The general recommendation for tipping delivery drivers is to tip between 15% to 20% of the total bill. For restaurant food delivery, a tip in this range is suggested to fairly compensate drivers who often rely on tips to supplement their income. For smaller orders, tipping closer to 20% or a minimum of $3 to $5 is advised since a lower percentage on a small order may not fairly represent the effort of the delivery. For larger or more complex orders, or under difficult conditions such as bad weather or delivery to a difficult location (e.g., a high floor without elevator), tipping above 20% or adding a few extra dollars is considerate. Grocery delivery drivers, whose work includes shopping and delivery, generally earn tips in the 10% to 20% range, reflecting the added effort. In short:
- Restaurant delivery: 15% to 20% tip, minimum $3-$5 for smaller orders
- Grocery delivery: 10% to 20%
- Increase tip beyond 20% for bad weather, large orders, or difficult deliveries
These guidelines balance fairness to drivers with customary tipping etiquette.
