A Guide To Tipping During The Pandemic

I see two sides to this issue. One, most of the service people working during the pandemic, Grub Hub, grocery stores, pizza delivery guy and now that restaurants are opening up a bit, waiters, bartenders and waitresses all are risking their own health to serve you and avoid financial problems. So, yes, try tip a little more than usual.

Two, there are a lot of people that just can't mange to tip as much as they'd like. With so many out of work or furloughed, it's totally understandable.

Here are a few suggestions on tipping during this pandemic, all subject to your financial circumstances, of course;

Tip for Takeout

Under normal conditions, tipping for takeout is considered a "no obligation" situation. However, under current conditions, 10 percent for takeout and large orders. Remember, workers are struggling, too.

Delivery Apps

Food delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats set a default tip at 15 percent.

Personal Services

Most all beauty salons, barbers, nail salons, etc have been shuttered for a long time. With things opening up again and a lot of lost income in these professions, doubling your usual tip is the way to go.

Mail Carriers and Package Delivery

Mail delivery persons and Fed Ex workers are not allowed to accept tips. UPS workers are discouraged from accepting any cash tips. Maybe just leave a bottle of water or a packages snack to show you are appreciative. no homemade stuiff, though. People are still a little leery.

We are all a little tired of hearing "We are all in this together" but it's the truth. So, if possible, help out wherever you are able.