When You Pay for Delivery: Who Do You Tip and How Much?

When you order food for delivery, especially from national chains like Domino’s Pizza or Pizza Hut, it is common to encounter delivery fees. But who precisely benefits from these fees? Should you still tip the delivery person, and if so, how much?

Delivery Fees and Their Destination

It's important to understand where the money from a delivery fee goes. In many cases, delivery drivers do not receive direct compensation from these fees. In fact, the money often goes to the restaurant or franchise owner, which can lead to mixed feelings among customers.

For instance, during a campaign for Domino’s Pizza, you’ll see a notice stating:

The delivery charge is not just for the driver’s pocket but also covers the vehicle, gas, and other operational costs.

As a consumer, you should be aware that the extra costs are not always passed on to the delivery driver. In our restaurant, the delivery fee covers vehicle fuel, maintenance, insurance, and the driver’s wages. We aim to provide a more transparent and fair system for both our customers and our staff.

Understanding the Variability in Policies

Keep in mind that different restaurants may have different policies regarding delivery fees and tips. For example, some places might split the delivery fees between the driver and the restaurant, especially when the driver is using their own vehicle. This approach ensures that the driver is still compensated for their work, even if the delivery fee is used to cover broader operational costs.

Tipping the Delivery Person

Regardless of who benefits from the delivery fee, the driver who brings your food to your doorstep deserves a tip for their effort. Tipping is a common practice in the food industry and helps enhance the driver’s compensation beyond their hourly wage.

At our restaurant, drivers typically make about $15 per hour, with tips contributing to their earnings. The tip often ranges from 15% to 25% of the total meal cost, but this can vary significantly depending on the driver's performance and your perception of their service.

Alternatives to Chain Restaurants

If you want to avoid the extra charges and tips, consider ordering from local, independent pizza places. These places often do not charge delivery fees, and you can directly tip the driver without the added complexity. This approach supports small businesses and can lead to a more personalized and community-driven experience.

Third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats are also known for their delivery fees and administrative charges. While these services offer convenience, they can be more expensive, and the tips you leave serve as a valuable incentive for the drivers.

Conclusion

When ordering for delivery, it's important to consider the policies of the restaurant or app you're using. Delivery fees are not always for the driver's benefit and can cover broader operational costs. Therefore, if you choose to tip the driver, it's crucial to adhere to local standards and make the extra effort to show your appreciation for their service.

Remember: The delivery driver has already made a significant effort to bring your food to you. Whether you tip or not, recognizing the value they bring to your experience during challenging times is important.