Sunday, December 21, 2008

Don't Forget the Pizza Guy!

On a slightly serious note, I thought I would toss in a note about the much neglected Pizza Guy.
He shows up at your door, on very short notice, and brings you food. You didn't need to cook it, or even go in the kitchen. You got on the phone/computer, made a request, and magically it has appeared. Now be appreciative!
Realize that nearly all Pizza Delivery guys are paid like waiters, i.e. it is assumed they will be receiving tips, so they get *less* than minimum wage for what they do. When you fail to tip him, or just give him the change from rounding your total to the next whole dollar, it's like handing a few coins to a waiter.
If the food arrives cold, excessively late without warning (i.e. don't get mad if it takes 45 minutes if they tell you that when you order), or the guy is really scary looking, that is one thing. But if the food is hot, fresh, and there in a timely manner, please make sure to tip the guy. 10% is the recommended minimum. More is always appreciated.
Also, please don't make the mistake of assuming that the "delivery charge" you see added these days is the tip - it isn't. First, the driver doesn't get all of that (they get 1/2 to 2/3 of it). Second, that is for gas and "wear & tear" on their car.
Please don't fall into the negative feedback loop of not tipping. Drivers talk to each other, and they remember the bad tippers. This results in your order being the last in the stack to be delivered as they will be trying to reward the customers who reward them. So then you tip less, or even complain, and it gets worse. I know if drivers who will refuse to deliver to specific addresses. Its ugly.
So please, remember the humble pizza guy. What would Game Day and the Bowl Games be without him?

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