Everyone enjoys the convenience of delivery, but what’s the proper amount to tip for having your dinner brought to your doorstep, still warm and with all the containers right side up? We’ve all been on the receiving end of a disapproving look after giving what we considered to be a perfectly good tip. And disapproval begets disapproval when we then launch into our How-dare-that-delivery-guy-question-my-generosity tirade. But really, do we tip enough? As one frequent order-er puts it, “They bring your food to your door because you’re too lazy to get it yourself. Laziness has a price, and it’s only a few bucks. Those few dollars just bought you another half-hour on the couch.” This calls for a completely unscientific survey. I polled 150 people throughout the city on their delivery and tipping practices, and I talked directly to restaurant managers and delivery guys about what they expect when they embark with someone’s precious bundle of grub. Among my findings, eight people order delivery seven nights a week—obviously, those are the agoraphobes.

So, let’s all try getting on the same page. Should we tip a percentage of the bill or a flat rate? According to most restaurant managers, either method is fine as long as you tip at least three or four bucks. The bottom line, make sure to consider distance, number of bags and weather. And remember, your trusty delivery guy holds your tummy’s every happiness in his hands—don’t fuck with him.