How much should you tip delivery and restaurant workers during the coronavirus pandemic?
“Go with your heart,” advises Paul Bagdan, professor at Johnson & Wales University’s College of Hospitality Management. The hospitality industry expert has a few guidelines for those in a position to tip — keeping in mind that the demand and risk associated with this work is unprecedented during the pandemic.
In terms of amount, he says customers should apply the same generous spirit they do during the holidays.
“If you can afford it, we say give them twice the tip,” he says, adding that the national average for tipping is as high as 22% to 23% outside of the holiday season — so tipping as much as 45% is called for.
When it comes to picking up food from a restaurant, the same rules apply.
“You should tip regular prices on takeout,” says Bagdan, pointing out that without in-dining, the cooks and others who prepare your food are no longer getting as much of a cut of tips usually guaranteed to them via waitstaff.
And, yes, most waiters are required to split their tips with those working back-of-house — so consider that next time you are able to dine at a restaurant.
Bagdan adds that while some supermarket chains have policies that ban cash tips, you should feel free to slip your grocer a few bills.
“These people are really putting themselves at a real risk,” he says. “Those people don’t really have a choice, and they’re there to help us.”
He acknowledges that debate has roiled for years over whether it’s unfair that workers should have to rely on customers to supply a large percentage of their wages through tips — and he sympathizes with the argument.
But please don’t choose this time to take a stand on the issue.
“A lot of people have debated the concept of tipping in the past, but we’re certainly not going to change it anytime soon,” he says.
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