I don’t have time at the moment to read all the posts. Only someone who has LOTS of money to spend on takeout, would ask such a question. Have you any idea how LITTLE these guys are paid (as are waiters and waitresses as well)? They rely HEAVILY on tips, to supplement their income, especially when called out in all kinds of weather, to deliver YOUR food because you didn’t cook that night, or make lunch, or whatever. No, it is not mandatory to tip, and maybe it IS a little chutzpahdig when the tip is automatically added to a bill, but it has ALWAYS been menschlech to tip.
And before anyone argues that the store owners should pay better wages – yes, they should, but they don’t. So should the hapless delivery boy suffer because of that? He might not be able to get a better job at the moment, might be paying his way through school, or not be qualified for something better. Don’t be cheap for a couple of dollars. It makes such a chillul Hashem.
TMB,and R-B you both need to take a look at yourselves and do a cheshbon hanefesh, if you would begrudge a few extra dollars when you already spent money on yourself, to someone who is not living off your tax dollars on welfare, but earning a living, just because in a “nice” way (not demanding, as was implied), reminding you that a tip is hoped-for. Asking someone how much change to give back, is NOT the same as “how much of a tip should” he take out. I believe that anyone who thinks tips should not be given, should work for ONE week (including deliveries) at such a restaurant, and see how they feel after that experience.