Is it tacky to ask, "Do you want any change?"

[Jeebo]

Pizza delivery drivers, waiters and waitresses at restaurants, and others are asking that question sometimes. It's only been in the last few years that I've been hearing that question. It's a way for the waitperson or pizza delivery driver to ask you for a tip. I think it's tacky. I have thought so since the first time I ever heard the question asked, and every time since. I'm fine with tipping people. Most of them are poor or lower-middle class, or college students trying to get through school, so they all need the money, and that's why I always tip at least 15 percent, usually 20 to 25 percent. But I think it's tacky to actually ask for a tip, even if it is in an oblique way like this. What do y'all think?

— Ron

[applegrove]

1. Try offering them the tip first.

[Marthe48]

2. Miss Manners agrees

She had a letter in her column awhile back

[Skittles]

3. if a customer does not waive getting change back

change should be given

that is arrogant, to assume like that

[Fla Dem]

4. Get very few food deliveries, but eat out often, never have I (we) been asked that question.

Guess it depends on where you're dining out. A sub shop, pizza place, diner, donut shop etc I can see the person collecting the tab asking that question, particularly if it's a small amount, a dollar or less. But even then it's never happened to me. Usually I'll just say keep the change, again if it's a dollar or less. It really depends on the type of establishment.

[Emile]

5. As a coin collector looking for the new female quarters

I want my change.

[Iggo]

6. I've had it where they ask "Do you want the seven cents?" and I just say nah and they put it in the cup.

Felt weird the first time, til I thought, “Well, actually, no. I really don’t want seven dirty centavos sliding around in my pocket.”

Other times I’ve had people ask, “Donate the change?” And I’m like, “Sure, why not?”

We’d have to get into folding money before it would even start to bother me.

EDIT: I’m talking about cash register transactions. Never in my life have I been asked that by waitstaff. Can’t even imagine it ever happening. Pizza delivery? Maybe. I can believe it’s a pain in the ass for them to make change. But I tip in the app when I order, so it never really comes up. And like I said, if it’s coins, I’d just say “Keep it” and not think twice about it.