Reply #20: Not a penny

[Awsi Dooger]

Virtually every variable that warrants a tip has been eliminated. You aren't occupying their space or employees for 45 minutes or an hour. There are no dishes or utensils to wash. Most likely your food has been stuffed in an inadequate container and will be cold or colder than ideal when you get home. Once you get home there's plenty of do it yourself. In short, you've already paid full menu price for their product. There's a reason pizza restaurants often allow lower prices for pickup. They are making an above average profit for this quick transaction and are more than happy to chalk it up.

I've lived in a tipping town for 20+ years, Las Vegas. One of my roommates was a waiter at a fancy restaurant. He discussed every facet of proper tipping and I never heard him mention this aspect. My sportsbook buddies and I have frequented sports bars where we generally eat in but occasionally pick up and go. In those situations we've never tipped and the employees who know us well have never expected it. They know damn well we take care of them when we eat in.

Save the tips for when they are warranted. I'm always amazed when legit tips are balked at yet tame situations like this have people thinking they should needlessly tip.