Do You Tip Walmart Delivery Drivers? The Complete Guide
Whether you should tip Walmart delivery drivers is a common question, especially with the rise of online grocery shopping and delivery services like Walmart+. While the convenience of getting your groceries delivered right to your doorstep is undeniable, the etiquette around tipping can be confusing.
This complete guide will explore all aspects of tipping Walmart delivery drivers, including understanding the service, arguments for and against tipping, Walmart’s official policy, tip amount guidance, alternatives to tipping, and ethical considerations.
Understanding Walmart’s Delivery Service
Before diving into the tipping discussion, it’s essential to understand how Walmart’s delivery service operates. Walmart uses a mix of in-house employees and third-party services like DoorDash or Spark Delivery to handle deliveries.
The type of delivery also varies – you can get groceries, general merchandise, or a combination of both delivered to your doorstep. Knowing the specifics of your delivery can help inform your tipping decision.
To Tip or Not to Tip Walmart Delivery Drivers?
Arguments For Tipping
One of the primary arguments in favor of tipping Walmart delivery drivers is that delivery is a service, and tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for good service. Many delivery drivers make a relatively low base pay and rely on tips to supplement their income.
Additionally, customers who tip well are often prioritized, ensuring their orders are delivered promptly and with extra care. Tipping can also motivate drivers to provide exceptional service, potentially leading to a better overall delivery experience.
Arguments Against Tipping
On the other hand, some customers argue against tipping Walmart delivery drivers because they already pay delivery fees or a membership fee for the service. They believe that the cost of delivery should be included in these fees, and tipping should not be necessary.
Furthermore, reports suggest that Walmart delivery drivers make around $17–$24 per hour, which is considered a decent wage. Some customers feel that tipping should be optional and reserved for truly exceptional service, rather than expected for simply doing the job.
Walmart’s Official Tipping Policy
According to Walmart, tipping their delivery drivers is optional, but appreciated. The company states that 100% of confirmed tips go directly to the drivers.
Customers have the option to tip before or after placing their order, or even after the delivery. If you choose to tip, you have a 24-hour window to modify or add a tip for your delivery driver.
How Much to Tip Walmart Delivery Drivers?
If you decide to tip your Walmart delivery driver, the next question is: how much should you tip? The general guideline is to tip 10-20% of the order value, similar to tipping at a restaurant.
For example, if your order total is $50, a $5-$10 tip would be appropriate. For larger orders, you may want to consider tipping on the higher end of the percentage range.
Additionally, factors like inclement weather, long distances, or particularly heavy or bulky items may warrant a higher tip to compensate the driver for the added effort.
Alternatives to Tipping
Walmart offers alternatives to delivery, including options to avoid tipping and delivery fees.
One option is to subscribe to Walmart+, which includes free deliveries (although tipping is still appreciated) and other benefits like free shipping and gas discounts.
Another alternative is to take advantage of Walmart’s in-store or curbside pickup services. With these options, you can skip the delivery fees and tipping altogether, while still enjoying the convenience of online ordering.
Ethical Considerations Around Tipping
The debate around tipping often extends beyond practical considerations and delves into ethical territory. Some argue that companies like Walmart should pay their drivers a fair wage, rather than relying on gratuities from customers.
On the flip side, others believe that tipping is a way to reward exceptional service and motivate employees to go above and beyond.
Another ethical issue that arises is the practice of “tip baiting,” where customers initially offer a generous tip to entice drivers to accept the order, only to reduce or remove the tip after delivery. While this practice is certainly unethical, some customers justify it as a way to ensure prompt service.
Tipping Walmart delivery drivers is a personal choice based on financial situation, ethics, and service quality.
What Drivers and Customers Say About Tipping
To provide a balanced perspective, it’s essential to consider the views of both Walmart delivery drivers and customers.
Many drivers express frustration with customers who don’t tip or engage in tip baiting, as tips can make up a significant portion of their earnings. They argue that delivering orders, especially large or heavy ones, is physically demanding work that deserves fair compensation.
On the other hand, some customers feel that tipping is becoming an expectation rather than a reward for exceptional service. They believe that companies should pay their employees a living wage, rather than relying on customers to make up the difference through tips.
In Summary…
In conclusion, whether you should tip Walmart delivery drivers is a personal decision that depends on various factors, including your financial situation, ethical beliefs, and the level of service received.
While Walmart states that tipping is optional, it is generally appreciated by drivers who often rely on tips to supplement their income. If you decide to tip, the recommended amount is 10-20% of the order value, with adjustments based on factors like weather, distance, and order size.
Alternatives to tipping include subscribing to Walmart+ for free deliveries or using in-store or curbside pickup to avoid delivery fees altogether.
Ultimately, the ethics of tipping and fair wages for delivery drivers will likely continue to be a topic of debate. However, within your personal means, tipping for great service can go a long way in showing appreciation for the hard work of those who bring your groceries and essentials right to your doorstep.
