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. So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty and find out about the main gig companies and why it's important to tip.

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:

1. 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)
   

2. 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.
   

3. 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.