary depending on the type of delivery service, the cost of the order, and the level of service provided. For meal delivery services, the suggested tip range is typically between 25-30% of the order total. For furniture delivery, the suggested tip amount is generally between $10 and $20 per delivery person.
Can I tip delivery drivers with cash or gift cards?
Cash is the most common form of tipping for delivery drivers. However, some businesses may have policies that prohibit employees from accepting cash tips. In such cases, gift cards can be an acceptable alternative.
What factors should I consider when tipping delivery drivers?
When deciding how much to tip, consider factors such as the cost of the order, the distance traveled, the difficulty of the delivery, and the quality of service received.
Are there any alternatives to tipping delivery drivers?
If you are not comfortable with tipping, or if the delivery service has a policy against accepting gratuities, there are other ways to show your appreciation for the delivery driver. These include offering a bottle of water or a snack, leaving a positive review for the delivery service, or contacting the company to express your satisfaction with the driver’s service.
Do I need to tip delivery drivers if there is already a delivery fee?
Tipping is not required even if there is a delivery fee. However, many customers choose to tip delivery drivers as a way to show their appreciation for the service.
Should I tip delivery drivers differently during the holidays?
Tipping delivery drivers more generously during the holidays is a common practice to show appreciation for their hard work during a busy time of year.
Is it okay to not tip delivery drivers?
While tipping is a common practice, it is not mandatory. If you are unable to tip or do not feel comfortable doing so, it is acceptable to not tip the delivery driver.