Deciding how much to tip DoorDash drivers can be a head-scratcher. As someone who’s been on both sides of the equation (a former delivery driver myself), I’ve got a few helpful tips to share. Let’s dive right in!
Understand Tipping Standards
First things first, it’s important to know the standard tipping range. Most etiquette experts recommend tipping your delivery driver 15-20% of the total bill. This shows appreciation for their hard work and helps make up for the low base pay many drivers receive. It’s the decent thing to do, really.
Consider Distance and Weather
Longer Hauls Deserve More
Don’t forget to factor in the distance your food has traveled. If your driver had to navigate across town in rush hour traffic, you might want to bump up that tip a bit. A little extra green can go a long way in showing gratitude for their extra effort.
Crummy Weather Warrants an Extra Boost
Nobody likes being caught in a downpour or navigating icy roads. If your delivery hero braved nasty weather to get your grub to you, they definitely deserve a little something extra in the tip jar. A few bucks on top of the standard tip is a small price to pay for their dedication.
Think About Order Size
While tipping is typically based on a percentage of the total bill, you might want to adjust for particularly large or small orders. For a massive feast that required multiple bags and trips to the car, consider tipping closer to 20% or even a bit more. On the flip side, a small order like a single burrito might warrant a higher flat rate tip instead of a mere 15% of the low total.
Assess the Service
Don’t be afraid to adjust your tip based on the level of service provided. If your driver went above and beyond – maybe they had to navigate complicated apartment building corridors or carried your order up several flights of stairs – feel free to add a couple extra bucks to show your appreciation. On the rare occasion the service was truly subpar, it’s okay to trim the tip a bit (but don’t completely stiff them unless it was egregiously bad).
Use a Tip Calculator
If all the mental math is making your head spin, there’s no shame in using a tip calculator app or website. Just plug in the total bill amount and it’ll spit out tipping suggestions for various percentages. Easy peasy!
Conclusion: Be Generous
At the end of the day, a little generosity can go a long way for your delivery driver. They’re providing an awesome service that makes our lives more convenient. So next time that DoorDash order arrives, don’t be a Scrooge – tip them well and you might just make their day. Who knows, maybe some good karma will come back your way in the form of extra ranch dressing or a forgotten side of fries!