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Should You Tip Applebee’s Curbside Pick Up?

It can be difficult to know whether to tip when picking up meals from a restaurant. This is particularly true with curbside pickup, as you are unable to sit down and receive service from a waiter or waitress. If you’re getting takeout from Applebee’s, you might be debating whether to give the person delivering your food to your car a gratuity.

Applebee's - Signage above main entry

Yes, you should tip for curbside pickup at Applebee’s, is the quick response. Even though it’s not necessary, it’s considered polite to give the guy who delivers your food to your car a little tip.

An ex-Applebee’s worker suggested tipping at least 10% on curbside pickup orders in a Reddit post.

This is because even though they aren’t serving you at a table, the individual who carries your food to your car is still rendering a service.

It’s crucial to remember that there is disagreement on the appropriate amount to leave for curbside pickup.

Some people think a smaller tip should be given because the person delivering your food to your car isn’t giving the same quality of service as a waiter or waitress.

Others may contend that you should leave a larger tip because the person delivering your meal to your car frequently has to manage several orders at once.

In the end, the tip you provide is entirely up to you, but any amount is appreciated.

Understanding Tipping Culture

In the US, tipping is customary, therefore it’s critical to comprehend the social norms that surround it.

Applebee's is a subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc.

When you obtain a service, such as at a restaurant or hair salon, it is typically customary to leave a tip.

Nevertheless, how much you tip will depend on the quality of the service you receive.

Tipping at Applebee’s is a question of personal preference for curbside pickup.

While some individuals might believe that tipping is not essential for this kind of service, others might decide to do so in order to express their gratitude for the ease and quality of the offerings.

As a general rule, 10% to 20% of the entire amount should be left as gratuity if you choose to tip for curbside pick up at Applebee’s.

But you can also base your tip on the standard of the service you received, such as how quickly your meal was produced and delivered to your car.

It’s crucial to remember that some Applebee’s restaurants can have a rule in place that forbids staff members from receiving gratuities.

If this is the case, you can express your gratitude by giving the restaurant your direct comments or by writing a nice review or rating online.

Overall, the decision to tip at Applebee’s for curbside pickup is yours, but it’s always a good idea to appreciate exceptional service.

You can decide whether or not to tip by being aware of the custom and taking into account the quality of the service you received.

Applebee’s Curbside Pick-Up: What It Is

Curbside pick-up is the ideal choice for you if you want a quick and simple method to enjoy your favorite Applebee’s dishes without having to get out of your car.

Applebee's restaurant and parking.

When you order and pay for your meal using the Applebee’s app or online, your food will be delivered to you when you pull up to the designated curbside parking space at your neighborhood Applebee’s restaurant.

For individuals who don’t want to wait for delivery or dine in at the restaurant but still want to enjoy their favorite Applebee’s dishes, curbside pick-up is a simple choice.

Additionally, it’s a terrific strategy to save time and steer clear of the headache of finding parking and entering the restaurant.

Simply follow these procedures to utilize Applebee’s curbside pick-up service:

  1. Place your order online or through the Applebee’s app
  2. Choose the curbside pick-up option at checkout
  3. Pay for your order
  4. Drive to the designated curbside parking spot at your local Applebee’s restaurant
  5. Call the restaurant to let them know you’ve arrived and provide your order number and parking spot number
  6. Wait for your food to be brought out to you

Although curbside pickup is a practical choice, it’s always crucial to tip your server, so keep that in mind.

The server still took the time to prepare your order and bring it to you even though you weren’t dining at the restaurant.

For curbside pick-up orders, a typical tip ranges from 10% to 20%, depending on the amount of your purchase and the quality of the service.

Why Consider Tipping

You might be unsure whether to give the Applebee’s worker who delivers your food to your car a tip when you order curbside pickup.

Applebee's casual family dining grill and bar restaurant, Saugus Massachusetts USA

Although it is not required, tipping is a custom in the US, and there are a number of reasons you would want to think about doing so.

First off, leaving a gratuity is a way to express gratitude for excellent service. Tipping the wait staff who deliver your food to your car is a way to thank them for their assistance.

A simple tip can go a long way toward brightening someone’s day and motivating them to keep offering other clients excellent service.

Second, tips can provide financial support for the personnel. The employees who handle the curbside pickup service may be paid more per hour than the restaurant servers, but they still rely on tips for a portion of their income.

Tipping might boost their pay and compensate for any slow days or periods when they don’t have a lot of business.

Thirdly, leaving a gratuity helps foster a good rapport with the personnel and the business.

You increase your chances of receiving good service in the future by expressing your gratitude through tipping. Additionally, the personnel can remember you and treat you uniquely on subsequent trips.

Overall, tipping is a customary practice that can express gratitude for excellent service, provide financial support for the personnel, and foster goodwill toward the workers and the establishment despite the fact that it is not required.

How Much to Tip for Curbside Pick-Up

The customary procedure for tipping at Applebee’s is to leave a 10% to 15% gratuity of the entire order amount. This is comparable to how much to tip for takeaway and in-person orders.

San Francisco Bay Area, a photo of the famed applebee's restaurant

The amount of your order, the caliber of the staff’s service, and how pleased you were with the entire experience can all have an impact on how much you tip.

It could be customary to tip higher if you have a large order or need special considerations, such extra condiments or cutlery.

It’s crucial to remember that some Applebee’s locations, especially for large orders, may impose an automatic gratuity fee for curbside pick-up orders.

Unless you think the service went above and above your expectations, you are not required to leave a second tip in this situation.

If you’re not sure how much to tip, think about utilizing a tipping calculator app to help you calculate the right amount depending on the price of your entire order.

Remember that leaving a tip is a personal choice, and you should only leave what you believe to be fair and suitable in light of the service received.

In general, tipping for Applebee’s curbside pick-up is a way to honor the staff’s toil and commitment to delivering a flawless and practical dining experience.

You may assist the restaurant business and make sure that your favorite eateries are successful by leaving a sizable tip.

Frequently Asked Questions

A local Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar location.

Do you tip for Applebee’s Carside To Go?

Yes, it is customary to tip for curbside pickup just as you would for dine-in service. While the amount is ultimately up to you, a good rule of thumb is to tip between 10-20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service you received. Keep in mind that the staff who bring your food to your car are still providing a service, even if you’re not dining in the restaurant.

How do you tip for curbside pickup?

There are a few different ways to tip for curbside pickup. You can add a tip when you place your order online or over the phone, or you can tip in cash when you pick up your food. If you’re paying with a credit card, you can also add a tip on the receipt when you sign for your order.

What if I’m not satisfied with the service?

If you’re not satisfied with the service you received during curbside pickup, it’s still important to tip. However, you may want to adjust the amount based on the level of service you received. If there was a mistake with your order or the staff was rude or unhelpful, you may want to tip on the lower end of the range or not at all. On the other hand, if the staff went above and beyond to provide excellent service, you may want to tip on the higher end of the range.

Can I use Applebee’s gift cards for Carside To Go?

Yes, you can use Applebee’s gift cards for curbside pickup just as you would for dine-in service. However, keep in mind that gift cards cannot be used to tip the staff who bring your food to your car. If you want to tip, you’ll need to use cash or add a tip to your credit card payment.

How long does curbside pickup take?

The time it takes to prepare your order for curbside pickup can vary depending on how busy the restaurant is and how complex your order is. However, Applebee’s typically estimates a wait time of 20-30 minutes for Carside To Go orders. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the online ordering system to place your order in advance and specify a pickup time.

Entrance of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurant

Conclusion

In conclusion, tipping is not necessary for curbside pickup at Applebee’s, but it is a good gesture to express your gratitude for the service.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the employees who deliver your meal to your car probably earn minimum pay or less and depend on gratuities to augment their income.

If you decide to tip, a typical range is between 10% and 15% of your total bill. But in the end, it’s up to you to choose how much to tip based on the caliber of the service and your own spending limits.

Although it is not required, tipping is a method to express your appreciation for the service received.

Remember to express your gratitude to the staff for their efforts and commitment to making sure you have a satisfying eating experience, whether or not you choose to tip.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.