I'm a Food Delivery Driver. There Are Only Two Factors That Should Count When Calculating a Tip.

A weekly advice exchange invites readers to share thoughts on letters received, with replies published on Fridays. A delivery driver argues that tipping by meal price is misguided because the delivery work is similar across restaurants. The driver recommends tipping based on distance and difficulty, noting that many delivery workers evaluate orders using dollars per mile. A minimum tip of at least $1 per mile is suggested, with additional money for apartments, upstairs deliveries, or locations that are hard to find or access. Extra generosity may help speed up delivery and keep food hotter.

"“My side gig is delivering food for one of the apps. I've been doing it for over five years. The delivery experience is pretty much the same for all restaurants, so I think tipping based on percentages is silly. What I do is the same whether it's McDonald's or fine dining, so why should I get paid a lot more for the fine dining?”"

"“You should tip based on distance and difficulty. Many delivery folks look at dollars per mile when deciding whether to accept an order. So first of all, make sure the tip covers at least $1 per mile. Add more if you're in an apartment or upstairs, or if there's anything else that will make your place hard to find or get to. This is the minimum. Generosity beyond that is certainly appreciated and might help you get your food faster and hotter.”"

"“This makes so much sense! Of course the cost of the meal makes no difference to the person delivering it. Now that I think about it, the same applies to sit-down restaurants, and my mind is kind of blown. We've been doing it all wrong!”"

Read at Slate Magazine