The question often comes up in military circles about how much you should tip your bagger. I remember when we moved to our first duty station in Germany, the standard seemed to be about $2 to $3, maybe a little more if it was raining or around Christmas.
If you are not familiar with the commissary, the baggers that pack up your groceries and take them to your car do not get an hourly wage. They make their money based on tips. It is expected that you tip your baggers because otherwise they will not be getting paid. Although you are not required to do this, most everyone who shops there does.
But back to the main question: What’s a fair tip for a commissary bagger?
I decided to ask a few military spouses how much they typically tip the baggers at their military commissary. A lot of them said they usually tip $5, maybe a little more or less depending on the size of their cart. A lot of them also said they tip $2 if the bagger only bags the groceries and does not take them out.
You might assume that the baggers are working for a very high hourly wage, and they probably are. $3 for 5 to 10 minutes of work is about $18+an hour. BUT, they also are probably not taking cart after cart out. A lot of times we see baggers waiting around until it is their turn to take out a cart. I think this means that overall they are not making all that much. It would depend on how many others are working and how busy it is at the commissary that day.
Also, most of the baggers are not there for 8 hours a day. Most of them only work a few hours at a time.
How much should you tip your bagger? What is the right amount?
I think it is safe to say that $3 is the average. If you are worried about it and tip $3, I think you should be fine.
That being said, I don’t think it would be wrong to tip a higher amount if you can afford to do so. You might just make a bagger’s day!
And if you don’t want to tip, head to the self check out line.
I’m a bagger at a commissary. I would love to make $18 an hour but sadly we are lucky if we make $10/$12 and that is on a busy day. Some days we can make as little as $5/6 an hour. We have to wait our turn and our commissary has a lot of baggers. It usually takes 15/20 min. of waiting for it to be your turn to bag. At our commissary most of the time people tip $2-$4 for one cart and $5-$7 for two or more carts. Sometimes people will have us take their groceries out and they don’t even say thank you or tip. Once a bagger goes out the door they must go to the end of the line so if a customer doesn’t have tip money it is polite to tell the bagger that you don’t inside the store. Just an insiders point of view 🙂
Thank you for letting the shoppers know how things work.
I’m never certain how much to give especially when two baggers bag my items. I give between $1.00 and $3.00.
When there are two baggers bagging your groceries, only one bagger gets the tip from that customer. It goes back and forth with each passing customer. So if you give the two baggers say, two dollars ea. the one bagger whose turn it is to receive the tip will get four dollars.
I tip $1.00 per bag.
I appreciate all the help
Your choice of a job – better than nothing.
It IS nothing if nobody tips.
Vitabella, Thank you for sharing your insight. It’s important for us to think about this issue through the perspective of a commissary bagger.
Since I have NEVER heard this discussed before, I came up with my own way of tipping baggers. I give them at least a dollar for every $50 that I spend, (I have been known to give my son double this just cause the “little beggar” is mine.) This way, when the cost of groceries goes up, they get an automatic increase too, Usually they get at least $4.
Normally we tips 2-4 dollars for 4-5 bags. Older baggers get more than beginners. Christmas and Thanksgiving is more. Packing properly warrants more tip. broken eggs, crushed bread and chemical with fresh produce equals less tips. We feel good with our tips.
$2 for 6 bags and I take it out myself our commissary is very busy and the baggers don’t have to stand around and wait. I don’t think they pay taxes on all this so $2 for 5 minutes is a really good wage by the hour. Hey I should get a job there
I usually tip about $.50 per bag plus $.50 for other single items like kitty litter/food, cases of veggies, etc.
I usually tip $2.00 – $3.00 because I normally have only a single cart. I’m retired and do all the cooking because my wife is physically restricted.
My husband tips $1 for every bag that is carried out. I say $5 with 7 being the max depending on the cart size.
We always tip the bagger regardless of what line we go through. If it is a quick trip and we go through the express line, we tip a $1.00. If they bag and take the groceries to the car we tip more depending on the amount we spent. The more we spend the more bagging and loading that needs to be done the bigger the tip.
30 years ago, it was customary to tip 25 cents per bag. These days, I tip accordingly to number of bags which I provide for cold food & other bags for other foods, to travel 73 miles home. Depending on temperature’s and time of day-I help load my car, but I nearly always tip anywhere from $6 to $18 for bagging and loading. and $2 to other bagger assisting. I use coupons to help off-set the sur-charge and bagging costs. I nearly always get the best bagger’s and get home without broken eggs or smashed bread!
I wish they had a few more lanes for self checkout, especially for those of us with a little larger order. Times are so tough now, that I would be nice if there were more self check lanes. Usually the commissary has one or both of the self check registers broken, so it makes it really hard to have to check out at a regular register, and not be able to tip the bagger. Wish we could but…………
I am a retired Navy spouse and a weekly commissary shopper. Also, the grandmother of a bagger who goes to college and needs her tips for school, rent, car payment,etc. I make the effort to give $1 for every bag that is loaded in my car. Usually works out to about
$8-$10. In the 3 years that my granddaughter has worked there I have yet to get her as my bagger!!!
While I have the opportunity, let me say that the CPO Selectees, are taking needed dollars from the daily working baggers. I have a son retired CPO and I remember his group having car washes, etc.
When I married into the Army 22 years ago, I was advised 25 cents a bag was the minimum you should tip unless you felt there was a problem (kind like 15% is a base waiter tip). I have gradually increased that until now I am at 50 cents a bag (and I round down). I have never known anyone who tipped a flat rate, only by the bag. As a result I have seen a lot of baggers who use the smaller bags first and put as few items as possible in them. I will personally tip more if you pack one of my larger strong handled bags tight and well than I will if you spread it out over 3 bags.
I always tip the baggers.. thought it was well known that they work for tips only, in fact I have seen small signs to that at the check out stands in the past
I tip $1.00 per $100.00 purchased or depending on the number of carts being wheeled out to my vehicle. If it is raining/snowing or around the Holidays, I tip more. If the bagger is very efficient, I tip appropriately.
I usually give a tip of $4 for one basket or less. One thing that I have never understood is how a federal agency like DECA will not pay some employees (like baggers.) a wage. Yes, I know, the prices for us are lower, but while other industries argue about the minimum wage DECA pays these (I guess that they are considered independent contractors) nothing. Probably have no benefits either.
At one time it seemed that a fair tip depended on the number of bags, thus baggers put very little in each bag. Now I tip based on my total bill. and consider the bulk of what I buy. Bagging must be fairly lucrative because we have a regular bagger who is the wife of a retired Lt. Col Most baggers do not spend 5-10 minutes per customer unless they also deliver the groceries out to the parking lot. . I also normally take my own groceries out to the car, and I think that is where the most time is spent by baggers. So regardless of anyone.s opinion about what is fair I think they are satisfied or they would not be showing up for work. .
I always tip $6.00 when we go though the check out lane with baggers.
I tip between 5,00 and 10.00 according to how many groceries I have but never less than 5.00. My dad ans husband both bagged at the Commissary so I know tips are all they make.
I give my baggers $5.00 each and bring my own cart out to the car.
We shop at the commissary usually once a month so it is a large amount of groceries to bag and take out. We watch the quality of bagging and our tip starts at $5 if the quality of the bagging is appropriate. We have never had bad bagging so then we look for how they place the groceries in the car and raise the tip accordingly. We also assist the car packing because it is a large order. We also consider politeness, courtesy, and customer service skills, which all raise the tip. Our tip averages $5-$9 on this large order.
I’m retired and live a distance from the commissary. The commissary allows us to pull up to the front area so the bagger doesn’t have to haul the several carts all over the parking lot. I usually have multiple carts and tip $1.00 per cart.
At least $3.00, but mostly $5.00 if I have a lot.
I go to the Commissary at Fort Benning about once a month from Atlanta so my bill is about $500-600 a trip. I usually tip $15-20 since we have many bags.. The baggers seem to appreciate my tips.
I always take out my own bags, because I don’t buy much at any one time. I routinely tip $2. However, it shocks me that it’s legal to have a bunch of employees that are not even making minimum wage, nor is the commissary paying their social security/medicare taxes. Even restaurant waitstaff (whose pay is based mainly on tips) have a minimum wage. How is it legal not to pay minimum wage to the people bagging and taking out the groceries at commissaries?
I have two different tipping types. When I go through the express (20 items or less) I always tip $3.00.
When I go through the regular line, I base my tip on the dollar amount spent. Under a hundred, tip is $5.00. Most of the time, my totals are between 150 and 180 dollars and I give a an 8 to 10 dollar tip, depending on how far the bagger has to carry my groceries. I have been shopping in the commissaries since 1957 and have never had a complaint from a bagger.
I leave a tip based on how much I spend.
$2.00 tip flat.
I usually tip $10.00.
The baggers at the commissary I shop at look like they stand in line more than they work. The baggers are not on a designated work schedule and just show up if they want to work. As far as tipping. I tip according to various standards: 1) the amount they have to bag 2) do they follow instructions (i.e. cold in double paper plastic for every thing else. 3) baggers care for my purchases. I do tip in the range of $3 – 5 per trip based on the above standards.
One thing that I do not agree with is that the baggers have to wait until their turn again. I think the shopper should be allowed to select a bagger that they have had good experiences. Some people say that that isn’t fair to the other baggers – hint hint – these baggers are being selected according to the above standards and if you aren’t selected then maybe you should look at how you compare to those standards.
at my commissary you are allowed to request a bagger if you want
I give $5.00 mostly all the time, cause I am usually spending $300. But around the holidays I have given $10-15. I use to wait tables and work these types of jobs before I became a nurse. So, I know the struggle.
I roughly tip about $1.00 for every $50 I spend.
Usually 2$. For a big purchase 3$.
I shop at the Ft Bliss Commissary. I usually tip the bagger at the express lane $1, and if I have enough groceries to use the regular lane (usually about 6-8 bags), I tip them $2. . Perhaps I should tip more.
I don’t mean to sound stingy but there are plenty of other places to shop and I’ve started shopping off base simply because I am tired of tipping the baggers! I can’t go to self checkout lines because I have too many items, unfortunately (the supervisor complains about it). I try to save a couple of bucks with coupons when I shop, and I can’t stand that I have to give my few savings to someone else who bags my items (I don’t want them to, and they offer to do it anyway).
I tip $3 during most of the year but I only shop for 2 people so I don’t have that many groceries. However, during the Holidays, I tip between $5&10 depending on the amount of groceries or how much money I have left after shopping.
I tip no less than 5 dollars but if I only get bags packed then I give at least 3 to 10.00 depending on how much is bagged
I live an hour from the commissary so when I go for our family of 6 my cart is full! I normally just give 10 dollars to the bagger. I also go for 1 huge trip right before Thanksgiving to cover Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. I almost always end up with the same sweet man here at the Ft Bragg south commissary ( and have for the last 13 years) so that trip I normally give 40 or 50 and a Christmas card! I have seen so many people treat these men and women horribly and it really irritates me. So many are kids paying their way through college, spouses of military members or retired military. I know I would not want any of my family members treated badly like I have seen some treated.
I live about 200 miles away from my local commissary so I only shop every 2-3 months at the commissary and I usually stock up big–I fill in between times on the local economy. Because I usually fill up two carts, sometimes three, I usually tip $10 and my husband brings our truck up to the sidewalk near the exit and I usually help push one of the carts to make it easier on the bagger.
We rarely get to a commissary, 100 miles one way means it just isn’t practical. When we do, we tip 15% rounded to the nearest dollar. Many years ago the standard seemed to be 10 cents a bag. Our son bagged at Great Falls, MT in the early 80″s and was always very satisfied with his tips.
I always give $3.00 -$5.00 a depends on how big my load is and if I can understand the bagger
The baggers are my commissary are great! They are so helpful, they deserve every dollar they make and then some. I typically give tips based on the amount I spend, but it will increase the better the bagger handles my groceries. Average for me in a weekly trip is $150, and I will normally tip $10, that is fair. Sorry people who think it’s too much, it’s not. I’m at the commissary I use coupons for my purchases and easily save much more than I give to the baggers for tips. I am thankful to still be able to have the commissary to shop at and I will do the customary thing and tip my bagger well. I have lived a miltary life since I was born. I’ve been coming to the commissary all my life, and always remembered my sad tipping the bagger well.
I normally tip 2.00 for anything under $50. And 5.00 under 100.00. Bad weather gets extra. Heavy items such as truckload sales gets 10 plus. Depending on the person and their attitude.
BLUF: If they bag your stuff properly and don’t mix cleaning supplies with food, smash your bread, or break your eggs then they deserve a tip.
I usually take my own groceries out unless my son falls asleep, if the weather is bad, or if I just have too much to handle with him in tow. With that being said, I always tip the baggers even if all they do is bag 10 small items. $2-5 bucks, for just bagging and $5-$10 for bagging and delivery/ loading up your car are good tips in my opinion. Now if they bag and take all your groceries to your car and you don’t tip them you are just rude and need some bagging etiquette!
Before our installation stopped allowing it, we used to bag for unit fundraisers and it was exhausting, especially after payday or before holidays.
We typically tip $5-$8 when we shop. Our rule is we tip 50 cents per paper bag or 25 cents for per plastic bag. Back when I was a bagger at a local supermarket, we would have 2 baggers for each open register. You had to hustle to keep up but we always made more in tips than our $1 per/hr wages.
I had a person tell me “Just $2???” since then I avoid commissary and if there I use self check out
I have been commissary shopping for 25yrs. When I first went i asked some fellow servicemen and was told 25cents per bag. I have continued this tradition. I will give more if they pay special attention when I have certain bagging requests but average $5-7.
I believe if someone is taking your groceries out to your car, and not working directly for the commissary, then you should tip the person for the service rendered..
People who are bagging groceries are not doing this for a pastime. I’m sure there’s other things they would rather be doing, but when you need the extra money you will do what you have to do to earn it. This is something to keep in mind when it comes to tipping a person helping you with your groceries.
I feel, that no one should tip less than two dollars more if they can afford it..
I have seen customers who drive very expensive cars, and can afford to tip more, often tip very little. And just the opposite on the other end of the spectrum. Just imagine yourself in the bagger working position, what would be a fair tip you would give your self.
My family tips ok, I think. We usually tip 10 to 20 dollars to our baggers. My mom used to be a bagger and I remember customers giving her a quarter for their entire tip. We tip our baggers inside and generally take the groceries out ourselves.
I TIP A DOLLAR FOR EVERY FIFTY DOLLARS OF PURCHASES. I.E. FIVE DOLLAR TIP FOR $ 250.00
I pay the baggers 5 or 6 dollars if they take the groceries to my car. What I see more and more that really bothers me is the number of elderly ladies (older than 65) I now more frequently see that have trouble bagging and lifting bags……It really bothers me to see these ladies doing this type of work
I consistently try to give $5.00 every time…
I read somewhere that $1/bag up to $5 was considered appropriate. Unless the bagger is careless when bagging my groceries or loading them in my car I tip $5. Usually, they seem quite happy with the bigger tip.
I usually tip $2 no matter how much or how little that I spend, even it I take the groceries out to the car myself. It I spend over $200, I’ll up it to $3-4 because it takes longer to bag.
I’m a retired/single shopper. I usually give the bagger $5.00 for a full cart. If there is more, then I tip more in $1.00 increments up to $10.00 -$15.00.
I understand that the baggers have to wait their turn. However, I have a couple of ‘favorite’ baggers that know how I want the groceries bagged in order to make unloading and putting stuff away easier.When its 100 degrees outside, even if I remember to take thermo bags with me, this makes a difference with cold/frozen stuff.
I usually tip $5 when my groceries are carried out to the car. I normally have at least 1 case of water along with groceries plus it is really hot in South Texas and I feel for them working in the heat.
I usually tip the baggers $3 if I go through the regular check-out lanes. If I don’t have too much groceries, I use the self check-out lanes & don’t tip anyone.
I never knew how much to tip, so I usually tip $1 per bag. Many times I have a trunk full, so it can be quite a bit $8-10 is about average. Many if not most times the bagger doesn’t say thank you for the tip, so this has discouraged me and I have started shopping elsewhere to avoid the extra expense of $10 on my grocery bill.
Retired AF (enlisted) here. My average tip is $5 for a single cart of groceries (usually 4-5 of my reusable bags and a case of water.) If the load requires 2 carts, I’ll usually tip $10 assuming the bags are properly loaded and they aren’t just tossed into the back of my SUV. If I’m grabbing only a few items I will tip $1-$2 and carry my own. If money is tight or the line too long I will use the self-check-out. That’s really the only way things are bagged 100% to my satisfaction.
We go to the commissary once a month and shop for the whole month. We have always tipped $5 and wish we could afford a bit more but being retired and on a fixed income it is hard to give more even though the baggers deserve more.
I generally give $4 a cart. If I buy softener salt, then I give $5.
I give them about $10.00 to $12,00 per shopping trip. That is when I spend $300.00 to $500.00.
If I have a small load to the truck it’s usually $3 if I do a substantial shopping it’s $5. When we get closer to Christmas I try to tip $10. There is little excuse not to tip people in the service industry… If you cannot afford to tip, don’t have a bagger carry your groceries. Simple as that!
My husband and I are both retired and shop the commissary usually once a month. I normally tip a
bagger a dollar for every $100 we spend. Around the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years) I will
add an extra amount or if the amount of the bill is closer to the next one hundred.
What is the policy of tipping baggers at overseas commissaries ( ie. Japan )
I normally trip a bagger based on the number of carts they take out. $5 for 1, $8 for 2 and $10 for 3 and I also help unpack the carts. If I’m going through the express line I put a $1 in the box, because I only have one or 2 items.
I usually do a fairly large shopping trip at the commissary every two weeks. I always make sure I have enough to tip for the large amount I purchase. I tip $6 for my cart, a bit more if I happen to get one of my “favorite” baggers. I usually give a little more as we get closer to the holidays, provided I can afford it also. Most of the baggers at the base I shop at are fantastic. Once in awhile I get a newly trained (or not so trained) bagger that might end up with only $5, but only because I end up with smashed bread or chips.
Good morning! I feel this is an important topic. If the bagger does a good job,not squishing things and bagging groceries the way they should be bagged , then they get a great tip. If they do a crappy job, I still tip them but, not as well. Some baggers take pride in their work and really go out of their way to do a good job. Others really don’t care if your bread is smashed by you milk.
Also striking up a conversation with the customer will not get you a better tip if you don’t do a good job ! I am held to a standard at my place of employment, I have to do a good job to get paid well. Don’ get me wrong we have some great baggers at our commissary, some are just there to socialize !
When I go through a line that I need a bagger I tip $5.
I always tip $5.
I grew up as a dependent and my mother airways taught me to give at least 1% pic of the total bill. Now as a retired military member myself I give at least 2% and usually more. With a family of 6 to feed it’s usually between $6&$10.
I usually tip $5 but I have tipped $10 before if it was a lot or raining really bad/storming. I’ve also tipped in euros before, then I usually give around €3-4 which ends up being slightly more converted to dollars.
I tip a minimum of $4 — that’s one cart and when I’m parked fairly near the store. If I have a very full cart and am farther from the store, I’ve tipped as much as $7 or more.
I am currently in Okimawa. I always tip $5 unless it’s a small order then I do $3 and walk it out my self. However here they don’t do it as that’s just your money, all the Okinawa combine the money in a bag at the end of the day and divide it evenly amongst all the baggers.
I am glad to read the response from the current nagger. I always wonder if what I give is appropriate. I give a minimum of $3 and then more dependent on the size of my load and always more ($5-10) during the holidays.
We try to tip at least $5. We know they don’t get paid and we try to do a little to help them out.
I usually tip between $4-$5 depending on the amount of groceries. And two dollars if I have a small amount and don’t need them to take it out.
I tip $5.00 for the bagger carrying out and $2.00 for the bagger that helped. If I have two carts then I tip $8.00.
I tip at least $3 per cart. Then I add more $ if the weather is bad. I give $20 when it is time normally spent with family around a holiday or the bagger appears to be over 70 and not in good shape (I sense they are there because they have no choice for financial reasons). I bagged as a fill in when I was a teen. I know not everyone tips. It is really disheartening when you bag 2 carts of groceries and walk across almost the entire parking lot to load groceries into the customer’s brand new car, then they give you nothing before you walk thier carts all the way back across that parking lot. I wish everyone would tip.
I typically will tip a bagger $2 for $100 or less of groceries and $3 for $100-150.
I would rather do it myself – same as at Walmart. Never heard of “self checkout lines” ??????????
We go to the commissary only once per quarter, because it’s 100 miles away. That means we’ve usually got a pretty large order. We bring our own reusable bags to minimize the use of plastic and to get more groceries in each bag.
There are almost always two baggers putting groceries in the bag, while one takes them to the car. We tip the “helper” $5 (which always seems to surprise them) and we tip the other $15-$20.
From the reaction we invariably get, it’s clear that most people don’t tip a whole lot.
I normally tip $5 unless I have 20 items or less then I’ll tip $1-2 dollars
I used to go with 25 cents a bag, but that is not keeping up with inflation and now we use the larger ‘reusable’ bags. I normally give 5 dollars if there is a full cart, more if there are several very heavy things like dog food or water.
We usually tip our baggers $5 to $10 or more if we have an extra large order. We also take the weather into consideration when deciding on a tip amount. Inclement weather always means they should receive a larger tip than usual. Most baggers provide us with excellent service and we feel they deserve a good tip.
I knew baggers did not get an hourly wage so we always tip at least $5-$6. Generally the higher the grocery bill the more the tip up to $10 when it’s over $300. When we were overseas in the ’60’s we did $1 per bag. Somehow I always wished it were more, and especially since I’ve been disabled.
OK!
Many years ago it was published in a one of the military publislications baggers should get a dollar per bag. We were unable to afford that much in those days but now we tip at least 5$. We double at holidays or if the weather is bad if there are a lot of bags. We appreciate what the naggers do especially if they are friendly and go the extra to help.
I tip $5 for $199 or less and $10 for $200 or more. With that being said I do not want to hear any whining because they do not make very much when the store is not busy or there happens to be a lot of baggers and they have to wait for a while before they can bag again. This is what they chose to do for income. I work a very labor intensive job for only $8/hr. Not whining about my decision, just stating a fact, then go home to my second job which is being a mom. So if they are not busy and sitting around, then they should not be paid for that and I think that if they averaged out the amount of minutes actually “working” vs the amount of money received I think that it probably works out in their favor and if it doesn’t then they should probably choose to seek different employment.
I usely pay baggers 10% of what my grocery bill is.
I was a bagger back in the ’70s when my husband was in the Navy stationed at Oceana NAS. Back then we worked shifts and the customers didn’t pay each bagger but instead there was a box or jar at end of counter where they would drop their tips into. Usually it was quarters or half dollars but occasionally someone would put a dollar bill in. At the end of our shift the money would be divided between the baggers. Of course the cost of groceries were a lot cheaper as was the cost of living etc. So we didn’t bring home a lot of money. $5 to $10 a day was the norm. Around Christmas some of the customers would give a little extra once we got out to their cars as a bonus . I took the job while my husband while out to sea so I’d have a little extra to take my 4 children to the roller rink or base bowling alley or base theater , at least once a week . Living in Military housing the teenagers in area would help with babysitting and didn’t charge but .50 cents an hour. or the wives would switch off and on babysitting to help each other out. Being retired military now, I still shop at the commissary when I can make the hour drive from NC to Va. Bch. and I try to tip at least $3 to $5 depending on how much I buy. Usually I buy for a 2 week period. And of course, on holidays I like to tip extra to show my appreciation too.
Sorry, I was trying to enter 1% of what my bill is, which is usually §2 to §3 on an average. So it is usely a $1 for every $100 spent.
In this day and age, I developed my own personal view on tipping baggers and some experiences I have had. First off, why do we still have baggers working for tips at the commissary? Our commissary has self-service lines now that always has lines because frankly, I think people are fed up with tipping. What other stores outside the gate has tipped baggers? I can’t think of any. How much do you think you commissary (federal employee) cashier is making compaired to your local grocery chain cashier? Why can’t the cashier’s job description be altered to include that they assist the customer with bagging? Why can’t the customer bag help with bagging their own stuff?
Have you ever tried to get a job as a bagger? The “list” to become a bagger at MacDill’s commissary is a mystery. While my sister was a dependent, she put her name on this list. No word of a lie, she was called 7-years later asking if she was still interested in becoming a bagger! I think these bagger positions are included in wills for relatives to assume. And who is in charge of the baggers? Do they ensure they report their tips and pay the appropriate (required) FICA and Federal taxes? Do you really think the baggers are claiming it on their annual taxes? Who ensures they are legal to work in the US?
I also had a experience when I was a dependent and my mom had me take the bagger out to the car and gave me $2 to tip them. Mind you this was back in the early 80’s. After the bagger loaded the car up, I gave them the $2 tip and the bagger responded that it should be a five dollar tip with the amount of bags. Being in my teens, I was shocked thinking this older lady was trying to dupe me. I apologized and asked for the money back and she handed it over thinking I was going to magically make a $5 bill appear. So I shut the trunk and walked off without paying her at all…teaching her a lesson.
So my view is that we should do away with bagging all together. Bag your stuff and load your own car…you do it everywhere except the commissary. Imagine if they bagged your BX, oh, I mean your Exchange purchase for tips. Naysayers say that the commissary baggers help people with jobs and the economy. Really? You sure they claim the tips on taxes? Is it possible they claim unemployment at the same time and burden our system with more cash handouts, both federal and your purse strings….
We use a TON of coupons each time we go….Because of this fact 1) The bagger has to wait a little longer for us to finish paying and 2) We saved a good percentage off our bill….. With those points in mind, we tend to go with a minimum of $5 tip each time.
I tip a minimum of $3. I base it on how well they bag stuff, for example my chips and bread are not bagged with cans, or my eggs placed with other heavy items. I average it out to $0.50 – $1 per bag up to $10. I look at the service they are providing me as I am disabled. They are working hard & deserve it.
My base tip is $3, but it goes up depending on how many bags of groceries I have. Even if I take the groceries to my car, I tip at least $3 for bagging my items. When I shop at the commissary on weekends, there are usually two baggers per lane, so I try to tip a little more because I am sure tips are shared.
I am also impressed with the friendliness of the baggers and how they engage in conversation while at the checkout and going to the car.
I always tip 15% or 20% of the total bill, I usually just check the items out myself at the self checkout but when I do go through the line that is what I tip.
Most baggers are very happy with my tip except for a young lady at Eglin AFB that I tipped $6..00 to when I had a $35..00 order, she sneered at me and threw my bags in my car, this does not make the baggers look good.
What does she expect?
That is why now I mostly go through the self checkout and do it myself.
I usually spend about $50-60 each week and tip $3. I spent more than $100 this week (a lot of pricey meats) and tipped $5.
I give them 2$ if I have a ton of groceries 3$ , and I ALWAYS take my cart out myself. That 2/3$ is just for the 4 minutes it took them to bag my groceries.
I always tip at least $5 and take the cart out myself (and return them to the front of the store).
We usually tip 2.00
I tip $5.00 if they take it to the car, $3.00 if they put it in my cart and I take it to then car..
As a rule I tip $3.00, if they are friendly and do an excellent job they get more. If they act like they have an attitude it could go down to $2.00. Trust me there are some who should not be baggers…
I always tip $5. Years ago it was my first time at the commissary, the bagger put my groceries in the car and just stood there not saying a word. I looked confused for sure and just repeated “thank you” to this woman but she still just stood there. She didn’t speak clear English so after a few more thank you’s, I drove off. In my rear view she was still just standing there. I got home that day and told my husband what happened. He asked if I tipped her. Then he told me how they didn’t make an hourly wage! I was horribly embarrassed. Since then every bagger gets $5.
Thanks for the article and response from the person who bags groceries. It is good to get perspectives from other spouses and people who bag.
I too tend to give $1 for every $5 for full service to my car. It works out to be $3-5 per commissary run, and may give a little extra at holidays and in rain. In the short lines (limited number of items) they bag your groceries and hand them to you, then bag the next customer’s groceries. I assume they have some sort of way to share the work. I generally give $1 for what ever I get since it is not usually $50 after reading this article I will probably keep my overall theory in place but give extra more often. ❤️
I usually tip them 3-5 dollars depending on my bill. about 50 cents a bag.
Two dollars, if not i will not save enough to a trip to a distant commissary.
I tip $5.00 whether it’s for one bag or 5 bags of groceries. I do appreciate their help.
Usually $3-$5. But with commissary savings dwindling, I can see the reluctance to tip higher, or even at all. Hopefully the commissary won’t go away, but it’s looking that way.
I am a mom of 2 (still at home) BOYS! I try to go once a pay period and get the bulk of what we need for the 2 week pay period. That usually equals out to 1 – 2 huge carts full. The bill is anywhere from $100. to as high as $400. depending on if I stick to my shopping schedule. My tip is about 10% of the bill and this is why. I am ALWAYS thankful for how they bag my food! I have never had a broken egg or squished bread. I have never had any leaks or broken bottles.
I also take that few moments to just say hi and see how the bagger is doing. Are they having a good day?
Are they busy? Sometimes I get someone who will open up and chat even if it’s for a few seconds.
I take that moment to encourage that bagger. I do not know who they just had or who is coming up and I want them to know I appreciate their hard work. I have heard people yelling at the baggers because something was not perfect. Their pay comes form how they bag our food. They are going to be as good as they can be.
I usually tip $5.00. I have no set formula for tipping so $5 is my norm. I try and help unload the cart, but that is because I have to make sure all my cold stuff is together. I make my commissary venture a road trip.
I always give $5 on big shopping days. I feel that is fair for the 10-15 the spend bagging my stuff and taking to the car. On small shopping days just $2-3
I shop once a month so usually have a cart pretty full. I always tip $4 to $5 …..I use my own bags, so often the baggers over loads them. If that’s the case, then it’s reflected in maybe a dollar less. I load my own cold things into my cooler so it does cut down on my baggers time. I hope I’m being fair…Jeannie
I am a retired military widow. I shop at the commissary once a month. I tip according to how much I have purchased, how many heavy items etc. I never tip less than $5 but will tip up to $10.. I make sure before I leave home that I have the appropriate cash ready along with my shopping list, coupons, rewards card, credit card and ID card.
Where I am the baggers do not take the groceries to your car. They do ask if you would like assistance but I typically decline. With that being said I usually tip $3 on average. Around the holiday season or if I have a fuller than normal cart I will tend to tip $5.
I always tip in accordance to what I spend, but I feel that we shouldn’t have to tip baggers or be forced to use them. Granted the store doesn’t charge sales tax, but they do charge a use tax which I believe is more than the sales tax and this is on everything we buy. Why can’t they foot the bill for the baggers if they want to have them? Why is it placed on us? The prices at the Commissary are not worth even going into the store anymore. Years ago they had all sorts of sales and the meat and produce were excellent now we get high priced cuts, no sales and it’s terrible. The cereal you can get cheap at your local store on sale and in the commissary you are paying full price. Why? What happened to the sales we used to see for us? Who took over and obviously lacks knowledge in getting suppliers to give us a break like they do in the supermarkets. They say the commissary saves you money not in the way I shop. I can get two boxes of cereal for the price of one at the commissary. I can get soap, shampoo and you name it two for their price. Meat cuts are tough and not worth the money anymore and they are charging just as much as the local store except for a few cuts of meat. There are no store brands and everything is overpriced. On top of that my husband and I went into the store, got into line and he showed his identification, and he forgot his credit card, so I went to pay which my card has the same last name as my husband and we were told I couldn’t pay without presenting my military id which was ridiculous. Who cares who pays as long as someone is showing their military id??? Since that day I haven’t stepped foot back into that store at all, and I wished we didn’t bother to stop in there that day. Many of the young military wives believe that the commissary, NEX and etc.. is the best way to shop, and it’s not. In 98% of the cases you would be better off looking in your circular’s or online and shopping stores off base, because you will hit sales, and not get hit with use taxes and bagging tips. Yes, back in 2002 and a few years after shopping was great at these places, but not anymore. They need people in place that will fight to get us sales, coupons and etc…I should start holding a class on how to save money for newbies because when they see that they spent three times as much going to the NEX convenience store or the commissary they will be in shock!
Since I clip coupons to pinch as many pennies as I can, I usually head right to the self check-out to avoid tipping the baggers.
When I got to my first duty section they told us to tip 25 cents per bag. That was 35 years ago but it was a good rule to judge by. I live in a very rural area a couple hours away from a military base so we only shop at the commissary once a month. I still count bags & $3 is ok if you have a small cart load but if you have more a $5 to $8 tip is more in line. Bagger’s get no pay at all, they just work for tips. I for one appreciate having them there so tip well!
I norm.ally tip between $3 and $5, depending on the size and weight of the order — not the dollar amount. Big load — bigger tip.
I usually give between $3 and $5. I never give less than $3 but if I have a really big order I have given over $5.
My usual tip is $5.00. Our area is in a high cost of living. The baggers give great assistance and should be compensated.
On a typical commissary trip, I tip at least $2 for a cart full; I usually don’t ever have more than that. If there is an ‘excess’ of heavy or bulky items I up $1 for each item. During busy commissary times (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) the tip is a minimum of $5.
We live in Las Vegas where many resorts have free valet parking. We have a typical $2-3 tip for each visit; this is upped to $5 or $10 on holidays.
We realize many folks take FREE services too literally, so we stand by making sure our servers are rewarded.
(USA, SGM, Ret.)
Some baggers do a very poor job and just throw everythingin your bag no matter
What you tell them.
Else
i tip $3 for i cart, $5 or more for 2 carts. ihave seen cheap people just give them change and it really makes me mad! i am not rich by any means but come on people!!!!!!!!!!!!
I always tip $5 no matter how much they carry out, whether it is one cart or two. They generally seem very surprised that I give them that much, so I had been thinking maybe I was tipping too much. Thanks for this article, I have wondered about this. I usually give a couple extra dollars around the holidays.
I am on a fixed income but I always give $2.00 , After reading about the baggers it changes how I see things guess it is time to up my tip to $3.00, after all they are very polite to me and accomodate, thanks for the article , it makes it more clear about tipping baggers
I usually tip $5 to $10 depending on how much I get. I only go once a month so normally my bill is around $300 to $400. I have had to have 2 baggers take mine out and in that case I give them at least $4 each.
I usually give 5.00 but around the holidays I give more.
My husband and I are both capable of taking our own groceries out to the car as well as bagging them. I think the commissary should consider self bagging and have a few registers with baggers for those that need help. I avoid OUR commissary because the baggers are rude and simply don’t know how to properly bag food. IE. Frozen food with Hot items. This would settle the dilemma of how much to tip. No other grocery store in our area has people bagging groceries for “tips only” which if they are not making minimum wage it is a federal law that the employer has to pay them to make at least that when tips do not make it such. Or… Charge for plastic bags so people will bring their own re-usable bags and thus bag their own groceries.
We are retired military but both work full time and live an hour from the commissary so when we go its to fill the freezer and pantry. We usually fill two carts and there is two baggers packing, we also need help loading the car. We tip $5 for the inside bagger and $10 for the one who comes outside.
where I shop there are several armed forced shoppers from foreign countries and the ones that have an attitude, and rude are the ones fr the middle east and of course never tip one time I told the one in front of me what about a tip for the bagger all I received was a dirty look. This same people fr the middle east visit the USO where I volunteer and grab all kinds of food in their bags and eat all they can and never give a donation or thanks one time I said to one excuse me we take donations of course nothing was donated and these people I understand are briefed about tips etc and customs here in the US
I always tip $5. I think that amount is very fair. If you think about it, they not only bag your groceries (for me I like wet stuff in plastic and dry stuff in paper) but they also follow you to your car and unload the groceries as well. They don’t make an hourly wage so the least I can do is give them what I think their time is worth.
I hate the whole system. Every other store bags your groceries for free. I have had the rudest comments made to me by baggers over not tipping. (And I always took the groceries out myself) My husband and I now bag our own, and we still receive the glares and rolled eyes sometimes. Going through self-checkout is not an option for us as we only shop once a week and have well over the allowed amount of items. If I do have to have them bag now I don’t give more than a $2 tip. I understand they are just trying to make a buck, but I feel that the whole system is awkward and unnecessary.
I always tipped depending on how much I spend and how good the service was, I’m sorry to say but some of the baggers in our Commissary weren’t the friendliest ones. But since he became unemployed and money became tight I started to bag my own groceries and think I feel I do a better job because I know how I want my groceries to go together. And t do that at every store where I can! I like that a lot better !
We shop at the Fort Leonard Wood commissary about 2 times per month. Usually groceries limited to one cart and we always tip $10.
I leave a tip about $1.00 per $80-$100 worth of groceries.
I know that this is tiring and hard work, as my son has done it and since some don’t tip at all or very little I always give them a $5.00 bill. Most are very polite and caring. most have served their country so they diserve a little more.
Whenever we shop at the commissary we always tip, In the beginning we didn’t know about tips or anything until someone told us and we have been doing it ever since. Normally we give between $3 to $5 depending on weather, and amount too, sometimes a little higher. The only time we give less is if we go through the line that has 20 items or less and the bagger stays in and doesn’t take your stuff out. They have a tip box and we usually put $1 or $2 depending on how much we have.
I usually spend about $185. when I go shopping at the commissary weekly and always tip $5.00 to the bagger who carries out my groceries and places them in my car. I think that is a fair amount as usually they use their cart and also sometimes mine if everything does not fit on their cart .
I was told $.25 per bag (plastic) I don’t know if that still applies
$5 for a full load.
Regarding tips to Commissary bagging volunteers, there should be no mandated minimum and maximum amounts. It is a service received, and the quality of the service is judged by the recipient. As a former family member of an active duty parent, and as a current member of DoD, I have been a Commissary customer practically my entire life, and I’ve seen many levels of what was considered quality in bagging services. Often, Commissary management attempted to set minimum levels, such as 10 cents per bag in the early 1970s, or 25 cents per bag in the late 1970s, and generally customers followed the guidance, similarly to how the recommended tip in a restaurant in the USA was at about 25% of the food bill, regardless the quality of the service.
If I, as the customer, notice if my groceries are packed with conscious consideration as to weight and susceptibility to damage, then I will tip the “baggar” more than if it is obvious the bagging volunteer simply placed my purchases in whichever bag had space. Too often I’ve found the eggs and tomatoes at the bottom of a bag with canned goods! This level of quality also changes from Commissary store to Commissary store: Where in one store, the foreman baggar may leave it up to the individual volunteers to judge how full to fill the bags, in other stores the volunteers may be directed never to fill bags more than half full. I usually objected to the latter example, because the motivation to fill bags only half full appeared to be generated by the expectation of a certain tip per bag, resulting in more bags when filled only half.
Most of the baggers strike up a conversation with me on the way to the truck and I know many of them by name. They share things with me about what is going on with their lives and I enjoy seeing them when I go and getting updates on how school is going or how their children or grandchildren are doing. .If I have two carts I ask if they would like me to push one. Only rarely do they ask me to push the second cart. The baggers do work hard when it is busy and they are out in the heat and rain and cold and snow. I usually tip $5 for a regular commissary trip and on the holidays I usually give $10. I want to be generous because I know they only work for tips and I want them to know they are appreciated and cared about.
We always tip at least $5.00. I can’t imagine not tipping.
I am a retired dependent and usually go about every 6 weeks to the commissary for staples since it is a 60 mile trip. When we first entered into the Corps tips were usually 5 cents a bag. In todays world I usually tip $15 to $20 for someone bagging and taking to my car. it is greatly appreciated.
I usually tip $3 if they carry out and $2 if they don’t. I was bagger as an Army brat and it’s a competitive line of work. I support baggers as much as I can and rarely go through self checkout. If a customer in front of me doesn’t tip, I’ll tip that bagger and my bagger.
I normally tip $2 or $3 depending on how many bags. they have some great baggers the commissary and I will tip more. There are a few and I do say a few that are not friendly at all. We have a bag for frozen and refrigerated items. There is one bagger that apparently does not know what the bag is for and if I have that bagger, I ask for someone else or I will bag it myself. For the most part, I do tip $3, Overall, 99% of the baggers are great.
When I was a new military spouse , I did not know commissary baggers are not paid a salary. Most of the wives I met did not know either. I learned this when my daughter went to work bagging groceries. I think the commissaries should be required to post signs that let the people know since the baggers are not allowed to tell people. I always double tip now to make up for the ones that don’t.
I usually leave $5-$10. I’m a nail tech/bartender/barista C.R.E.A.M.!!!!!!
TIPS ARE EVERTHING.
I usually leave $3.oo unless the bagger also filled the bags prior to leaving the store. I would then give $4 to $5 for the trip to my car.
The Least I will tip is $5.00, I know that the baggers do not get a regular hourly paycheck and if they don’t get tips then they don’t make money. I even give the other bagger who doesn’t take the groceries to the car a minimum of $3 because they did help bag.
I have always paid at least $5 dollars and sometimes $ 7. If I have just a couple things and carry them out myself give at least $ 1 dollar
I don’t particularly care to tip when the Commissary has a Surcharge. In my state there is no state tax on food so most of the time it is cheaper to shop on the economy! I do tip on the economy!
I give $3.00 to my bagger. Christmas time a little more>
I tip .25 per bag and then depending on the weather will add more or depending on the friendliness of the bagger will add or take away accordingly.
I give my bagger$3.00. Holidays $5.00
I’m Ret. Army so I don’t go to the commissary to often. The nearest one to me 240 mi round trip, but when I do go I tip $20.00 everytime that I do go. My wife and I have both been baggers at commissary in Germany.
Does the Commissary provide the IRS, and the bagger, with an IRS Form 1099 based on a standard percent of the amount of the bill the baggers pack? This is normal for waiters in the restaurant industry. If so what percent of the bill is reported? Also, if this is reported to the IRS the minimum tip should be at least that percentage amount. Otherwise the bagger would/might be required to pay income tax on funds not received.
I also tip the baggers at least $5.00 for 20 minutes of work., and as much as 10.00 dollars for special days or an unusual amount of groceries, and that on retirement pay.
Its a mafia. Get rid of them or pay them a wage. Tired of the hustle every time I shop there. Its my commissary NOT THIERS! I served they hustle me. Total BULLSHIT
We shop once a month at the Commissary and with the savings we can give our Bagger $5.00 tip. You may think this extreme but at least tip the $2 bucks or just tell them inside you don’t need the help. Most Baggers are trying to make a little for school or college or supplement Social Security. Pay it Forward
I usually start at $5.00 and go up depending how the bagger interacts with me. They are usually very friendly and helpful, so lately I have been giving $10.00. They are always very thankful and appreciative when they realize that I gave them $10.00 because a lot of them never receive a tip.
I usually give the bagger $4.00 to $5.00 depending on how many groceries
I have. I really appreciate the baggers and how helpful they are.
I tip what I can afford, and that could be 3.00 to 10.00 dollars. depending on what I spend and how well they bag by stuff, I have tipped more than 10.00 a few times when I have two full carts and 700.00 in grocery’s for the month a larger tip is in order..
We tip $5. If we aren’t happy with the way they bagged or the attitude we tip $3. That doesn’t happen too often though. I coupon to save at least $10-$15 so it makes up for the tip and the surcharge sometimes.
I tip anywhere between $5 to $10. Depending on how much I buy.
Being a Military wife for over 20+ years, I have always tipped $1.00 for every $100.00: this worked out really well. But as prices have increased my usual $200-$300.00 shopping trips have decresed from 3-4 cart loads down to 1-2 carts.. as I have been decreased in product, my tips have also been cut on my usual tipping scale. I know this is a bad way of thiking but my pay have not been increased.
23-AUG-2014 @ 1:21pm E.S.T. Florida (MacDill AirForce Base Commissary)
I was a bagger and grocery store clerk for a long time and know the old school responsibilities to properly administer great service and properly handling a shoppers paid groceries.
I do not mind tipping the baggers 3 to five dollars, only if the baggers are properly bagging “My Paid Groceries” in the proper fashion of bagging correctly.
Problem is Commissary management will not properly train people to do their duties correctly. It is most probably because the Commissary management does not know the proper way of doing thing either.
Go figure, military personnel always gets so called management people to run their on base positions, but all I see when I go to the Commissary is unorganized at all times.
So, to me even though the prices are good, the unorganized management team that hires unorganized people are really downgrading and disrespecting all the veterans that shop there.
Believe me or not, but when I am a veteran and go shopping at my commissary I really don’t look forward to going because not one person I have had business there at MacDill AirForce Base Commissary does not show or behave in a professional manner to us the customers/veterans when shopping. Most have a I don’t care attitude and it shows. And these personnel who work there wearing clothing looks horrible, especially some of the men wearing there pants down letting their underwear show, you know what I am saying.
Hell, these so called personnel are handling food and looking like crap.
So if there is so called true management in this so called system to show any professionalism to really show and make a difference to really make one or many veterans “PROUD” to actually enjoy coming and shopping at their local Commissary, then I will be shocked beyond belief.
Respectfully, Whit
I do not usually have a lot of bags of groceries since I cook for just one person. There are occasions when I have guests thus more grocery bags. I give bagger $2 for 1 bag of a few items or 4 bags. I never ask bagger to take groceries to my car, though usually they offer to do so. At Christmas time, I give each bagger regular tip plus $5 – not a lot but being a senior citizen, my income is limited.
One thing I might mention – I think it might behoove the bagger if all baggers would be instructed to say “thank you”, no matter what the tip. I once did not tip bagger because he never, ever said “thank you”. I did , however, tell him why I did not offer a gratuity. After that, about 75% of the time when he is my bagger, he will say “thank you”. Progress!! And tha k you for the article – makes me realize Imight be a “cheapskate” – think that is what I would be labeled!!
I usually give them a five cause I am a waitress and I know what it is like to work for tips. When I go I shop for the month so I have a lot to take out. There are usually two bagging but only one goes to the car. I tip the one that goes to the car.
I always tip $5.00 if they take it out for me. If I go through the express I don’t have much and they get a dollar.
If they do a good job and are friendly off the bat, I give them a good tip. I usually give $5. Whenever a bagger takes our groceries out and loads them into our car, we are helping. I think $5 is a decent amount.
I always tip $5.00 for I am sure some people are too cheap to tip a reasonable amount.
I have known this for awhile so when I tip a bagger I base it off how much groceries I have and how they handle my groceries…lets face it, who wants broken eggs from being thrown in the trunk. I almost always have wonderfully nice baggers and so our large grocery shopping trips we tip between $5-$10…because we have groceries for 5 of us. And the smaller quick trips I tip $3-$4. My husband doesn’t make that much but neither do the baggers and though we aren’t made of money I do want to make someone’s day maybe a little easier. It’s nice to know baggers have dreams and have a goals in life. I love when a bagger tells me that they are planning to go to college and they are saving money from being a bagger, or when a vet tells me a story while we walk out to the car. I try to give a little more when I know its going to improve someones life. 🙂
I have a minimum of $5.00 if it is under $50.00, since there are usually two working together and they split the tip. Over that amount I usually tip up to 15 dollars, as it is split two ways, and they work hard for there money.
I agree with most of what has been said already – tipping $3-$5 is typically what I spend – usually about $4.. I think another thing that helps me determine how much I tip is if the bagger speaks to me at all. I expect to be greeted with at least a “Hi.” If not a word is spoken to me, then the bagger can expect to get less of a tip from me. The more the bagger talks to me and seems interested in what is being said, the more I will tip.
Baggers should be paid at least $5. Think of all the heavy lifting baggers do, no matter what age or good health they may be in. By the end of their shift, they experience aching back, feet and hands (especially cart pushers!).
I usually tip $5 minimum, at the holidays I give $5 to each bagger, at our commissary there are 2 baggers per lane and they take turns going outside to the car. I usually always give each bagger something, not just the one at the car. I like it at some bases where there was a tip box and then at the end of the day the baggers on that aisle split. I just think it is more fair if they split instead of someone getting lucky to get the big tipper. It really does not depend on how well they bag on how much I tip. I actually wished they were better baggers sometimes.
The way I determine how much is by the baggers personality or attitude. If they don’t speak I leave way less then I typically would. Some do not even say hello. I would say average tip for me though is $3 if they are extra friendly or I have a cart full the I will do $5 or more.
I’ve been doing the same system as Anne for quite awhile. $1 for every $50 of the bill, but will raise that up for special help, rain etc.
personally, a bagger shouldnt expect to be tipped. They accepted the position knowing that they aren’t paid a wage. If not they should find a job that does. My opinion is that the military should increase their prices by a couple of cents per item purchased and use that money to hire an outside contractor. All shoppers at the commissary has to pay they five percent surcharge to suppport the building upgrades then they have to tip a bagger. REALLY!!!
I normally tip my bagger about .02 to .03% of my purchase total. I shop once a month and that is a lot of groceries to pack and load into my vehicle. The tip will average around $14. Most of the baggers know me by now and put an extra effort into safely bagging my purchases. I think they are worth that much.
I didn’t realize that the baggers did not get an hourly wage. I always try to tip well. Depending on how much I buy I usually give them $3.00 for a few bags and $5.00 or $6.00 for a lot of bags. Now that I know that there is no hourly wage i will be more aware of my tipping. Besides, I tip the pizza guy $3.00 to $4.00 for a pizza delivered and these baggers certainly work a lot harder. I appreciate this service!
I don’t live near a commissary So when I do visit I usually have 2 full carts so if the bagged is smiling and nice then I tip $10. When we lived on base I’d tip $2 if I took out the bags and usually $5 if they did.
I tip $10.00 on my regular shopping days. It ends up being about a 20% tip. I don’t have alot of money as my husband is a disabled Vet but even when we he was AD I left a good sized tip. My daughter was a bagger when she was a teen and some of the tips she got were ridiculous…pennies, nickels and domes. Some people didn’t give her anything. If you don’t have money for a tip let them know. I didn’t one time and let the bagger know I would bag it and take it out myself. She was very kind and told me not to worry about it and helped me anyway. Even if you can only afford a dollar or two it at least shows you respect the time they put in.
At the register we pay $3, if they take the cart to the car then its between $5-7.
I tip a dollar for every hundred I spend. Its usually $400 every time I go. Then I round up to $500.
I think it is fair to tip according to how much your shopping comes to, as this is an estimate of how much there is to be bagged. normally I try to tip 2-3% [$2-3 per $100], but normally I also tip a minimum amount, even in express, of at least $2. if you just try to be fair, that is good.
If I take the bags to the truck, I will leave 2-3 dollars. If they deliver I give a minimum $5.
My wife always gives 50 cents a bag.
Because I live about an hour and a half away from the nearest commissary when I shop there (about every other month) I normally have a very large order and because I know baggers only work for tips, I normally tip between $10- $20 even though I make my kid help load the car. That is just my way of saying Thank You!
I tip $1 for up to 100 spent and $1 for each additional 100 spent. I actually had a bagger throw my tip back at me once, so, since there isn’t a “rule” I’d like to know what is expected. It doesn’t help that I won’t know until I get home whether the tomatoes are smashed, and the eggs are broken. Or whether all the frozen stuff was carefully packed together. I’d like to give the good baggers extra, but don’t know who they are at the time of purchase.
I have always wondered how this system worked legally. If they are not getting paid, are they technically hired or fired? There are no benefits to speak of and apparently they don’t even get server’s wage or compensation to bring them up to $7.25 legally as though they worked.
Out in town cashiers have to bag your groceries and they do not expect a tip. Places like Piggly Wiggly offer to carry your groceries to the car and will refuse a tip if you try to give it to them, insistent that it is part of their job.
Having to remember cash to tip the bagger when going shopping at the commissary was always a hassle when we lived close enough to justify using it.
Carrying your own belongings should be expected and the service to have them carried should be available for those who need the help but other than that the baggers remind me of the people who wash your windows at stoplights and then look at you for money.
I always tip my bagger $10.00. I ask them to put anything that would melt or frozen items inside my car.
I like certain things bagged a certain way. They always do what I ask. So they deserve a good tip. I had one lady hug me and told me to have a blessed day. She was so gratefull. Made me feel good!!
At Moody AFB in S. Ga. I tip a minimum of $5. They deserve it working in this heat!
I generally give 3-4 dollars every time. Even if I even have only a small amount if items. I never have 2 carts, I would give more if I did. I always thank the person and wish them a good day, in Germany I would tip in euros because they are worth more.
I always tip the bagger for their services.
Depending on the number of bags, it will vary from $3,00 to $5,00. I never walk out if I have purchased good that I don’t tip. They do a GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!
Both my boys bagged years ago. Based on their experiences, I always tip a flat $5, even for a relatively small order.. It helps to make up for the ones that give 50 cents. I never have more than one cart, and always use a bagger since I broke my shoulder two years ago. It’s easier for me not to lift the bags.
Also, according to my sons it’s easier for the bagger if you take plastic bags..
When we shop at the commissary we never have the groceries taken to the car but we ALWAYS tip. The amount that we tip is based roughly on number of bags and dollar amount of the purchases. The minimum
that we tip is $2.00; we don’t set a maximum but it seldom exceeds $5.00 – but we shop for only the two of us and therefore we don’t normally spend a lot each trip.
I give $6 to $7 dollars when I get groceries every two weeks. I usually have a cart full.
I generally tip about $5 however I have made it a point around holiday times when I stock up for Easter, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, and Christmas to tip $10-20 🙂
Hi
If I have a small load of groceries, I tip 2-3 dollars and carry them out myself. Or, if they help me to car, it’s always 4-5 dollars.
Usually, $3.00 but I carry to my own car.
It is my practice to tip 2% of my order. I appreciate the baggers very much.
I usually tip 5 bucks
We usually tip at least $5, even when our bill is less than $100. I guess the main reason is that my mother-in-law used to be a waitress & although on paper waitresses & waiters get minimum wage, their tips are included in that wage. Also,, my Dad was military as well as my husband & my Mom was always reminding me that baggers are paid only in tips.
To me the burdon or expectation to tip, along with commisary surcharges amounts to higher prices than shopping on the economy. I don’t mind tipping, and actually tip between $5-10 per visit, however, I don’t think the burdon should be on the shopper to pay someone’s salary. My point is, a tip is a tip. Tip refers to something on top of somehting already established, such as a salary or wage. Its a good way to make a little extra spending money, but if you are looking to it as a means of stable income, you may want to employ yourself in another line of work.
Irk I have also is, my wife and inlaws recently made a visit to the commisary in Wiesbaden, GE where my wife dropped a $5 in the tip jar as the bagger was bagging. After taking the groceries to our car, he stood outside my wifes driver side window and finally knocked on her window. As my wife rolled down the window, he simply held out his hand and said “tip”.
My opinion it is totally unsatisfactory for this behaviour and business practice.
Take it for what its worth, but I still say a tip is a tip and the onous should be on the business to supply base wages at least, so the people that work hard earn a great tip, and the tip, is a tip! Its not like we are getting super deals as is. Check your grocery bill comparision next time with a local place. The hidden fees with the commisary are wool over our eyes!
There is recourse for the occasional rude bagger. Look at your commissary receipt. The bagger’s number should be on the receipt (and agree with the bagger’s number on his/her hat or apron. If possible, park, go back in the store and file a complaint. Otherwise, as soon as you get home and get (at least the cold stuff put away, call the store and ask to speak to the manager.
I tip anywhere from 7 to 10 dollars each trip 🙂
$3-$5 is a pretty large sum of money for 5-10 mins of work especially considering it is likely not claimed and tax free. Most enlisted folks don’t make this much an hour and I don’t think It’s nearly fair to have this extravagant expectation. It’s also not fair that we can’t opt out of this service as this service is not expected in the commercial grocery stores. If I spend an hour at a restaurant and spend $25 the going rate is a 20% tip or $5 for an hour of work. Why do you these exceptionally grand expectations for 5-10 mins of work?
Does your server spend the whole hour just waiting on you? More likely the server is waiting on 4 or 5 tables at a time. Let’s say 5 tables averaging $40 per table, Tips are usually between 15 and 20 percent so we’ll use 17.5% for a total of $35 per hour. So your server is giving you about 12 minutes of service and you’re tipping 20%, using your logic for commissary baggers, maybe you’re tipping way too much at restaurants!
I always tip five for every two bags. If I’m broke after groceries I carry out myself however still tip at least three. My first job in the 70’s was a bigger Safeway in Texas. So I know the struggles
I treat it like a service equal to the service you get at a restaurant. So I tend to tip between 15-20% if the total bill. We typically spend about $200 so I often will tip $4-5.
I shop once a month so I buy a lot including 4-5 cases of water and the same in soda. I usually give between $10 to $15 especially when the baggers pack well. They usually share with the other bagger.
I usually base my tip on the amount I spend, normally around $200 per month (we live to far away to go more often) – $20.00 or more, depending on how well the groceries are handled and placed in my vehicle. Must say it’s rare that a bagger doesn’t do an excellent job.
I normally tip $5.00 to $7.00 sometimes a little more if its raining.
I usually tip them $5. I don’t have them bring my groceries outside though, I do that myself. I know they don’t make a lot, so I would rather them stay in the store and get the chance to make a little extra.
When I was a dependent, my folks said they tipped a quarter a bag. Since I started my own Army career, my tips started at 2-3 and have risen to 5-6. All depends on how much we buy
Since the number of bags and carts vary I decided a while ago to tip the bagger $1 for every $50 I spend. So if my shopping trip is $500 then the bagger gets $10. If it’s only $200 they get $4. Around Christmas it’s an even $20 and if the bagger is a cadet at the ROTC I work at well then it’s always $20.
I usually pay the bagger about $3-$5.
I usually tip $3-5. I know they dont make an hourly wage and its tough. But I didn’t know it could take 15-20 minutes for your turn.
I normally tip $5 per shopping cart. If its a big shopping I give $10 and if its only a quick run to the market I tip $3. I know its hard out there and they do not make much an hour since I know they take turns baggin. During the holidays I try to tip more.
It is horrible when people do not tip. Shame on them.
I base my tip on several bases….1) How friendly they come acrossed to me….smile? speak? 2) How much am I spending…and how much bagging must they really do 3) How well they bag my groceries 4) How much would I like to be paid if I were the bagger.
I almost always preface my check-out with “Please do not make the bags too heavy for grandma to carry” which usually is a great ice breaker for the bagger and for me, and by now I realize they just look at this grandma and automatically do not make bags heavy.
Today, we spent over $97 and I tipped the young lady $4….for that we received a most gracious ‘thank you’. 🙂 I love commissary shopping, but then…I truly love people. For others, I would advise they consider my #4…tip as you would like to be tipped.
Thank you.
Baggers provide a unique service and should be tipped for their hard work
My 1st experience with baggers was at Ft. Bliss. Baggers didn’t just bag, but actually unloaded the cart! That was very nice since I had a toddler, a baby and coupons. I was happy to pay the expected $0.33/bag tip.. I think bagging was also better because baggers knew how to unload similar items. I was shocked at the next location when baggers only bagged. My 1st thought was, “What am I paying for?” Then I noticed the quality also went down. I’ve shopped at discount stores and actually found I prefer bagging myself. Unloading is easier at home too. Personally I think commissaries should have large signs reminding customers that baggers are optional instead of being “forced” into tipping. I’m sure enlisted soldiers would appreciate the savings. And, baggers in the express lane are just ridiculous, really?! Baggers should remember bagging is not a skilled labor and they should be happy with minimum wage, so $10/hr is ridiculously lucky. If baggers are looking for a raise, then learn a skill or stop whining.
I tip baggers $5 to $6 . Some baggers are good, others terrible, but I wouldn’t want to bag the groceries myself, therefore I don’t mind giving a nice tip.
I usually tip 25 cents per bag or $5 per cart. I have notices baggers barely putting anything in each bag for the last year so it looks like I got more/used more bags so they can get higher tips. This irritates me and I will drop their tip for it. My daughter was a waitress and after serving a family for 1 to 2 hours (only having 3 tables to work) would only get $1 per person tip. Waitresses make $2.10 per hour and that is taken by taxes. They live on tips only. I think I pay generously, but the baggers at our commissary grumble about the amount I give. I got so tired of it I now use self checkout just so I don’t have to use a bagger and I can bag properly.
We are retired and when we come to the commissary its a big trip for us. We usually try to come at least every three months but at times its been 6-9 months in between trips.Its not unusual for us to have at least 2 buggies of groceries,piled high and we always bring our insulated bags for them to pack. We never leave home without cash for the baggers. And we do know that they aren’t paid so we try to pay them accordingly. If they are good and go out of their way to understand that we are traveling 150 miles one way and we need things pack accordingly, and help us repack certain things to a coolers, we pay them $15-20. but if they are so anxious to get back in that they don’t want to listen and they just cram everything in the doors, then turn with hand out. they get 6 dollars or less, it depends on their attitude.
I tip $2 per CART regardless of how many bags they pile on. I use my own bags, will help push the cart out of the store and usually have another member of my family pull the car up to the curb, so they don’t have far to travel. I never give less than $3, unless it is express, then I give about $1.
I do not usually use the baggers. I like to use my own bags normally and feel that when I do forget them and use the baggers, they use too many bags. After reading many of these comments, it is now clear why they use so many bags. Most people calculate the tip on the number of bags, so of course they are going to use an many bags as possible. I find they double bag everything, whether it needs it or not.
We have a large family, so we don’t give less than $10 and sometimes more if we have a lot. We try to give at least $20 around the holidays.
Tip varies – depending on the time of year and bagger. Is he /she polite, friendly, cheerful, and helpful? Do they bag my groceries properly and how I asked? (They are in a service job so should be all of that, I do not care what type of day they are having.) The time of year counts also. Is it Xmas or go back to school time? Are they college age – High school age? My wife and I go to the commissary every 6 to 8 weeks (we live 100 miles from the base). We typically have 8 – 10 bags fully packed (or more). My own guide is a minimum of $0.50 per bag if the bagger meets the above requirements. Xmas time and college / high school kids for back to school (provided I get that information while we are talking) usually get a $10.00 bill. We avoid cashiers and baggers who we have not had a good experience with.
If I have a few bags then I tip between 1-2.00. If I have more than that I usually tip 5.00
Think about this. I’ve had teenagers and adults with Down’s Syndrome bag my groceries beautifully at civilian stores. I suspect they get paid pretty close to minimum wage AND pay taxes. I would be thrilled if the commissary opened more self help lines and let me choose how to spend my money. Sometimes I like the bagging service and sometimes I don’t. I’ve bagged my own cart load in the regular lanes and got some pretty dirty looks from the cashier and baggers, but I didn’t care. Shame on the commissary for not letting customers know it’s their choice. Here’s another thought. How many of you baggers report your income like the law requires?
Glad to know I haven’t been overly cheap. I used to do the 25 cents a bag but thought that was cheap. If it’s like two to three bags I give at least a dollar. My big grocery trips get $5. Xmas I give at least ten. And that’s like the week of or right before Xmas. Tippers seem shocked to get a $5 bill so I suppose I do ok.
We always tip $5 regardless of the load of groceries we have. I am more than grateful for the baggers, especially when my 2 year old just wants to run around everywhere. It is a big help!
I always give $5.00 for my cart. I go once/month so I typically have about $150-$200 worth of groceries. If I only have 1 or 2 bags I will carry out myself and still leave $2.00 in the tip basket for the bagger. The baggers on Ft. Bragg put it in your vehicle. I live about 20 minutes away and they will always pack it in my freezer bags once we get to the car. Several have suggested that I bring the bags inside and that they will always pack them as it is being scanned so that they can avoid missing any of the cold or frozen items. They always ask where you want the bag with bread, etc to avoid smashing. I have never had a bad experience on Ft. Bragg in the 15+ years here. I think they deserved to be tipped well.
I see all these people talking about how much they give the baggers. But I shop at the commissary to save money. If I have to tip, especially the way most are talking then I’m not saving nearly as much. Money is tight. If I could always go through self checkout, I would in a heartbeat, but you’re limited to 20 items. Ill bag my groceries myself if that will keep a bagger from losing their turn. I just don’t like people coming out to my car and loading it. $1.00 is about all I’ve ever given, well cause I don’t know what to tip, especially when I don’t want the service in the first place. Any suggestions, preferably not smart alloc ones
When I don’t have the cash on hand to tip, I always tell them that I’ll bag it myself. I would assume that would put them back in the rotation. When we were a young military family with a newborn, I would limit our commissary trips to 20-40 items JUST for self-checkout to avoid the tip. We’ve all been there.
I typically tipped the surcharge while we were stationed in Germany, but I try to avoid the commissary here in MD because the prices+surcharge are often more than buying off-base. I’ve also found commissary meats and produce are subpar to our local grocery. Now, we make our quick trips in and out and when we don’t use the self-checkout, we tip the surcharge.
It’s obvious to me that many people didn’t read the whole article. They’re just posting…otherwise they wouldn’t be posting what they’re posting. I don’t go by the bag, because a bag may have 1 item in it, and oftentimes just has 2 or 3 items. I don’t go to the commissary often, so I usually tip $5-6 dollars, because I have a lot of items…but always just in 1 cart. I’ve taken to going through the self-checkout line more and more now, and I never go through the quick checkout line, but if I did, I’d probably tip a buck. Another option, I would imagine, is to go through a regular checker line, but tell them you want to bag your own groceries. That way the bagger waits for the next customer…you bag and take your cart out. Still takes less time than going through the self-checkout.
I find most baggers are friendly and helpful, and they will abide by (my) wishes/instructions. If they pack the bags into my vehicle in an acceptable manner, I will give them a tip they appreciate!
We use the Bangor ANG Maine Commissary and I always tip at least $5 even if it’s 1 bag. When I was stationed at Perrin AFB TX back in the late 60’s I worked as a bagger and as lucky to get 25 cents a cart back then.
I asked a cashier who told me $1 – $2 per bag.
Thank you so much for asking! 🙂 When I go to the commissary by myself, I usually tip $3 because I bring my own bags. If the bagger does not pack the bags the way I have asked them to, then the tip goes down and I do comment to them on the way I had requested the bags to be packed. I do not tip per bag as some have suggested to do, I simply cannot afford it! When I request for all boxed items to be packed in one bag (the green commissary bag) then it should be done as the boxes are easy to fit corner to corner and on top of one another. I request all cold items to be packed in the silver lined green commissary bag and sometimes I find cold items mixed in with the fruits and veggies that are not cold! (Tisk Tisk Tisk) If my husband goes to the commissary with me, we excuse the bagger and take turns bagging. (One trip I bag then next he bags.) Ultimately, this is how I know how the items fit in the bags I have brought with me! And PLEASE….DO NOT crush the chips!! My BIGGEST pet peeve when a bagger is bagging! I want chips…Not crumbs.
Anyway, back to the initial question…I usually tip $3…Sometimes I will tip more if the bagger followed my request. Holidays I tend to give a little more just because…. 🙂
Normally I tip a bagger $2 per $100 spent. Too many times most of the bags have few items per bag (maybe to make it look like more work) therefore I quit tipping by number of bags.
I usually give $5 if I have a full cart, my bill is well over $50 and they do a good job of bagging. . If not I give $2-3.. Most days I just go through the self checkout because I only have a few items.
Perhaps DECCA should start paying the baggers so that it becomes a cost of doing business. We who use the commissary are tax payers and we all help pay the subsidies that DOD provides to them. By not paying the baggers we really do not know what the cost of doing business is for DECCA. When we use an off post store groceries are bagged by the cashier.
Perhaps that is another solution. Have the paid cashiers bag the groceries. It works for the Krogers, Winn-Dixie and Stop and Shop. Why not DECCA?
This is an issue that needs to be addressed by top level managment, not by asking customers how much should we/do we tip the baggers.
I tip very well because I have a favorite bagger and actually fills my bags and I get combo bagging which is extra work.
My view is the whole commissary experience has to be good as it factors into my tipping. (just like any other entity I get service from)
But the conversation really needs to look beyond tips and look at the workplace,
Attitude
Nosiness
cliques
Constant in fighting and/or back biting between each other
Racial segregation
Work habits
Come on if you a regular at your commissary you know who works, who don’t, who avoids to bag you, who avoids to check you out.
The commissary at WPAFB is great. Everyone is friendly….the cashiers and baggers do a fantastic job. I don’t mind tipping the baggers and if its cold or raining I move my car under the loading area so the bagger doesn’t have to be too uncomfortable. I appreciate them all!
The commissary at WPAFB is great. Everyone is friendly….the cashiers and baggers do a fantastic job. I don't mind tipping the baggers and if its cold or raining I move my car under the loading area so the bagger doesn't have to be too uncomfortable. I appreciate them all!.
I tip my baggers 10 % of the total, rounded up. not by the bag. They are trained not to fill up the bags for a multitude of reasons,, but not to make more money. Examples: elderly, infirm, children may be helping you unload at home, etc. They will load them full if you tell them, they are not mindreaders, but you better ask for double bagged paper or you could end up with a mess.They do pay taxes, as they are considered self – employed, and still have to follow rules that the commissary sets. They are hired and fired, but they get nothing from DECA. You can request a bagger if you know their number and are willing to wait for them. I also have only the person I request bag, without the helper, that way you know who is responsible. then I tip them at the auto . They get to keep the whole tip this way and get to know your preferences. Unless you have done this job, I think you should rethink some of your attitudes about them and show respect for a job some of you would never want. I respect them , they are not suckling at the government teat and are willing to work., which is more than I can say about a lot of people today. It is honest work and if I needed to and was able I would take the job. I have been shopping in different commissaries now for thirty plus years and have never had any requests refused, groceries destroyed/forgotten and always treated well. You get what you put forth in life. Robin S. NAS JAX