Food delivery is more convenient than ever, but one question continues to confuse customers: if an order includes a delivery fee, should you still tip the driver? The short answer is **usually yes**. A delivery fee is generally charged to cover business and operating costs, such as fuel, insurance, and other delivery expenses. It does not automatically mean the driver is receiving that money as a tip.

In many cases, drivers receive little or none of the delivery fee. Their income may depend heavily on tips, especially when their base pay is low. As the original article explains, **“the delivery fee does not count as a tip for the driver.”** This is why customers should not assume that paying an extra delivery charge means the driver has already been compensated.

Tipping remains common for food deliveries, with **10% to 20%** often suggested, or around **$3 to $5 for smaller orders**. The amount can depend on the order size, distance, weather, and quality of service. A driver may spend considerable time navigating traffic and delivering food safely, so the tip directly recognizes that effort.

There can be exceptions. If a restaurant clearly states that part of the delivery fee goes directly to the driver, a smaller tip may be reasonable. When you’re unsure, simply ask: **“Can you tell me if any part of that fee goes to the driver?”** Knowing where the money goes makes the decision much easier.

Ultimately, a delivery fee and a tip serve different purposes. Unless the restaurant specifically confirms that the fee includes driver compensation, it’s safest to treat the two separately. As the article states, **“customers are encouraged to tip separately to ensure that drivers are fairly compensated for their service.”**