Thursday, October 28, 2004
Tipping Trees
Our cliffhanger trees.
In the U.S., if you order food to be delivered, typically you expect to pay the menu price plus delivery fee plus a tip for the driver. In New Zealand, the takeaway/delivery menu is usually 10-20% off the regular manu price, delivery is often free within a reasonable distance, and the driver doesn't expect a tip. It's pretty nifty to be able to pick up the phone and have some fine Indian curries arrive at your door twenty minutes later for just a few bucks a serving. Almost hard to believe... I had to confirm the tip thing with Paul just to make sure:
Not usually. Unless you think the driver is particularly cute or something. Tipping is very uncommon in NZ - usually only for exceptional service. That's something I found very hard to get used to when I visited the US - always adding 15% to the bill as a tip. I don't understand why they don't just build it into the bill, and pay the staff more!Indeed! Sensible attitudes as the norm -- quite refreshing. :)
