Tipping for take-out orders is a common practice in many cultures, especially in the United States and other Western countries. While tipping is generally associated with dining in at restaurants, there are several reasons why it is also encouraged when ordering take-out:
Acknowledgment of service: Tipping is a way to acknowledge the service provided by the restaurant staff in preparing your take-out order. Even though you are not dining in, the kitchen staff still works to cook and package your food, and the front-of-house staff may handle your order and ensure its accuracy.
Support for restaurant employees: In many cases, restaurant workers, including those who prepare take-out orders, rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. By tipping, you are supporting these employees and helping them earn a fair wage.
Maintaining quality service: When tipping is common for take-out orders, it incentivizes restaurant staff to provide excellent service, accuracy, and attention to detail, just as they would for dine-in customers.
Encouraging efficiency: Tipping can encourage restaurant staff to process take-out orders promptly, ensuring that customers receive their food in a timely manner.
Continuation of hospitality culture: Tipping has been deeply ingrained in the hospitality culture, and including take-out orders in this practice helps to maintain that tradition.
Showing appreciation: Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the restaurant's efforts in preparing your food, especially if the staff goes the extra mile in accommodating specific requests or providing additional condiments or utensils.
Positive relationship with the restaurant: By tipping for take-out orders, you are contributing to a positive relationship with the restaurant and its staff. This may result in better service and treatment in the future.
It's important to note that tipping practices can vary depending on the country, culture, and local norms. In some places, tipping for take-out orders may not be as common or expected. Before assuming the tipping etiquette, it's a good idea to check if the restaurant adds a service charge or includes gratuity in the take-out bill.
Ultimately, while tipping for take-out orders is appreciated and helps support the restaurant staff, it's still a voluntary gesture, and the decision to tip and the amount is entirely up to the customer. If you choose to tip, a standard tip for take-out orders is usually around 10-20% of the bill, depending on the level of service and your personal satisfaction.