Tipping for to-go orders?

[Farfenugen]

Here is the convo I just had with my roomie. There is a Applebee's/TGI Friday's type restaurant down that street that has good food. I often order to-go because I am a shut-in and enjoy eating food from the comfort of my home.

Roomie: You tip them don't you?
Me:No. Why would I? I don't get any service.
Roomie: You should tip them.
Me: Why?
Roomie: Its just what you do.
Me: WTF? I'm not getting any service.

Is it normal to tip in this situation? I don't even know who I would tip.

[Abones]

Of course you tip them... 10% or so

[J von Ribbentrop]

Roommate?

[onthebutton]

Been done a hundred times here, but the answer is yes. Depending on the place, "to-go" orders are often a huge pain in the ass. Gathering all the condiments and other crap they have to include, bagging it up, etc. You are receiving some service, it's just a different type than if you dine in. Some tip is appropriate.

[MotTrieuDong]

This is not a time to tip.

[Farfenugen]

[ QUOTE ]
Been done a hundred times here, but the answer is yes. Depending on the place, "to-go" orders are often a huge pain in the ass. Gathering all the condiments and other crap they have to include, bagging it up, etc. You are receiving some service, it's just a different type than if you dine in. Some tip is appropriate.

[/ QUOTE ]

Fast food places do the exact same thing though. Should we start tipping there?

[SoloAJ]

I have never tipped carryout for the chinese place I go to. They love me because I tip about 25% every time I dine in. They are always smiling and really friendly when I come in. I don't think they care that I don't tip for the carryout orders...

I might tip at Applebees or somewhere that I consider it a little 'fancier' (yeah...its not really). I doubt I would tip even then, but I might.

[faded]

i think you should tip at applebees or anywhere else that has a curbside to go service where they bring the food to your car. this is the only time i have tipped or will tip for carry out.

[4_2_it]

If I walk in and pick it up, then I do not tip. I did not receive any service other than have someone hand me my food in a bag and run my credit card through a machine. I do not tip dry cleaners, McDonald's employees or at Starbucks for essentially the same treatment. I see no difference in picking up a pizza, Chinese or from Applebee's.

[inside??]

I tip my azz off and I don't tip on take out. When I worked as a waiter we pretty much said to each other if you cheap bastards don't want to tip get a take out.