Do You Have to Tip on Takeout? Etiquette Experts Settle the Debate

That moment at the register when a tip prompt pops up has become a familiar dilemma for takeout customers. Here's what the experts have to say about handling it gracefully.

Tipping is one of the most debated topics in the United States, and while it isn't mandatory, it's widely considered customary. Tipping your waiter or waitress after they've served your meal is seen as good restaurant etiquette.

But what's the proper etiquette when you're not sitting down to eat and are ordering takeout instead? While restaurants don't expect customers to tip at the counter, there are a few caveats.

Brandon Dorsky, food consultant and owner of Yeastie Boys Bagels, says, "Depending on the restaurant employee's experience, and where the employee lives and the type of restaurant the employee works in, the employee may have an expectation that customers tip on takeout orders."

Dr. Sheree Bryant Sekou, a certified business etiquette trainer and principal consultant at Sheree Sekou Consulting, adds, "In my experience, while many restaurant employees do not expect customers to tip when picking up takeout orders, many are pleasantly surprised to receive one."

So what's the proper protocol for tipping at the takeout counter? "Generally speaking, it is not customary to tip at the takeout counter," says Myka Meier, founder of Beaumont Etiquette.

"If you think the service was great or the person helping you out was exceptional, then it's absolutely a nice thing to tip if you wish. But it's not expected. And if you barely speak to the person taking your order, I would not leave a tip," she continues.

When it comes to how much to tip, Meier notes, "If you're at a casual bar that you walked up to and were just buying one or two inexpensive drinks, it's usually $1 to $2 per drink. (If service is amazing, you are welcome to tip more)."

She adds, "That being said, if you put your credit card down for a tab and come back at the end of the night, it is customary to tip 15 to 20 percent of the bill before tax."

If you've ever placed an order online, chances are you've been nudged to add a tip at checkout, which can feel like a bit of pressure. If you've found yourself hesitating at that screen, you're not alone.

As for the reasoning behind it, the explanation is fairly straightforward. The work behind your takeout order may happen out of sight, but that doesn't mean it takes no effort.

"To get $100 worth of food, it takes more time to pack up an order like that than it does to plate it and serve it," says Steve Dublanica, a former New York City waiter and author of "Keep the Change." "You need to put sauces in separate containers, arrange it so things stay warm. There's labor involved."

"The extra time spent packaging the food as a to-go order (including construction of to-go boxes), the addition of utensils and condiments, the re-checking of the orders' contents, and the precautions taken when the customer has identified allergies are all additional layers of work and time that a customer does not witness," Dorsky adds.

Nikesha Tannehill Tyson, an etiquette expert, author, and founder of The Swann School of Protocol – Shreveport, suggests leaving a tip in such takeout situations: "If the takeout order is large, requires special packaging or instructions, consider giving a gratuity of 5-10%."

And if you skip delivery and pick up your order yourself, leaving a little something for the person who put it together is still a welcome gesture. Cash or card, a tip is a simple way to show your appreciation for the service.