Do You Tip on Takeout, Curbside, or Delivery?
The rise of DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub has changed how Americans eat—and how they tip. This guide covers exactly how much to tip for every type of delivery and takeout order, with clear dollar amounts and percentages.
Last updated: · Reviewed by SnapTipCalc editorial team · How we research tipping norms
Where your delivery tip actually goes
On DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, 100% of the tip goes to the driver — but only after the app calculates the base pay it would have offered without it. Timing and platform matter.
- DoorDash / Uber Eats driver — 100% of tip
- Tips added before delivery influence which drivers accept the order. Tips added after delivery still reach the driver in full.
- Grubhub driver — 100% of tip
- Grubhub does not deduct tips from base pay per its 2019 policy change.
- Restaurant staff (takeout) — 0–100%
- For pickup orders, tips typically go to the counter/kitchen staff who packed it, not a server.
- Instacart shopper — 100% of tip
- Separate from Instacart's service fee, which the company keeps.
- Pizza delivery (in-house) — 100% of tip
- Delivery fees on the bill are NOT a tip — they cover the store's costs and rarely reach the driver.
Delivery fees, service fees, and 'small order' fees on the receipt are kept by the platform or restaurant, not the driver. Always add a separate tip if you want the courier to be paid for the trip.
Sources & further reading
Delivery Tipping: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub
Always tip delivery drivers $3–5 minimum or 15–20% of the order total, whichever is higher. This is not optional—delivery drivers use their own vehicles, pay for gas, insurance, and maintenance, and spend 15–30 minutes on each delivery.
Most delivery platforms show suggested tips of 15%, 20%, and 25%. Drivers can see tip amounts before accepting orders. Low or no-tip orders are frequently declined or delayed because drivers prioritize higher-paying deliveries.
- Small orders (under $20): $3–5 flat tip minimum. 15% of a $12 order is only $1.80—not enough to compensate the driver's time and expenses.
- Medium orders ($20–50): 18–20% is standard.
- Large orders ($50+): 15–20%. For very large catering-style orders, 10–15% is acceptable since the dollar amount is already substantial.
When to Tip More Than 20% on Delivery
- Bad weather: Rain, snow, extreme heat, or icy conditions. Drivers risk their safety for your convenience.
- Large or heavy orders: Multiple bags, drinks, or bulky items require more effort.
- Long-distance deliveries: Deliveries over 5 miles use more gas and time.
- Late-night orders: Drivers working after 10 PM deserve extra compensation.
- Holiday deliveries: Drivers are working while others celebrate—tip 25%+ or add $5–10 extra.
- Special instructions followed perfectly: "Leave at the gate," "Ring the bell twice," etc.
Takeout / Pickup Tipping
Takeout tipping is optional but appreciated. Unlike delivery, no one drives to your location. However, restaurant staff still pack your order, verify items, add condiments, and sometimes carry it to your car.
- Simple pickup from counter: $0–2. Not required, but rounding up or dropping $1–2 in the tip jar is a kind gesture.
- Complex or large takeout orders: 10% is appropriate. Staff spent extra time verifying and packing multiple items.
- Curbside pickup: $2–5 since staff walks your order to your car. More for large or heavy orders.
Pizza Delivery Tipping
Pizza delivery has the longest tipping tradition in the US. Standard: $3–5 or 15–20% of the order. Most pizza delivery drivers are employed directly by the restaurant (unlike gig app drivers) but still depend on tips. Tip more for multiple pizzas, bad weather, or apartments with no elevator.
Grocery Delivery Tipping
Grocery delivery (Instacart, Shipt, Amazon Fresh) requires significantly more effort than food delivery. Shoppers spend 30–60 minutes selecting items, checking quality, finding substitutions, bagging, and driving to your home.
- Instacart/Shipt: 15–20% or $5 minimum.
- Amazon Fresh: 10–15% or $5 minimum.
- Large orders ($150+): 20% or $15+ is generous and appropriate.
See our subscription delivery guide for recurring services like meal kits.
Pre-Tip vs. Post-Tip: Does It Matter?
Most delivery apps ask you to tip before the delivery (pre-tip). This is the amount drivers see when deciding to accept your order. You can usually adjust the tip up to 1 hour after delivery. Pre-tipping fairly ensures faster, more reliable service.
Some drivers are suspicious of very high pre-tips followed by reductions ("tip baiting"). Tip honestly and adjust only if there was a genuine service issue.
Counter Service & the Tip Screen
Counter service is where most tipping confusion happens: you order at a register, carry your own food, and a tablet spins around asking for 15%, 20% or 25%. There is no server, no table maintenance and no coursing, so the social obligation is far weaker than at a sit-down restaurant.
- Simple transaction (coffee poured, pastry bagged, pre-made sandwich): $0–1, or round up. No tip is socially acceptable.
- Prepared to order at the counter (burrito bowl, deli sandwich, custom drink): 10% or $1–2 is a fair thank-you.
- Counter order with table delivery, refills or bussing: treat it closer to table service — 10–15%.
The default percentages on a POS tablet are set by the merchant, not by any etiquette standard. Tapping “No Tip” on a pure counter transaction is not rude. Consistency matters more than the number: pick a rule you can apply every time rather than tipping out of screen-side guilt.
Curbside Pickup Tipping
Curbside sits between takeout and delivery. Someone has to package the order, watch for your car and walk it out, often in bad weather. $2–5, or roughly 10% of the order, is the common range. Go to the upper end for large orders, multiple bags or rain and snow.
FAQ
Is it rude not to tip on delivery?
Yes. Delivery drivers depend on tips for a significant portion of their income. Many drivers earn below minimum wage after expenses without tips. Not tipping also means your future orders may be declined or delayed.
Should I tip in the app or cash?
Either works. App tips are convenient, instantly recorded, and simplify tax reporting for drivers. Cash tips are appreciated and go directly to the driver tax-free (technically). If using cash, have small bills ready.
Do I tip for free delivery promotions?
Yes. "Free delivery" means the platform waived its delivery fee—the driver still did the same work and deserves the same tip.
What about catering deliveries?
For large catering orders ($100+), 10–15% is standard. The driver often makes multiple trips, sets up items, and may wait for confirmation. Tip $15–30 minimum for substantial orders.