Here’s How Much You Should Tip for Pizza Delivery
We’ve all been there. Dinnertime, everyone’s hangry, and the fridge is bare. Luckily, ordering food delivery has never been easier. From classic pizza delivery to the many food delivery apps, odds are that you can get your favorite restaurant food brought right to your front door.
The catch? It’s still super awkward to know exactly how much to tip. We’ve pulled together a handy guide to how much to tip pizza delivery (and how much to tip in 2022 everywhere else).
We taste-tested to find the best pizza chain and found a clear winner.
The Minimum Tip
Canvasing the Internet, we’ve learned that almost everyone agrees on a $5 minimum. (If you live in a small town with a small driving radius, experts say a $3 minimum is fine.) With so many people opting for takeout and delivery over dining at a restaurant nowadays, many people tip for delivery using dine-in minimum guideline of 15-20% of the total bill.
If you think about the time it takes a driver to grab the food from the restaurant, drive it to your place, wait for you to come to the door and then head back to the restaurant, you’re looking at 20 minutes, but probably more. Ask yourself: Would I take that trip for less?
Remember that most delivery people drive their own cars and pay for all associated expenses (like gas), not to mention, accept the permanent aroma of pepperoni pizza embedded in their upholstery. (This wouldn’t be a problem if robots ever start delivering pizza.)
What If There’s a Delivery Fee?
The delivery or service fees you may have paid the restaurant or food delivery app probably don’t go to the driver. In general, such fees cover the cost of business for the food delivery app or service.
The restaurant and the driver assume that tips are part of the driver’s wage, so never skip the tip. The tipping rules for takeout aren’t necearily the same as delivery.
When to Tip More Than the Minimum
If your order falls under the following conditions, you should tip more—at least 20%.
Bad weather, like sleet or snow (but we don’t think you should order then at all)
Party-sized orders (think 10 pizzas, or tons of entress with lots of sides)
For delivery outside the normal delivery range
If the driver called with updates or otherwise went above and beyond
Should You Ever Tip Less Than the Minimum?
If the driver is overtly rude, runs over your prize flower beds, drops the food or commits some other obvious offense, then you can give a lower tip.
What if the food arrives late, or ice cold? That might be on the restaurant, not the driver. If you have a complaint with your food, it’s generally best to tip the driver the minimum, and then call the restaurant to complain. They may take care of you with refunds or coupons.
To Sum Up Tipping
We get it: Tipping can get pricey, especially on top of fees. You’re paying for the convenience and the extra time and effort it takes the restaurant and delivery person. You can always try our pick for the top-rated frozen pizza brand!
Restaurant Recipes to Make at Home
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Pepperoni Pan Pizza
I've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
Check out these copycat bread recipes from top restaurants.
Asparagus Beef Lo Mein
This springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
Five-Spice Chicken Wings
Bird is the word when it comes to these wings. They’re baked to a perfect golden brown and hum with mild, delicious Asian spices. Thanks to an overnight marinade, the chicken inside stays tender while the skin maintains that signature crunch. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Baked Egg Rolls
These egg rolls are low in fat but the crispiness from baking will fool you into thinking they were fried! —Barbara Lierman, Lyons, Nebraska
Chicken Sausage Gyros
Surprise your family after a day at the beach with this fast, filling meal in minutes. Casual and hearty, the whole wheat pitas are packed with veggies—and flavor. —Kerri George, Berne, Indiana
Garlic-Chive Baked Fries
Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza
My grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband and me and our family. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio
Orange Beef Lettuce Wraps
This is a lighter version of a restaurant favorite. I also recommend trying these wraps with ground chicken or turkey.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Baked Crab Rangoons
When I'm dining out, crab rangoons are one of my go-to dishes. I decided to create a better-for-you version at home. —Emily Higgins, Wingdale, New York
Wisconsin Butter Burgers
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Barbecued Chicken Pizzas
So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
Poutine
The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada
Cinnamon Twists
These delightful golden twists are perfect for a spring brunch or lunch. The brown sugar and cinnamon give them a delicate spicy flavor. People can rarely eat just one. —Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
Who would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings—so be sure to make extras! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
California Sushi Rolls
This tastes as good as any restaurant or store-bought California roll. Plus, it's one of the easiest sushi recipes for when you're first learning
Sesame-Beef Pot Stickers
I enjoy having these potstickers as a late-night snack. They also work well as a quick appetizer for family parties. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Meatball Pizza
I always keep meatballs and pizza crusts in the freezer to make this specialty on the spur of the moment. Add a tossed salad and you have a delicious dinner. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Crispy Baked Wontons
These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon
Honey-Mustard Chicken Wings
For a change from spicy Buffalo sauce, try these sweet and sticky wings. There's a good chance they'll become your new favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Vegetarian Pad Thai
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Double Nut Baklava
It may take some time to make this rich, buttery treat, but it's well worth the effort! The blend of coconut, pecans and macadamia nuts is irresistible. —Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana
Herb-Happy Garlic Bread
You'll love the fresh garlic and herbs in this recipe. The mild goat cheese that’s sprinkled on top makes it extra rich and wonderful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cauliflower & Tofu Curry
Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cheese Fries
I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Super Quick Chicken Fried Rice
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
My husband and I tried to duplicate the deep-dish pizza recipe from a popular restaurant, and I think our Chicago-style deep-dish pizza turned out even better. The secret is baking it in a cast-iron skillet! —Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois
Korean Wontons
Korean wontons (called mandoo) are not hot and spicy like many of the traditional Korean dishes. Filled with inexpensive vegetables and beef, the fried dumplings are very easy to prepare and so tasty!. —Christy Lee, Horsham, Pennsylvania
Chicken Tikka Masala
This Indian-style chicken tikka masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more—a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
Like 'Em Hot Wings
These spicy Buffalo-style chicken wings are wonderfully seasoned. They are an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that disappears quickly. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Fast Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
Cheesesteaks and pizza are such favorites, I just had to combine them. We top a pizza crust with roast beef, cheese and veggies for a hand-held feast. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Veggie Sushi Rolls
These sushi rolls are a great finger food, side or even main course. They're versatile and can be made with any veggies you like. Kids have fun making them.—Sarah Christenson, San Diego, California
Bread Machine Naan
Chewy yeast-raised flat bread is a snap to make in a bread machine. Serve naan with your favorite Indian dish to soak up the curry and sauces. —Shannon Ventresca, Middleboro, Massachusetts
Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri
Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
These fall-off-the-bone-tender wings have just the right amount of heat. The cool blue cheese dressing creates the perfect flavor combination for dipping. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Swiss Cheese Bread
This bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Saucy Beef with Broccoli
When I’m looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri
Veggie Pizza with Herbed Tomato Crust
I love this recipe because the crust is so flavorful—tomato juice replaces most of the oil. It's one of my kids' favorite meals! —Karen Shipp, San Antonio, Texas
Asian Tofu Noodle Soup
Ginger, garlic and sherry jazz up this soup loaded with veggies and noodles. We like to accent ours with peanuts and green onions. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas
Grilled Cherry-Glazed Chicken Wings
When I take these grilled wings to events, there are never any leftovers! Friends and family love them. —Ashley Gable, Atlanta, Georgia
Dad's Favorite Pizza
Our daughter, Stephanie, makes this pizza for her dad whenever he has a craving for it. Meat eaters will definitely get their fill with a slice of this deep-dish delight.—Nancy Jo Leffler, DePauw, Indiana
The post Here’s How Much You Should Tip for Pizza Delivery appeared first on Taste of Home.
