How Much Am I Supposed To Tip Gig Workers In Boston?
20%. We are living in a world where services like Instacart, TaskRabbit, Uber, Seamless, and others make our lives much easier than they were 10 years ago.
First things first, tipping gig economy workers is absolutely a must. These people are out there hustling to provide services to make money – it’s their job. By tipping them, you are first and fore most paying them for their services – and unless they are absolutely horrendous there is an unspoken agreement that you will tip them. And if they are amazing, and you can afford it, you can show your appreciation by tipping them more.
So, let’s break it down:
Instacart/Shipt/TaskRabbit, etc: These platforms bring groceries to your doorstep or help you with various tasks. It’s customary to tip around 20% of the total order cost. If they’ve gone the extra mile or you had a fantastic experience, go ahead and show them some extra love❣️ (in the form of cold hard cash lol)
Uber/Lyft: Well, if you don’t want to have a terrible rating on ride sharing apps you better pony up. Remember, terrible ratings = less or no rides for you. Aim for around 20% of the fare. Did your driver make your journey extra enjoyable or help with your luggage? A little extra tip makes sense.
Seamless/Grubhub/DoorDash: Food delivery drivers work hard. Often risking life and limb on those messenger bikes 😱 It’s common to tip them around 20% of the order total. Remember, these tips can make a huge difference in their earnings, so it’s worth being generous.
Geo Differences
Tipping customs are basically the same state to state. However, it’s always a good idea to consider local customs or guidelines if you’re uncertain. Just Google it.
Do They Get Base Salaries?
Not really. No. Gig economy platforms typically don’t provide a fixed base salary. Instead, these workers are considered independent contractors and they earn money based on the tasks they complete or the services they provide. So, the tips you give are a vital part of their income and can greatly impact their overall earnings.
What Determines The Base?
The exact earnings vary widely depending on factors like the hours worked, location, demand, and efficiency but base rates provided by platforms are usually not sufficient. Gig workers rely on tips to make a decent living.
Conclusion
Yes, tipping is discretionary, and the exact amount is up to you but 20% is really the right thing to do. If you receive exceptional service, tip a little more. Of course, if there were serious issues, you can adjust the tip accordingly or submit feedback through the app.
Next time you’re using Instacart, TaskRabbit, Uber, Seamless, or any other gig economy service, remember our generosity goes a long way in supporting hardworking people who make our lives easier.
How much do you tip? Let us know in the comments.
Nope, 20% shouldn’t be normal, this tip inflation is out of control, also economically makes no sense. The platforms have the responsibility to provide the service and also fair wages for the employees. I am already paying for their services through the platform, anything above that is certainly discretionary, lucky to get 10%.
20% as a baseline is nuts.
Do they get base saleries = "Not really" Wgat does that mean? Either they do or they dont.
There is an unspoken agreement that I will tip them?? NO there isn’t. How about you pressure the companies for a livable wage! This write up is terrible.
I fixed it – you’re right "not really" is vague.
Delivery and other gig service are luxuries. Platforms, just like restaurants, don’t pay workers enough to live on. In this culture, we know that. We also know that if the platforms did pay livable wages our bill would be much higher (more than 20%)
I disagree with this. Pay people a living wage. The gig economy needs to die, it’s worker and business exploitation; they rip wages from the gig workers, and they eat at the profits of restaurants (which already have thin margins).
Stop using these services and walk to your local restaurant / grocery store. Cambridge/Boston is the third most walk-able cities in the US; shop locally and support your local businesses instead!