Yesterday I ordered lunch from a Manhattan restaurant that provides free delivery. They are located about 18 short blocks, and 1 avenue from my office. I assume that the employer provides the delivery people with unlimited Metro Cards to use whem making deliveries. My office is close to the train station, as is the restaurant. When the delivery person came and gave me the credit card bill to sign, he said something to the effect of, "I came all the way from XX Street, so tip me well."

My order was a sandwich with fries and a soda, and it cost about $13. How much should I have tipped him?

I think you DO have to pay for their subway commute. Once I ordered from Mendy's - i'm in Lower Manhattan - and when I asked about the delivery fee, I was told that I had to tip him above the cost of his commute both ways.

15-20%


No, you don't necessarily. A lot of places say specifically that delivery is free and others won't deliver outside of a certain area because it would cost too much time/money.

If they tell you that you have to pay for delivery and/or transportation, then of course you have to pay. Otherwise, not.

Sounds pretty expensive; $4 for subway fare, plus a tip...all for a sandwhich?

I don't know what Mendy's policy on delivery fee is, i.e. to they say it's free or are they clear that there is a fee, but from where I ordered (Kosher Delight) they offer free delivery.

I agree $4 is fair.

Then you should ask. You can't assume one way or another.


Wow. You're a great tipper. If delivery was free, that's more than 30%.

I'd give $2.

That was assuming delivery was free. If it was $2 say, i'd tip $2. ($4 is total "extra" amount)

That's what I gave. Delivery is supposed to be free. This was a 15% tip.

I agree $2 sounds nice. Most restaurants in Manhattan don't charge for delivery within a couple of miles.

Delivery charges don’t go to the deliverer, though.

at least 20%