**Introduction**

When it comes to tipping pizza delivery drivers, a common question that arises is whether a 10% tip is considered too low or even rude. In the United States and many other regions, the standard tipping range for food delivery is typically between 15 to 20% of the total bill. This article explores the factors that can influence the appropriate tip amount, provides insights from various perspectives, and offers practical advice.

Factors Influencing Tipping Amounts

The tipping amount for pizza delivery drivers can vary based on several factors:

Service Quality

Delivery speed and the condition of the food upon arrival play a significant role in determining how much to tip. If the delivery was prompt and the food was in excellent condition, it is appropriate to tip a bit more to reflect the quality of service.

Order Size

For larger orders, some customers choose to tip a higher percentage. This is understandable as the delivery driver may have to work harder, especially if the order is large or contains multiple items.

Local Norms

Tipping practices can vary significantly by region. Considering local customs is essential to ensure that your tipping behavior aligns with the cultural norms of the area you are in. For instance, in some places, a 20% tip might be the norm, while in others, 15% could be more appropriate.

Arguments Against Tipping and Honesty

Here is an opinion piece from someone who is generally opposed to the practice of tipping but acknowledges its importance in certain situations:

While I am generally against the practice of tipping, I still tip when expected. I understand that some workers are paid less than others on the expectation that they will be tipped. Here are some points to consider:

Pizza Delivery Workers

Pizza delivery people often aren't well-paid and must navigate various challenges to deliver your pizza. They need to:

Find your address in a limited amount of time. Take a certain amount of risk on the road. Deal with problematic customers such as those who are drunk, high, broke, or have loud barking dogs. Handle unexpected situations like customers forgetting they ordered pizza 25 minutes ago or not having cash. Face issues like cold pizzas, traffic, order mistakes, and unappreciative customers.

Given these challenges, tipping 20% or more is often justified.

Modern Delivery Practices

Currently, most pizza is delivered by Uber or DoorDash. These drivers can see your tip upfront and expect a minimum amount. They might not take a delivery for less than $5 or around $1 per mile round trip. This system emphasizes the importance of tipping more sensibly.

Historical Context

Back in the old days, pizza delivery drivers would often remember your home and even tip you if you stiffed them. Stiffing them was not wise and was not logical. In contrast, in modern times, you go out to an expensive restaurant and tip a person 20-60-80% for no investment in the restaurant, while you might consider a 10% tip for a delivery person using all their own equipment. This logic is questionable at best.

Conclusion

While a 10% tip is better than nothing, aiming for at least 15% is generally more acceptable and appreciated by delivery drivers. Reflecting on the value that delivery drivers provide and the challenges they face can help you make a more informed decision about tipping.