A good friend of mine's girlfriend works at a sonic and by the looks of it she gets tipped very well! I never really knew what to do when ordering at sonic as far as tips are concerned until she told me that they get paid 5.25/hr i think, might have been lower. But that really changed the way I tip them since.
I myself deliver for one of the big 3 pizza companies and last night was crazy. Not a good crazy either. I didnt take home much from basically 11a to 730p. Crappy night overall for myself. Store broke a sales record since it was built though. But I really wish people would keep in mind when they order how far away the store is and what events are going on at the time they order. I cant help it that people are getting their orders 2 hours after they order on a day like yesterday unless they ordered a day in advance. Some companies dont pay you much for your mileage and nothing for maintenance when you are using your own car. We have to deal with the crazies on the road and the weather conditions. And this is something that I will keep in mind whenever I may eat out or order delivery now.
Wow, that must have been a really neat experience for your mom.
Overall when I am being served I tip according to their service and to the price of the meal. I have left no tip maybe twice because of very poor service. Other than that, if they take care of me, I will return the favor.