Reference this guide for how much to tip a pizza delivery if you ordered from a local joint or used a food app.
Here’s How Much You Should Tip for Pizza Delivery
Updated on Sep. 30, 2024
We’ve all been there: It’s dinnertime, everyone’s hangry, and the fridge is bare. Luckily, ordering food delivery has never been easier. From classic pizza delivery to the many food delivery apps, odds are that you can get your favorite restaurant food brought right to your front door.
The catch? It’s still super awkward to know exactly how much to tip. We’ve pulled together a handy guide to how much to tip pizza delivery (and how much to tip in 2023 everywhere else).
We also taste-tested to find the best pizza chain and found a clear winner.
What is the minimum tip?
Canvasing the internet, we’ve learned that almost everyone agrees on a $5 minimum. (If you live in a small town with a small driving radius, experts say a $3 minimum is fine.) With so many people opting for takeout and delivery over dining at a restaurant nowadays, many people tip for delivery using dine-in minimum guideline of 15-20% of the total bill.
If you think about the time it takes a driver to grab the food from the restaurant, drive it to your place, wait for you to come to the door and then head back to the restaurant, you’re looking at 20 minutes, but probably more. Ask yourself: Would I take that trip for less?
Remember that most delivery people drive their own cars and pay for all associated expenses (like gas), not to mention, accept the permanent aroma of pepperoni pizza embedded in their upholstery. (This wouldn’t be a problem if robots ever start delivering pizza.)
Do delivery fees change the minimum tip?
The delivery or service fees you may have paid the restaurant or food delivery app probably don’t go to the driver. In general, such fees cover the cost of business for the food delivery app or service.
The restaurant and the driver assume that tips are part of the driver’s wage, so never skip the tip. The tipping rules for takeout aren’t necessarily the same as delivery.
When should you tip more than the minimum?
If your order falls under the following conditions, you should tip more—at least 20%.
- Bad weather, like sleet or snow (but we don’t think you should order then at all)
- Party-sized orders (think 10 pizzas, or tons of entrees with lots of sides)
- For delivery outside the normal delivery range
- If the driver called with updates or otherwise went above and beyond
Should you ever tip less than the minimum?
If the driver is overtly rude, runs over your prized flower beds, drops the food or commits some other obvious offense, then you can give a lower tip.
What if the food arrives late, or ice cold? That might be on the restaurant, not the driver. If you have a complaint with your food, it’s generally best to tip the driver the minimum, and then call the restaurant to complain. They may take care of you with refunds or coupons.
The Bottom Line of Tipping
We get it: Tipping can get pricey, especially on top of fees. You’re paying for the convenience and the extra time and effort it takes the restaurant and delivery person. You can always try our pick for the top-rated frozen pizza brand!
Restaurant Recipes to Make at Home
Pepperoni Pan PizzaI've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida
Check out these copycat bread recipes from top restaurants.
Asparagus Beef Lo MeinThis springtime beef lo mein recipe is as easy as it gets. Ramen noodles make it extra fun. —Dottie Wanat, Modesto, California
Asian Chicken WingsThese baked Asian chicken wings are tender, juicy and irresistible. They soak up complex flavors from an Asian-inspired marinade made with sweet chili sauce, fish sauce, garlic and Chinese five-spice powder.
Deep-Dish Sausage PizzaMy grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband, our family and me. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio
Baked Crab RangoonRecreate your favorite takeout dish at home with this baked crab rangoon: so crispy and creamy, we understand if there aren't leftovers.
Wisconsin Butter BurgersIt’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter.
My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Cinnamon TwistsThese delightful golden twists are perfect for a spring brunch or lunch. The brown sugar and cinnamon give them a delicate spicy flavor. People can rarely eat just one.
—Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Chili-Lime Chicken WingsWho would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings - so be sure to make extras! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
California RollMaking your own California sushi roll is surprisingly easy. You'll need a bamboo mat, sushi rice and nori sheets to get started, and with a bit of practice, you'll be a pro in no time.
Meatball PizzaMeatballs, tomato sauce, cheese, pizza dough—a recipe for meatball pizza heaven.
Baked WontonsThese baked wontons are filled with seasoned pork and turkey, then baked until crispy. They're easy to prepare in advance, and can be frozen for a convenient make-ahead appetizer or snack.
Honey-Mustard WingsHomemade baked honey-mustard wings are packed with flavor, thanks to spicy mustard and your favorite honey, and they're easy to make for any gathering.
Vegetarian Pad ThaiWith this vegetarian pad thai recipe, you can make a sweet-and-tangy Thai takeout classic at home.
Double Nut BaklavaIt may take some time to make this rich, buttery treat, but it's well worth the effort! The blend of coconut, pecans and macadamia nuts is irresistible. —Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana
Herb-Happy Garlic BreadYou'll love the fresh garlic and herbs in this recipe. The mild goat cheese that’s sprinkled on top makes it extra rich and wonderful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen. If you're looking for more copycat recipes, don't forget to check out our favorite Domino’s cheesy bread recipe.
Cauliflower & Tofu CurryCauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cheese FriesQuick, easy and a surefire hit at your next gameday potluck or family gathering, you need just 20 minutes and six ingredients to whip up a large batch of these cheese fries.
Easy Chicken Fried RiceAfter my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
Deep-Dish PizzaLearn how to make deep-dish pizza in a cast-iron skillet at home. This recipe makes a thick crust topped with a no-cook sauce, savory toppings and plenty of melty cheese.
Korean WontonsKorean wontons (called mandoo) are not hot and spicy like many of the traditional Korean dishes. Filled with inexpensive vegetables and beef, the fried dumplings are very easy to prepare and so tasty!. —Christy Lee, Horsham, Pennsylvania
Chicken Tikka MasalaEnjoy the rich, aromatic goodness of homemade chicken tikka masala. The flavor is complex and laden with spices, but the dish is easier to make than you might think.
Like ‘Em Hot WingsThese spicy Buffalo-style chicken wings are wonderfully seasoned. They are an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that disappears quickly. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Bread Machine NaanEasy to make and even easier to enjoy, this bread machine naan recipe is one you will come back to again and again.
Fresh Spring RollsLearn how to make rice paper-wrapped spring rolls that are fresh, crunchy and delicious. It is easier than you think!
Spicy Chicken Wings with Blue Cheese DipThese fall-off-the-bone tender wings have just the right amount of heat, and the cool blue cheese dressing makes the perfect dip. —Kevalyn Henderson, Hayward, Wisconsin
Swiss Cheese BreadThis bread will receive rave reviews, whether you serve it as an appetizer or with a meal. For real convenience, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it! —Karla Boice, Mahtomedi, Minnesota. Have you tried these healthy copycat recipes?
Beef with BroccoliDelicious beef, crisp yet tender broccoli and a simple sauce make this beef with broccoli recipe one you'll remember. It's a speedy recipe if you have little time to prepare dinner, and it's easy to double if needed.
Grilled Cherry-Glazed Chicken WingsWhen I take these grilled wings to events, there are never any leftovers! Friends and family love them. —Ashley Gable, Atlanta, Georgia
Chick-fil-A Nuggets RecipeI developed this recipe to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. I knew I had a winner the first time I made them because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to add some sweetness. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia
