Jeremy Barnes, a delivery driver for Wings Over Happy Valley has a saying for those who dare stiff him on tips: "Delivery drivers know where you live."
Barnes said most customers don't realize how far drivers have to stretch a $2 tip -- including car maintenance, gas and of course profit -- but said he is generally pleased with the average 15 percent gratuity he receives.
However, he added that the range of tips he gets is subject to many factors.
"It really depends on the time of day, how drunk people are, if it's on time," he said. "We get $5.15 an hour straight. You deserve at least 15 to 20 percent."
Mike Acquaviva, a driver for Gumby's Pizza, 300 Pugh St., said he is usually displeased with the amount students have been tipping him, averaging between 5 and 10 percent per night.
"A lot of people tend to round up to the next dollar or keep it under $2," Acquaviva said. "That used to be all right, but with gas prices it honestly is not enough."
Michael Lynn, a consumer behavior professor at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and a nationally regarded tipping expert, said students statistically do not give the most gratuity.
"In general, middle-aged people are the best tippers," Lynn said. "I would assume college students tend to tip less than their parents."
Acquaviva agrees. Outside of Gumby's he pointed to a middle-age man he thought was a student's parent, driving an expensive-looking car.
"I want to deliver to that guy," he said. "You get good tips when the students' parents are in town."
Joe Becker (sophomore-mechanical engineering) said he is sure to always tip a delivery driver.
"I try to tip 15 percent," Becker said. "I think it's high for delivery drivers, but I was a waiter, so I know what it's like."
Becker added that speed is the most important factor when he gives a tip, saying he gives less if the drivers take too long.
"The other day we ordered from Pita Pit and the guy took two hours," he said.
Lynn said drivers can get better tips if they do two things: First, on the phone, tell the customer they are personally going to make the food get there faster.
"People have to believe the food got there early because of my effort," Lynn said.
Second, if the driver is more outgoing, Lynn said, he or she has a possibility for a better tip.
"In general, the more likeable and personable you are, the more you're going to get as a tip," he said. "I would be as friendly as possible."
Bethany Caldwell (senior-advertising) said that was a large factor in determining how much extra she would tip a delivery driver.
"It all depends on the person. If they were rude, I wouldn't give 15 percent," Caldwell said. "I reward good service and if they're nice."
Barnes said he gets upset when people do not tip.
"I think they're total a-holes, considering you have to pay for gas and upkeep of the car," he said.
Acquaviva also said he is "not happy" when people stiff a tip.
"I am wondering why a person doesn't tip. It's just a prerequisite," he said.
