Tipping for Takeout: Understanding the Practice and Its Controversies
Tipping has long been a contentious issue in the food service industry, particularly in the USA where some food service workers are legally allowed to be paid less than the minimum wage. This practice has sparked debates, especially when it comes to tipping for takeout orders. This article aims to clarify the reasons behind tipping and whether it is reasonable to tip when you pick up your food from a restaurant.
Why Tipping is Common for Takeout Orders
The most significant reason for tipping when picking up takeout food from a restaurant is to make up for the legally mandated lower wages of some food service workers. In the USA, some workers, particularly in tipped positions, can be paid less than the federal minimum wage. These workers rely on tips to offset the difference. If a worker is receiving less than the minimum wage, tipping is crucial to ensure they receive a fair wage.
However, the situation can be more complex. As mentioned in the example, the manager of a restaurant might be taking a significant portion of the tips for themselves, meaning that the workers are not benefiting from the tips they receive. This practice is illegal, although it still occurs. Therefore, it is important to verify how much the workers are paid and whether they can keep their tips before deciding to tip.
Tipping During Pandemic Times
During the pandemic, the situation was different. Many food service workers, especially young individuals, were at risk of getting sick while working and putting themselves at risk by interacting with a large and diverse crowd. Such circumstances justified tipping as a way to support their efforts. It paid tribute to their bravery and risk-taking during a global crisis.
However, as things have returned to a sense of normalcy, the need to tip for takeout orders has diminished. Most restaurants no longer face the same health and safety risks, and the business model has shifted back to a more traditional service model. Therefore, tipping for takeout is no longer a necessary or reasonable practice.
No Service, No Tipping
When picking up takeout, no service is provided to you. The service primarily involves cooking and packaging the meal, which is a function that the restaurant already pays its kitchen staff to perform. Thus, tipping is not a reasonable expectation. The individuals who package the food should not be compensated in the same way servers who receive tips after providing service.
Many places charge a carryout fee, which is used to cover the costs of supplies and materials like plates and trays. This fee is not meant to compensate workers. Similarly, charges for bags at restaurants like Chipotle are non-optional and cover the cost of packaging and other materials. These charges are not intended to be a tip or a way to compensate workers.
Conclusion: Tipping for takeout is not a requirement and is likely unnecessary and unreasonable. The primary reason for tipping, to make up for the low wages of food service workers, does not apply in the context of takeout orders. If you have any doubts about the wages and practices of the restaurant, it's best to research and ask questions before deciding to tip.