Like many others here, I think that tipping in the U.S. is out of control (A tip jar at Subway, really?) and I generally do not tip for take-out orders. All of my take-out is at locally owned stores (no chains) and many times, especially at one place, the owner will do it herself and my philosophy is that I don't tip owners.

That being said, there is one Mexican place where the waitstaff does everything such as bagging up the order, getting salsa, etc. etc. They know me and know what I like (side of sour cream, hot salsa, etc.) and I usually will throw a buck or two their way.

I live in a state that does not have a lower minimum wage for waitstaff, but I will admit I might reconsider my policy if they were getting paid around $2 an hour.

Slightly off topic, but last December I was eating at my local buffet place and went up to pay. I usually always give the waitress 2 or 3 dollars because they do their own bussing, bring drinks, etc. I didn't have any singles but had a $5 bill, so I got the "holiday spirit" for a minute and decided to give it to her. I have never been "God blessed" or thanked so much in my life. It served as a reminder to me that even though I don't like tipping, there are those that work very had for a few dollars, where I am lucky enough that $5 wasn't even a concern to give.