How much is appropriate to tip a pizza delivery driver?

1. 71

   Tyler Funkposted 11 years ago

   How much is appropriate to tip a pizza delivery driver?
   
   Is there a set amount that always works best or does it depend on something like how fast the food arrives, or how personable the driver is, or the total cost of the order?
   
   

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2. 96

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   I wrote an entire hub on this not too long ago. There are a lot of factors that go into it. I will tell you that $2 or less in not appropriate. $3 to $5 is average. The funny thing I noticed is that people in middle class and lower class homes tend to tip more than people in upper class homes do.
   Of course the service matters, but also the fact that they came to your home, saved your gas, your time in traffic, your time in line, is it raining, is it rush hour. Overall the service by any delivery driver is very valuable even if it isn't always looked at that way. Another thing to take into account is the fact that drivers are usually paid less than minimum wage and they are using their own gas to get to you. Most places do NOT give the delivery charge to the driver. It usually goes to the store to cover insurance for the store. Many people assume this delivery charge IS the tip. It isn't!!

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3. 76

   jaydawg808posted 11 years ago

   I'd tip no more than $2 for the pizza guy.  They get paid to deliver pizza. They also probably get reimbursed for mileage/gas.  If you don't want to tip a lot, then go pick up pizza yourself.

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   1. 96

      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This is not the case. Most major chains do not reimburse mileage or gas. They also get paid less than minimum wage at most major franchises.

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   2. 81

      bethperryposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      peeples, I have a friend that worked her way up from delivery, to pizza maker & then manager at one major franchise.She says they not only pay minimum wage but provide gas reimbursement.

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   3. 96

      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Which is why I said most. I am a manager/marketing employee for one of the major companies, I also worked up from driver. Standard pay at all but one company here is $5.25 plus tips no gas allowance. Only one gives gas here and it's $1 per delivery.

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4. 81

   bethperryposted 11 years ago

   I usually give them 5 dollars if they arrive on or under the estimated delivery time I was given during the phone order. And I deduct 50 cents for every minute they are late; unless they have a really awesome excuse..like having to drive behind a funeral, causing a wreck when avoiding a kitten or if Stairway To Heaven was playing on the radio and they had to stay in their vehicle until it was over.

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5. 74

   JohnGreasyGamerposted 11 years ago

   Alan Harper from the TV series 'Two and a Half Men' used to agonise over the math when it came to tips, and would always leave 15% of the total price. If the service was less than favourable he'd leave a flat two or something dollars.
   
   I usually spend £10 when ordering food in, so if I've any change I let the driver keep it, or if I've only got a £20 note I might let him keep whatever's left (as I usually order more if that's the case). Up to you really, but they'll appreciate the gesture (see 'Two and a Half Men' for more details).

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