Is $5 a good tip for grocery delivery?

A $5 tip for grocery delivery can be considered a good tip in certain situations, but whether it's "good" depends on several factors:

1. Order Size

• Small orders: For smaller grocery orders (under $50), a $5 tip might be considered a reasonable and good tip.
• Larger orders: For larger orders, especially those over $100, a $5 tip may be seen as on the lower end. In such cases, a larger tip (10%–15% of the order total) is typically expected.

2. Delivery Distance

• Short delivery distance: If the delivery is within a small radius from the store, $5 may be fine, as it compensates for the delivery time and effort.
• Long delivery distance: For deliveries involving long distances, traffic, or multiple stops, a higher tip is generally appreciated.

3. Service Quality

• Exceptional service: If the delivery person provides excellent service, such as careful handling of groceries, timely delivery, or even additional services (like helping to bring the groceries inside), it might be appropriate to tip more.
• Average or good service: If the delivery was standard with no issues, a $5 tip could be appropriate, particularly for smaller orders.

4. Platform Norms

Different platforms may have different expectations for tips. For example:

• Instacart, Shipt, etc.: These services often allow you to customize your tip, and many customers tip 10%-15% of the total order amount, depending on the size of the order.
• Minimum tip: Some platforms have a suggested minimum tip (e.g., $5), especially for smaller orders. If you're using one of these services, you might want to consider tipping more if you can afford it, especially if the delivery person went above and beyond.

5. Location

Tipping norms can vary depending on your location. In urban areas, workers may rely more on tips due to lower base pay, while in smaller towns, tips may not be as heavily emphasized. However, a fair tip based on the above factors is always appreciated.

6. Time of Delivery

If the delivery is made during busy times (e.g., evenings, weekends, or holidays), or involves special circumstances (like poor weather), it's a nice gesture to tip higher.

Tip Calculation Guide:

• Small order (<$50): $3–$5 tip
• Medium order ($50–$100): $5–$10 tip
• Large order (>$100): $10–$20 or 10%-15% of the total order value

Conclusion:

In general, $5 is a good tip for a grocery delivery of a smaller or average-sized order, especially if the service is adequate. For larger orders or more complex deliveries, a higher tip (10%–15% of the total) would be more appropriate. Always remember that your tip is a reflection of the service provided, so consider increasing it if the delivery person went the extra mile to ensure your groceries were delivered on time and in great condition.