When you're hungry and don't have the energy to throw together a meal in your own kitchen, what's more convenient than calling up your favorite pizza place and ordering delivery straight to your house? Within an hour (or maybe even less, depending on where you live), you can have a piping hot pizza delivered right to your door step--and it's all thanks to your local pizza delivery driver.

Not so fast, though; when ordering pizza delivery to your home, there are some important etiquette tips you won't want to forget.

Delivery Charges Aren't Tips

First and foremost, understand that when a pizza restaurant adds a "delivery fee" to your order, this shouldn't be confused with a driver gratuity. Unless you see "tip" or "gratuity" explicitly added to your receipt, your driver's tip is not included with the cost of your order. And because most delivery drivers are making minimum wage or less, it's always a good idea to toss them a small tip. Anywhere from 15-20% of your order total is considered a fair tip, especially if your driver was polite and arrived in a timely manner.

Provide Access Codes if Needed

If you live in a gated community or if access to your home/apartment is otherwise restricted, make sure you provide your delivery driver with any gate codes or other access information that he or she will need to get your pizza to your door step.

Turn Your Porch Light On

Providing your delivery driver with your address doesn't do much if the address numbers on your home are small or difficult to see. This is a common problem delivery drivers run into at night, so make sure your house numbers can be easily read from the street and turn your porch light on if you're expecting a late-night pizza delivery. If there are any other notable markings that may help your driver locate your home (such as a bright red door), feel free to include these in your delivery instructions as well.

Recognize Outstanding Drivers

Last but not least, if you receive outstanding service from a delivery driver, it's never a bad idea to give the pizza restaurant a call and let the owner or manager-on-duty know. Sometimes, these kinds of compliments can be even better than a large tip (though tipping extra is always appreciated as well!)

By following these basic etiquette tips, you can maintain a great relationship with your pizza delivery driver--which is never a bad thing to have going for you! Contact a store like Roccos Pizza for more information.