Do you tip for food delivery?

This section compiles responses from both customers and industry workers across the U.S. about their tipping habits and expectations when it comes to food delivery. 

What does the graph show? Customer and Worker Averages.



The graph displays the tips that customers say they leave for average service for food delivery, compared to the average amount industry workers expect for the same level of service. The data comes from feedback submitted by TippingGuide.com users in the United States.

Food Delivery Tipping Guide: How Much Should You Tip?

Tipping for food delivery is standard in the U.S. Drivers for apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub rely on tips because base pay per order is not usually enough to cover their costs. Drivers use their own cars and pay out of pocket for gas, maintenance, and insurance. They also spend time waiting for orders, dealing with traffic, and working through bad weather. 

Service fees charged by the apps are not the same as a tip and rarely go to your delivery person directly. Tipping your delivery driver shows that you value the service and convenience they are providing. Most people leave a tip in the app when placing the order. This is not a requirement, however doing so will often incentivize drivers to accept your order more quickly.

Tipping Quick Facts

• Standard orders. Tip in line with what you would normally leave for good service.
• Large or complex orders. Increase the tip to reflect the extra effort involved.
• Bad weather or holidays. Add a little extra to acknowledge the tougher conditions.
• Long distances (more than 5 miles). Consider increasing the tip when the driver travels a further distance as this takes more time and gas.

When to Tip More

• Difficult deliveries. Lots of stairs, tricky gate codes, or no parking
• Heavy loads. Big grocery hauls or large catering orders that take more time and effort
• Peak traffic or bad weather. Orders placed during rush hour, late at night, or inclement weather.

Pro-Tips for Better Service

• Service fees on delivery apps usually go directly to the app or restaurant, not the driver. Always leave a separate tip for your driver.
• Provide clear instructions for delivery or meet the driver outside if the delivery location is particularly confusing and difficult  to find.
• Drivers rely on high ratings to stay active on the apps, so they are often under pressure to keep their score up. Leaving a good review is a great way to show appreciation for good service.

How Customers Usually Tip Food Delivery Drivers

Most people leave a tip using the app at the time the order is placed, and you are able to adjust it after the food arrives. Customers can increase the tip if the service is great or lower it if something goes wrong.  Keep in mind that extremely low tips or no tip can make it harder for the app to find a driver for your order. However, a “bait and switch” (offering a high tip to receive priority and then rescinding it after your order is completed satisfactorily) is never advised and bad faith towards your driver.

Customers commonly tip extra for:

• Bad weather conditions
• Late-night or holiday deliveries
• Especially fast service
• Friendly communication and updates