Bad tippers running rampant during coronavirus pandemic. Here’s the right way to do it
In the game of semantics, the word ‘essential’ has taken on almost an entirely new feeling when spoken in this brand-new post COVID-19 world. While it still means indispensable, the word is hardly said without a now all-too-familiar chill running down the spine of those who are considered essential.
For those putting their lives on the line to make a living wage in the food service business, the word is a mixed bag as states reopen despite coronavirus numbers climbing.
And some aren’t even getting a financial payout for their efforts.
It’s not just those working in food delivery department.
Those who are working at restaurants or shops offering take-out only during the pandemic are seeing the skimpiness of customers’ pockets as well.
With states reopening and food service people being able to go back to work, some are noticing a “no tipping” trend boil over to those heading back to dine-in restaurants. While a lot of people have upped their tipping game during the coronavirus pandemic, some are not, which affects those who make a living off of tips.
“Tips have always mattered, but the issue now is that the tips matter even more,” Steve, a DoorDash driver in Boston, told HuffPost back in April. “I’ve literally seen at least 50% of restaurants shut down temporarily, possibly permanently.”
This is a dark time for everyone right now, but that doesn’t mean we should forget the proper etiquette when it comes to tipping.
Here are some tips to follow when it comes to tipping etiquette:
Always tip for takeout/curbside pickup and delivery
Just because no-contact delivery is an option, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to tip because you’re not coming face-to-face with someone.
“The people that are outside are probably employees they’re trying to save from losing their job,” Diane Gottsman, founder of the Protocol School of Texas, told SFGate about those who are handing you your food when ordering curbside. “They’re probably working for gratuity but not a large hourly rate.”
While there’s a lot more going into an actual delivery versus curbside, it’s OK to go lower when tipping curbside. About 15% to 20% is the normal going rate there, according to SFGate, while higher is best for deliveries.
“There is a difference between curbside pickup and actual delivery, and for delivery there’s more involved,” lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann tells SFGate. “Anyone coming to your front door should get a little more money.”
25% to 30% is the new 15% to 20%
Before states started opening back up, servers weren’t able to perform at the same level of service that they normally would, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t going above and beyond.
“Because if a service is offered, even during hard times, it still requires a level of generosity,” etiquette expert Lisa Grotts told Cashay. “Let’s put it this way: 25% to 30% is the new 15% to 20%.”
Don’t forget to tip on grocery deliveries
Gig Workers Collective, a group advocating for delivery workers nationwide, suggests a similar range when having groceries delivered to your house.
“A good tip during the coronavirus area is at least 20%, up from 10—15% before the epidemic,” the group spokesperson told the Chicago Tribune. “A great tip is now 30%.”
Do NOT tip bait
Those who work for Instacart, a grocery delivery and pick-up service, have found that some people using the service are “tip baiting,” CNN Business reported. They lure the worker with the promise of a large tip and then adjust it to a smaller amount or to absolutely nothing after the delivery is made since the app allows users to change the tip up to three days after the order is complete.
“It’s very demoralizing,” Annaliisa Arambula told CNN after a shopper lured her with a $55 tip before the customer modified it to zero after the order was delivered.
“I don’t pretend to be a hero, like a nurse in a hospital... but I literally am exposing myself [to coronavirus] and when I return home, exposing my own family to the possibility of transmitting this disease. When you know that it’s somebody who’s just doing it to game the system and to get their order when they want it, it’s really frustrating.”
Help by crowdfunding those who depend on tips
As of right now, handing over cash isn’t the best way to practice healthy hygiene, but you can look at contactless digital payments like PayPal, Zelle or Apple Pay.
“Hospitality workers have been among those the hardest hit by the pandemic and many are laid off or furloughed,” Cashay says. “Several sites have popped up to enable patrons to virtually tip out-of-work service staffers, while they await unemployment benefits and stimulus checks.”
Online databases of cafes, bars, and restaurants with directories of ways to instantly send employees money include Covid Tip Jars, Virtual Tip Jars and Service Industry Tips.
How much to tip different workers
As more businesses open back up, some people are still unsure how much to tip over-the-counter or at dine-in restaurants, but Cnet Personal Finance was able to break it down:
Coffee shop baristas: $1 or so per drink, more for complicated beverages or less for basic orders
Bartenders: $1 to $2 per drink or 20% if you opened a tab
Dine-in restaurant servers: At least 20%
Buffet servers: 10% to 15%, depending on how many refills you get
“Fast-casual counter service: Up to $1 for taking your order, $2 to $5 if they bus your table or deliver your food.”
This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Bad tippers running rampant during coronavirus pandemic. Here’s the right way to do it."