How Much Should You Tip Grubhub Drivers?

Tipping delivery drivers for services like Grubhub significantly impacts their overall earnings, often forming a considerable portion of their income. Understanding how tips contribute to a driver’s livelihood and the factors that influence a fair tip can help ensure a positive experience for both the customer and the driver.

Standard Tipping Guidelines

Guidelines suggest a percentage of the order total for Grubhub drivers. A common range is 15% to 20% of the order total. For smaller orders, a minimum flat tip is often recommended. This minimum typically falls between $3 and $5, ensuring adequate compensation. Even for orders under $10, a $2 to $4 tip per small order is considered acceptable.

Factors Influencing Your Tip

Several circumstances can influence the appropriate tip amount, moving beyond standard percentages. The distance the driver travels is a significant factor, as longer delivery routes often warrant a higher tip to compensate for increased fuel costs and time spent. Similarly, the size and complexity of an order can impact the driver’s effort; larger orders, those with multiple bags, or catering deliveries may require more careful handling and additional trips, suggesting a higher tip.

Weather conditions also play a role, as inclement weather like rain, snow, or extreme temperatures makes deliveries more challenging and potentially hazardous for drivers. Tipping an additional $3 to $5 or more during such conditions acknowledges the increased difficulty. Special instructions, such as navigating difficult access points or specific drop-off locations, can add to a driver’s effort and may also warrant an increased tip. The quality of service, including timely delivery, professionalism, and clear communication from the driver, can influence a customer’s decision to tip more generously. Drivers also appreciate higher tips during rush hour or peak times due to increased demand and potential traffic.

Understanding Driver Compensation and Tips

Tips are a substantial component of a Grubhub driver’s overall earnings, often constituting 50% to 70% of their total income. Delivery workers rely on tips to supplement their relatively low base pay. Grubhub’s policy ensures 100% of customer tips go directly to the driver, not absorbed by the platform or used to offset base pay.

From a driver’s perspective, in-app and cash tips differ. In-app tips are visible before accepting an order, influencing a driver’s decision. Cash tips provide immediate funds for expenses like fuel. However, a cash-only tip without an in-app tip might cause delays, as drivers may reject orders appearing to have no tip.

Submitting Your Tip

Grubhub offers several convenient ways to submit a tip for your driver. The most common method is in-app tipping, allowing you to add a gratuity before or after delivery. When ordering, you can select a preset percentage or enter a custom amount directly in the app.

Alternatively, you can provide a cash tip directly to your driver upon delivery. Grubhub also allows post-delivery tipping, typically within 24 hours, by accessing your order history in the app to modify the tip.