Do You Tip On Grubhub? A Comprehensive Guide To Grubhub Tipping Etiquette

Merritt Spinka 18 Jun 2025

Grubhub has revolutionized the way we order food, offering convenience and variety at our fingertips. But with this convenience comes the question that many users often grapple with: do you tip on Grubhub? Tipping is an essential part of supporting delivery drivers, and understanding how it works on Grubhub is crucial for both ethical and financial reasons.

Grubhub's tipping system has evolved over the years, and while the platform provides various options for tipping, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Understanding the nuances of Grubhub tipping ensures that you're not only being fair to the drivers but also optimizing your own experience as a user.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of tipping on Grubhub, exploring everything from the platform's tipping policies to the ethical considerations behind tipping. Whether you're a regular Grubhub user or new to the service, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions.

Introduction to Grubhub Tipping
How Tipping Works on Grubhub
Why You Should Tip on Grubhub
Recommended Tipping Amounts
Grubhub Tipping Options
Tips for Effective Tipping
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ethical Considerations in Tipping
The Legal Perspective on Tipping
Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Introduction to Grubhub Tipping

Grubhub is one of the most popular food delivery platforms in the United States, connecting users with a wide range of restaurants and cuisines. While the convenience of having food delivered straight to your door is undeniable, the question of whether to tip on Grubhub remains a hot topic. Tipping is not just a gesture of gratitude; it plays a critical role in supporting the livelihoods of delivery drivers.

Grubhub offers a built-in tipping feature, allowing users to include tips during the checkout process. However, the platform's policies and the varying circumstances of each delivery can sometimes make tipping decisions more complicated than they seem. Understanding the basics of Grubhub tipping is the first step toward making ethical and informed choices.

Why Tipping Matters

Tipping is particularly important in the gig economy, where delivery drivers often rely on tips to supplement their income. While Grubhub does pay drivers a base rate, this rate can vary depending on factors such as location, time of day, and the complexity of the delivery. As a result, tips can make a significant difference in a driver's earnings.

How Tipping Works on Grubhub

Grubhub's tipping system is designed to be user-friendly, allowing customers to include tips during the checkout process. The platform provides pre-set tip amounts, making it easy for users to choose a suitable amount. However, users also have the option to customize their tip, giving them flexibility based on their satisfaction with the service.

Steps to Tip on Grubhub

When placing an order, proceed to the checkout screen.
Look for the tipping section, which typically appears after entering your payment details.
Select one of the pre-set tip amounts or enter a custom tip amount.
Confirm your order, ensuring that the tip is included in the total.

It's worth noting that Grubhub does not automatically include tips in the total cost of the order, leaving the decision entirely up to the customer. This transparency empowers users to make conscious choices about how much they wish to tip.

Why You Should Tip on Grubhub

Tipping on Grubhub is more than just a gesture of appreciation; it reflects a commitment to supporting the people who make the service possible. Delivery drivers often face unpredictable challenges, including traffic, weather conditions, and unforeseen delays. By tipping generously, you help ensure that these drivers are fairly compensated for their efforts.

The Economic Reality of Delivery Drivers

According to a report by the National Employment Law Project, many delivery drivers in the gig economy earn significantly less than minimum wage when tips are excluded. This highlights the importance of tipping as a means of bridging the income gap and providing drivers with a fair wage.

Recommended Tipping Amounts

While the decision of how much to tip ultimately rests with the customer, there are general guidelines that can help you make an informed choice. The standard tipping range for food delivery services is typically 15-20% of the order total, although some users opt for higher amounts based on exceptional service or challenging delivery conditions.

Factors to Consider When Tipping

The size and complexity of the order.
The distance traveled by the driver.
The weather and road conditions during delivery.
The punctuality and professionalism of the driver.

For example, if your order is particularly large or requires a long-distance delivery, it may be appropriate to tip closer to the higher end of the range. Similarly, drivers who deliver during inclement weather deserve additional recognition for their efforts.

Grubhub Tipping Options

Grubhub offers several tipping options to accommodate different user preferences. In addition to the pre-set tip amounts, users can choose to tip in cash after the delivery is completed. This flexibility ensures that customers can tip in a way that suits their circumstances and preferences.

Customizing Your Tip

If you prefer a more personalized approach to tipping, Grubhub allows you to enter a custom tip amount during checkout. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to tip based on specific factors, such as the quality of service or the difficulty of the delivery.

Tips for Effective Tipping

To make the most of your tipping experience on Grubhub, consider the following tips:

Tip consistently: Establish a tipping routine to ensure that you're supporting drivers with every order.
Communicate with drivers: Leave a note or provide feedback if you're particularly satisfied with the service.
Be mindful of peak hours: During busy times, drivers may handle multiple deliveries simultaneously, so consider tipping slightly more to account for the added workload.

By following these tips, you can create a positive tipping experience for both yourself and the delivery driver.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While tipping on Grubhub is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that users should avoid:

Forgetting to tip: Always double-check that you've included a tip during the checkout process.
Under-tipping: Tipping below the standard range can leave drivers feeling undervalued and undercompensated.
Assuming the tip is included: Grubhub does not automatically include tips in the order total, so it's essential to verify this before completing your purchase.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that you're contributing positively to the delivery experience.

Ethical Considerations in Tipping

Tipping on Grubhub raises important ethical questions about fairness and responsibility. As consumers, we have a moral obligation to support the people who provide essential services, especially in industries where wages are often insufficient. By tipping generously and consistently, we contribute to a more equitable and sustainable economy.

Building a Culture of Gratitude

Grubhub tipping is not just about money; it's about fostering a culture of gratitude and mutual respect. When we tip our delivery drivers, we acknowledge the hard work and dedication they bring to their roles. This simple act can go a long way in creating a more compassionate and supportive community.

The Legal Perspective on Tipping

From a legal standpoint, tipping on Grubhub is entirely voluntary. However, some states and municipalities have implemented regulations to ensure that tips are properly handled and distributed to drivers. For example, New York City has mandated that delivery apps must clearly disclose tip amounts and guarantee that these tips reach the intended recipients.

Grubhub's Commitment to Transparency

Grubhub has taken steps to improve transparency in its tipping system, ensuring that users are fully aware of how their tips are processed and distributed. This commitment to transparency helps build trust between the platform, its users, and its delivery drivers.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tipping on Grubhub is an essential component of the food delivery experience, offering a meaningful way to support the drivers who deliver our meals. By understanding how tipping works on the platform and adopting ethical tipping practices, we can contribute to a fairer and more equitable economy.

As you continue to use Grubhub, remember to tip consistently and generously. Whether you choose to follow the standard tipping range or customize your tip based on specific factors, your decision can make a significant difference in the lives of delivery drivers. We encourage you to share this article with others and leave a comment below if you have any questions or insights to share. Together, we can create a more thoughtful and supportive tipping culture.

How to Add a Tip in GrubHub

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