Do You Tip Target Drive Up In 2026? (Your Full Guide)

Hey there, I‘m so glad you asked about tipping Target Drive Up! As a shopping addict and bargain hunter who uses Drive Up weekly, I‘ve got the inside scoop.

I know it‘s confusing trying to figure out if tipping is expected or how much is appropriate. But don‘t worry – I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about tipping etiquette, how employees get their tips, and how to use Drive Up like a pro.

Stick with me and you‘ll be a Drive Up tipping expert in no time!

Should You Tip Target Drive Up Employees?

This is the million dollar question – is tipping totally necessary for Target Drive Up or just an optional extra?

Here‘s the deal: Target‘s official policy is neutral on tipping. A spokesperson for Target told me “We appreciate the generosity of our guests but do not require tipping Drive Up employees."

So tipping is optional, not required. But just because you don‘t have to tip doesn‘t mean you shouldn‘t!

Most Target employees I chatted with happily accept tips when offered. However, some stores prohibit cash gifts to employees altogether, so read the room.

Even though it‘s not mandatory, tipping is a nice way to show your appreciation for great customer service. The Drive Up team goes the extra mile to safely load orders and deliver items to your car quickly. And they do it all with a smile!

Tipping lets employees know you value their effort and allows you to reward excellent service. Personally, I always make sure I take care of my Drive Up crew.

According to a 2021 survey, 65% of consumers think tipping is appropriate for curbside pickup services like Target Drive Up. And I have to agree!

So while totally up to you, I definitely recommend tipping your Target Drive Up employee as a thank you for superior service.

How Much Should You Tip for Target Drive Up?

Okay, so you‘ve decided tipping your Drive Up pro is the right call. But how much should you tip?

The standard tipping recommendation is 10-20% of your total order cost. However, tipping experts say a few bucks can be fine for smaller Drive Up orders.

Here are some tipping guidelines based on order price:

• Under $20 order – $2-5 tip
• $20-50 order – $4-10 tip
• $50-100 order – $8-15 tip
• Over $100 order – 15-20% of order total

For example, if your order is $37, a $5-7 tip (about 15%) would be greatly appreciated. On a $125 order, I‘d recommend a $20 tip.

Consider upsizing your tip if the team member had to lug heavy items like cases of water, loaded up your SUV, or provided exceptional service. Likewise, bad weather is no excuse to reduce tips – they‘re out there in it too!

And around the holidays, I like to tip 20-25% since employees deal with giant orders and crazed shoppers.

Following these tipping guidelines, you can appropriately thank your Drive Up shopper for outstanding service.

How Target Employees Get Their Tips

This was news to me at first – Target employees get to keep 100% of any Drive Up tips given to them! Tips are not shared or pooled between staff.

Cash tips are preferred since they don‘t have to be claimed on paychecks. But digital tipping is easy too.

When placing your Target.com order, you can add a tip during checkout that gets paid out to the employee bi-weekly. No need to have cash on hand!

Either way, the employee who helped you keeps the full tip amount directly. Target‘s policy is that tips are not considered company revenue or used to pay wages. Good to know!

So feel confident knowing your tip is going right to the person providing Drive Up service, not getting split or absorbed by Target corporate.

What Is Target Drive Up?

Never used Target‘s curbside pickup option before? No worries, I‘ll give you the rundown on how Drive Up works!

Drive Up allows you to shop online through the Target app or Target.com. Choose Drive Up as your delivery method during checkout.

Within 2 hours, your order will be pulled, packed, and ready for pickup at your selected Target. Just park in a Drive Up spot, tap “I’m here” in the app, and an employee will promptly bring everything out and load it in your trunk.

There’s no need to get out of your car or go inside the store with Drive Up. It‘s entirely contactless for your safety and convenience.

Drive Up is available at most Targets nationwide with no fees for RedCard holders. It‘s the fastest, easiest way to grab your Target goods. I use it for everything from groceries and homegoods to pet supplies and kids‘ clothes. Anytime I need something right now without the store trip, Drive Up is my go-to.

And during flu season or COVID surges, I really appreciate the contactless aspect. Drive Up helps me avoid exposure but still get what I need quickly. Such a game changer!

How To Use Target Drive Up

If you haven‘t tried out Target‘s Drive Up service yet, here‘s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Shop online – Use the Target app or Target.com to compile your cart and checkout.

2. Select Drive Up – Choose Drive Up as your delivery option during checkout at no extra cost. Pick your store location.

3. Get ready for pickup – You‘ll get an estimated Drive Up time, usually within 1-2 hours. Drive to the store once you receive the “Ready in X min!” notification.

4. Park and alert Target – Park in a designated Drive Up spot and tap “I’m here” in your Target app so employees know to bring your order.

5. Pop your trunk – Employees will load your bags into your trunk quickly and efficiently.

6. Verify pickup – Check your name and order details. Let the team member know if you‘ll be providing a tip!

7. Drive away – Once everything is loaded, you are free to head home with your Target goodies. So fast and easy!

On weekdays, I use Drive Up on my lunch break to grab essentials. And it‘s perfect for when my kids need a last-minute snack or activity to keep them busy. We pull up, get our stuff, and are on our way in just minutes.

Next time you need something in a hurry, give Drive Up a try. I think you‘ll love it as much as I do!

Target Drive Up vs. Competitors

How does Target‘s Drive Up stack up against other retailers‘ curbside pickup services? Here‘s a quick comparison:

Walmart – Offers free grocery pickup with no minimum order size. Must select pickup timeslot in advance. Not available at all locations.

Amazon – Prime members get free same-day pickup at Whole Foods in as little as 1 hour. Choice of curbside or in-store pickup.

Best Buy – Offers contactless curbside pickup in under an hour for online orders. Employees will place items directly in your trunk.

Home Depot – Lets you buy online and schedule convenient curbside pickup. Employees bring items to car. Minimum $40 order.

Target Drive Up – Free for RedCard holders with no minimum or timeslot required. Under 2 hour fulfillment and flexible anytime pickup.

Target Drive Up comes out on top in my book, with no fees or minimums plus insanely fast fulfillment. The flexibility and wide product selection help it edge out competitor options.

Pros and Cons of Target Drive Up

I personally love using Target Drive Up, but here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Completely contactless experience
• Super fast fulfillment, usually under 2 hours
• No fees, minimums or timeslots for RedCard holders
• Available at most Target locations nationwide
• Orders brought right out and loaded into your car
• Easy drive-thru convenience

Cons

• Can experience longer wait times on busy days
• Item availability not guaranteed
• Must park in designated Drive Up spots
• Need Target app and active account
• Employees dependent on tips for great service

The convenience and timesavings of Drive Up far outweigh any potential drawbacks in my opinion. And using Drive Up allows me to avoid crowds, checkout lines, and wandering the store aimlessly – huge plus!

Expert Tips for Target Drive Up

Over the past year, I‘ve become a Drive Up pro. Here are my best tips for using Target‘s curbside pickup service:

• Give plenty of lead time – Place your order early in the day to ensure fulfillment during peak store hours.

• Add substitutions – Allowing subs for out of stock items prevents pickup delays.

• Park strategically – Avoid parked cars or blocking traffic. Pull as far forward as possible.

• Prep your trunk – Make sure interior trunk release is accessible. Have space cleared out and ready.

• Watch for notifications – Keep an eye out for "Ready in 2 min" alerts so your order isn‘t returned.

• Bring small bills – Have $5s or $10s on hand to tip, since employees may not have change.

• Thank your shopper – Express your gratitude and appreciation. A smile and kind word go a long way.

• Rate 5 stars – Don‘t forget to give your shopper a 5-star review in the app for amazing service.

Using these pro tips will ensure you have the best possible Drive Up experience. You‘ll get your order fast, make your shopper‘s job easier, and show your gratitude through tipping.

The Bottom Line on Tipping Target Drive Up

I hope this guide gave you clarity on tipping etiquette and best practices for Target Drive Up orders!

While not required, tipping your Drive Up shopper 10-20% of your order total is customary and appreciated. Cash lets employees take home the full tip amount.

Target Drive Up is my go-to for fast, contactless pickup. With these tips, you can use Drive Up like a pro and make your shopper‘s day by showing your thanks through generous tipping for superior service.

Let me know if you have any other Target Drive Up questions! I‘m always happy to share my experiences and advice to help you shop smarter.