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How to Tip on Target Delivery: The Definitive Guide

You’ve just received your Target order – maybe it’s a week’s worth of groceries, a shiny new gadget, or that adorable outfit you’ve been eyeing. The convenience of Target delivery is undeniable. But now the question arises: How do you tip your Target delivery driver? Currently, Target does not allow tipping for standard delivery orders placed directly through Target.com or the Target app.

Understanding Target’s Delivery System

Target utilizes a mixed delivery model. Understanding the nuances of this system is critical to understanding the tipping situation. Here’s a breakdown:

Standard Delivery (Target.com & Target App)

This is the delivery service most of us are familiar with. You place an order on Target’s website or app, and it’s shipped to your doorstep. In this case, tipping is neither expected nor facilitated. These deliveries are often handled by major carriers like UPS, FedEx, or the United States Postal Service (USPS), where tipping is not the norm.

Shipt Delivery

Shipt is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Target that provides same-day delivery services. When you order through Shipt, either directly through the Shipt app or integrated within the Target app/website, you are essentially hiring a personal shopper who shops for your items in-store and delivers them to you.

Tipping on Shipt Deliveries

With Shipt, tipping is not only allowed but also encouraged. These shoppers rely on tips as a significant portion of their income. Here’s how you can tip your Shipt shopper:

In the Shipt App: After your delivery is complete, you’ll receive a notification prompting you to rate and tip your shopper. You can choose a pre-set amount or enter a custom tip.
On the Shipt Website: Similar to the app, you can log into your Shipt account on the website and tip your shopper after the delivery.
Cash Tip (Optional): While not required or expected, you can always give a cash tip to your shopper in person. This is especially appreciated for exceptional service or large, heavy orders.

How Much Should You Tip on Shipt?

A common question is, “How much should I tip?” While there’s no hard and fast rule, a good guideline is 15-20% of your order total. Consider the following factors when deciding:

Order Size and Complexity: A larger order with many items or specific requests warrants a higher tip.
Delivery Distance: If the shopper had to travel a significant distance to deliver your order, a larger tip is appropriate.
Weather Conditions: Delivering in inclement weather (rain, snow, extreme heat) deserves extra consideration.
Exceptional Service: Did the shopper go above and beyond? Were they communicative, friendly, and efficient? Reward excellent service with a generous tip.
Personal Budget: Ultimately, tip within your means. Even a small tip is appreciated and helps the shopper.

Target Circle and Delivery

Target Circle, Target’s loyalty program, doesn’t directly impact the tipping process. It provides benefits like discounts and rewards, but these are separate from how you tip your Shipt shopper. Using Target Circle benefits on your order doesn’t change the recommended tipping amount on Shipt; it is still based on the final order total after discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I tip Target employees who bring my order to my car with Order Pickup (Drive Up)?

No, tipping is not allowed or expected for Target Order Pickup (Drive Up). These are Target employees, and company policy prohibits them from accepting tips.

2. What happens if I forget to tip my Shipt shopper?

You typically have a window of time (usually a few days) after the delivery to add a tip through the Shipt app or website. If you miss the window, there’s no way to retroactively tip.

3. Is there a minimum tip amount on Shipt?

Yes, Shipt has a minimum tip amount, which is typically around $2.

4. Can I edit or change my tip after submitting it on Shipt?

Once you submit a tip on Shipt, you generally cannot edit or change it. Double-check the amount before confirming.

5. Does Target take a portion of the Shipt tip?

No, 100% of the tip goes directly to the Shipt shopper. Target doesn’t take any cut of the tip amount.

6. What if I had a bad experience with my Shipt shopper? Should I still tip?

If you had a genuinely negative experience (e.g., damaged items, unprofessional behavior), you should contact Shipt customer support. Consider withholding the tip and explaining the situation to Shipt. Honest feedback helps Shipt improve their service.

7. How do Shipt shoppers receive their tips?

Shipt shoppers receive their tips through their regular Shipt earnings. The tips are typically included in their weekly payments.

8. Does Shipt offer any incentives or bonuses besides tips?

Yes, Shipt sometimes offers bonuses or incentives to shoppers based on performance, order volume, or specific promotions. These are separate from customer tips.

9. What if I only order non-grocery items through Shipt? Should I still tip the same amount?

Yes, even if you order non-grocery items (e.g., household goods, electronics) through Shipt, the same tipping guidelines apply (15-20%). The shopper is still providing a valuable service by shopping for and delivering your items.

10. Are Shipt shoppers Target employees?

No, Shipt shoppers are independent contractors, not Target employees.

11. If I have a Target gift card, can I use it to tip my Shipt shopper?

No, you cannot use a Target gift card to tip your Shipt shopper. Tips must be paid through the Shipt app or website using a credit or debit card, or given in cash.

12. How does Shipt compare to other grocery delivery services in terms of tipping?

Shipt’s tipping system is similar to other grocery delivery services like Instacart. Tipping is customary and expected on both platforms, and the recommended tip percentage (15-20%) is generally consistent across services.

In conclusion, while tipping is not an option for standard Target deliveries, it is an integral part of the Shipt delivery experience. By understanding the different delivery methods and following the guidelines provided, you can ensure that you’re appropriately compensating your Shipt shopper for their valuable service. Your generosity not only helps them financially but also recognizes their hard work and dedication. Happy shopping (and tipping)!