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 (from Uber Eats to GrubHub), 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 every other kind of delivery out there).

We taste-tested to find the best pizza chain…

The Minimum

Canvasing the Internet, we’ve learned that almost everyone agrees on a $5 minimum, regardless of the total cost of your order. (If you live in a small town with a small driving radius, experts say a $3 minimum is fine.)

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 guys 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.)

Why a Flat Fee?

Tipping a flat fee makes sense because the effort to deliver many differently priced orders is the same. Maybe you ordered two pizzas with everything, which costs a lot but doesn’t take more effort to deliver than plain cheese. Maybe you only ordered one small entree, but that’s still a whole trip for the driver. Maybe you have a coupon. And so on. The tipping rules for takeout aren’t the same.

If your bill is higher—say, over $50—tip 10% of the total order.

What If I Paid 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.

Extra Credit: When to Tip More

If your order falls under the following conditions, you should tip more, between 15 and 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 Chinese food with lots of sides)
• Lots of special requests, add-ons, substitutions, etc.
• For delivery outside the normal delivery range
• If the driver called with updates or otherwise went above and beyond

Should You Ever Tip Less?

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

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 guy. You can always try 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Wisconsin Butter-Basted Burgers

It's no secret Wisconsinites love their dairy—in fact, they love it so much they 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

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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

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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

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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. It's a good thing the recipe makes a big batch, because people can rarely eat just one. —Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois

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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

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California Sushi Rolls

This tastes as good as any restaurant or store-bought California roll. Plus, it's one of the easiest sushi recipes to make! For best results, do use the sushi rice to ensure the right sticky consistency. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Sesame-Beef Pot Stickers

I enjoy having these little dumplings as a late-night snack while I'm watching television. They also work well as a quick appetizer for parties. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Herb-Happy Garlic Bread

You'll love the fresh garlic and herbs in this recipe. The mild cheesy duo that’s sprinkled on top makes it extra rich and wonderful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Cauliflower & Tofu Curry

Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are 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

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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

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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

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Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza

My husband and I tried to duplicate the pizza from a popular Chicago restaurant, and I think our recipe turned out even better. The secret is baking it in a cast-iron skillet! —Lynn Hamilton, Naperville, Illinois

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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. —Christy Lee, Horsham, Pennsylvania

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Chicken Tikka Masala

This Indian-style chicken 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

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Like 'Em Hot Wings

These spicy Buffalo-style chicken wings are wonderfully seasoned. They're an easy crowd-pleasing snack. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas

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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

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Veggie Sushi Rolls

These sushi rolls are great a 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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The post Here’s How Much You Should Tip for Pizza Delivery appeared first on Taste of Home.

Kelsey Rae Dimberg