Please Don't Stiff the Pizza Guy

May 20
13:52

2024

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

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Tipping is a cornerstone of American culture, yet many people struggle with how to tip properly. This article delves into the importance of tipping, especially for pizza delivery drivers, and offers guidance on how to tip appropriately.

The Role of Tipping in American Culture

Tipping is deeply ingrained in American society,Please Don't Stiff the Pizza Guy Articles serving as a significant part of the income for many service industry workers. Pizza delivery drivers, much like waitstaff, bartenders, and bellhops, rely heavily on tips to make a living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for food delivery drivers, including tips, was $11.41 in 2020, which is often below the living wage in many areas [^1^].

The Misconception About "Under the Table" Earnings

A common misconception is that service workers, including pizza delivery drivers, do not pay taxes on their tips. In reality, they are required to report their tips as income, and these earnings are subject to federal and state taxes. The IRS mandates that employees who receive more than $20 in tips per month must report them [^2^]. Therefore, the notion that these workers are pocketing untaxed income is unfounded.

How to Tip Properly

Tipping appropriately requires some thought and planning. Here are some guidelines to help you tip your pizza delivery driver fairly:

General Tipping Guidelines

  • Standard Tip: A standard tip for pizza delivery is 15-20% of the total bill.
  • Exceptional Service: If the service was outstanding, consider tipping more than 20%.
  • Minimum Tip: Even if the service was subpar, a minimum tip of 10% is generally expected.

Cash vs. Card

If you usually pay in cash, make sure to have small bills on hand to tip your delivery driver. If you pay by card, most delivery apps and services offer an option to add a tip during the payment process.

Special Circumstances

  • Bad Weather: If the weather is particularly bad, consider tipping extra as a gesture of appreciation for the driver's effort.
  • Large Orders: For large or complicated orders, a higher tip is warranted due to the extra effort involved.

The Impact of Tipping on Service Quality

Tipping not only compensates the service workers but also incentivizes them to provide excellent service. A study by Michael Lynn, a professor at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, found that higher tips are correlated with better service quality [^3^]. Conversely, leaving a minimal tip for poor service sends a message without completely disregarding the worker's effort.

The Ethical Consideration

If you are fundamentally opposed to tipping, you might want to reconsider using services that traditionally rely on tips. When you order food for delivery or dine out, you are not just paying for the food but also for the convenience and service provided. Your pizza delivery driver, like any other service worker, deserves fair compensation for their efforts.

Interesting Stats

  • Delivery Drivers' Earnings: According to a 2021 survey by PayScale, the average hourly wage for a pizza delivery driver, including tips, is approximately $9.92 [^4^].
  • Tipping Trends: A 2019 survey by CreditCards.com found that millennials are the least likely to tip, with only 58% always tipping their food delivery drivers, compared to 72% of baby boomers [^5^].

Conclusion

Tipping is more than just a social norm; it's a crucial part of the livelihood for many service workers, including pizza delivery drivers. By understanding the importance of tipping and following proper guidelines, you can ensure that these workers are fairly compensated for their hard work.

[^1^]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [^2^]: IRS Guidelines on Tipping [^3^]: Michael Lynn's Study on Tipping [^4^]: PayScale Survey on Pizza Delivery Drivers [^5^]: CreditCards.com Tipping Survey

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