Rachael Davis
In the hospitality industry it’s customary to tip for good service, but over in the US it’s seen as a major cultural necessity.
Service workers in the States typically rely on tips for the majority of their income.
The idea is that good service should the pay its due via tips, and so low base pay and the promise of tips is used to encourage enthusiastic and attentive service.
Of course, that’s all dependent on the customer playing ball and tipping generously.
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A flashpoint for this cultural expectation often comes alongside food delivery orders, with upfront tips being a priority for delivery drivers looking to maximise their earnings.
One TikTok user posted a viral clip showing how even the biggest orders can go begging if there’s no upfront tip
As a DoorDash driver — the equivalent of a Deliveroo driver here in the UK — TikTok user @dashdropfood felt it prudent to show customers how an upfront tip ensures you get your delivery quickly.
In his viral clip, the content creator showed a $92 Panera order that had been waiting for a full three hours without getting claimed by a driver.
"When you tip your driver, you get your food delivered quicker,” he said. “Tip your driver."
When you’re ordering $92’s worth of food, is an extra 10% tip for your driver really too much to ask?
That said, plenty of TikTok users replied that there’s always a chance of receiving a tip on delivery, especially if the service is quick and pleasant.
"Not tipping before order is delivered,” said someone who perhaps missed the point that an upfront tip will ensure their food gets picked up. “The food service is delivery, you deliver then get tipped."
"Tip is for the service,” agreed another, presumably while their food was going cold at a restaurant somewhere. “How you gonna' tip if you haven’t received the service yet? Do you tip your waitress before she waits on you?"
"I understand what you’re saying," a third user commented, understanding the driver’s perspective. "I’ve been a server all my [life]. But I still tip when I get my food. I tip very well to get to it me fast."
Plenty of other users said tipping upfront was second-nature, and that it’s a given that upfront tips ensure orders get prioritised by drivers.
"I always tip in the app and I tip at least 30 percent," said one user. "I've had no issues."
Another said: "People don’t understand that DoorDash is basically a courier. It’s a third-party service! Tip your driver, PERIOD!"
It’s fair enough that someone would want to pay a tip on receipt of good service rather than adding one upfront, but the gig economy does force your hand somewhat.
After all, if a driver is living on tips, they’re bound to prioritise the orders that come with one straight up.
Sure, there’s a chance you’ll get a tip on delivery, but some see that gamble as being inefficient — also fair enough.
What’s your take? Should delivery companies get ahead of this problem by upping drivers’ rates? Should drivers have a little more trust in the milk of human kindness?