We want to order chinese takeout which offers free delivery, but just wondering if we're supposed to pay a tip, or is it optional. Is it frowned upon if we don't pay a tip for next time we order. I kind of think it defeats the purpose of getting free delivery only to pay a tip, which you wouldn't pay if you pick up yourself.

Any advice?

I always pay a tip - same as a waiter bringing the food to your table isn't it?

Well since it says free delivery I wasn't sure. We don't pay tips in Australia, and you don't pay tips on home delivery, so am still getting used to the tipping thing. This is the first time we're ordering delivery since arriving in Canada.

So how much would you tip for, say a $25 order, surely not 15% like waiter service in a restaurant.

I usually just tip around the same amount as the tax I pay. Tipping is an indiviual thing anyway - I know my local pizza delivery boy so he always get's a bigger tip than the one I don't know..lol

15% of a $25 order is $3.75, if my dubious maths is to be trusted. So give him anywhere from $2-4... not exactly a huge amount to give a guy with a shitty job who's bringing you your dinner....

You are comparing free delivery with picking it up, though.

Shouldn't you be comparing free delivery (and possible tip) with a charge for delivery (and possible tip)?

Presumably it's the business getting the charge or going without the charge - and very probably building that into the price charged anyway - rather than the delivery person who is probably on minimum wage.

Maybe the lack of charge means they pay even less to the employee to deliver?

I'd have thought just rounding it up 3 or 4 of bucks would do and if I considered I was gettng a good deal, maybe a bit more.

My newspaper costs me much less to have it delivered than if I had to go (in all weathers) to get it. So my monthly payment includes a generous tip and I'm happy I don't have to go for it.

Yea, in a restaurant, but not to the take out driver. A couple of bucks is certainly enough.

TMI.

I tip delivery drivers 2-3 bucks, their pay sucks generally from hourly min. wage to just a set fee per delivery.

When I lived in town and I was a bit skint they got nothing, if I was a bit flush they'd get $5. Simple.

Doesn't matter how much I order, its a standard $5.00, rain or shine.

A bigger tip...not a big lip smacking kiss and then some cash as well..