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We're glad you asked! This one always stumps us. We decided it was time get to the bottom of this nagging etiquette question with a search on "tip carry out." Tipthepizzaguy.com, an invaluable source we've deferred to in the past, lays it out -- if you pick up a pizza, no tip is required, but, "The tip is still expected at other restaurants when you order pick-up." In these cases, your tip is for the waiter or waitress who has to prepare and package your order. So a tip is in order, but how much is appropriate? Well, according to one source,
it depends on the establishment. If it's a restaurant that features take-out meals, 10% is appropriate. If it's a restaurant that is really more of a dine-in place, the typical 15% is in order. Phyllis Richman, a restaurant critic for the Washington Post, says that she doesn't usually tip at a carryout establishment, although she may add something to the jar on the counter. But if she is getting a meal to go from a sit-down restaurant, she will tip up to 10%. Waiters and waitresses are required to report 8% of their total sales to the IRS as tips. At some dine-in restaurants, takeout orders are added to a waitperson's total sales and
fall under the 8% rule. And even though you may be eating at home, the waitperson is still providing you a service by preparing and packing your food. As one source succinctly states, "When in doubt, leaving a couple of bucks is always appreciated."
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