StriderTB
Well-known member
I'm getting two 9x7 doors replaced tomorrow, along with new openers. Have you ever tipped guys for their work, and if so, what's a fair amount?
Tipping installers?
- Thread starter StriderTB
- Start date
mr2fast4u
Member
$20 would not be out of line...
I do not tip but I make sure that hot or cold drinks are available as well as some eats. After suscessful job done then I will offer beer or booze if desired. Give them a nice place to sit and have lunch if the job runs over the lunch time. Fix them lunch if it will keep them on the property. No need to take the chance of them leaving and not returning or doing the Irish 7 course lunch. (Six pack of beer and a potato!)
lg
no neat sig line
lg
no neat sig line
I have 2 ssons that do hardwood floors.
And they get tipped all the time.
But it is a different knid of job.
They are doing something that changes the whole look of the house.
And, depending on the job, it can take a couple of days.
These guys are going to be gone in 3 or 4 hours.
And they get tipped all the time.
But it is a different knid of job.
They are doing something that changes the whole look of the house.
And, depending on the job, it can take a couple of days.
These guys are going to be gone in 3 or 4 hours.
Drinks and bathroom location should be offered up early on during the task to make any service men feel like you appreciate them being there.
If they seem to 'care' about your job, and take your possible many questions with eagerness to answer or help you, and respect your home like taking off their shoes when they come in for a drink or bathroom. Then yes, I feel it is very valid to tip them what ever you feel you can afford to give them.
Most installers/service guys that work for big companies in various trades are underpaid, underappreciated, and overworked with few pats on the back from management even after 15-20 yrs of loyal service work. They will appreciate it much, as most people don't want to part with a few extra bucks because they feel the service is to pricey to start with, but remember the installers don't get any of that big service ticket check.
If they take 2 hour lunches, 4 hour 'supply house' runs, or run another service call during the middle of your job, track mud in your house, 3 point turn in your grass, stare at you daughter 'for to long'
or just plain ****. Then don't give them a dime, and feel ok about it.
If they seem to 'care' about your job, and take your possible many questions with eagerness to answer or help you, and respect your home like taking off their shoes when they come in for a drink or bathroom. Then yes, I feel it is very valid to tip them what ever you feel you can afford to give them.
Most installers/service guys that work for big companies in various trades are underpaid, underappreciated, and overworked with few pats on the back from management even after 15-20 yrs of loyal service work. They will appreciate it much, as most people don't want to part with a few extra bucks because they feel the service is to pricey to start with, but remember the installers don't get any of that big service ticket check.
If they take 2 hour lunches, 4 hour 'supply house' runs, or run another service call during the middle of your job, track mud in your house, 3 point turn in your grass, stare at you daughter 'for to long'
or just plain ****. Then don't give them a dime, and feel ok about it.Identaltech
Well-known member
Three ways a customer can tip me.
1) $$$$$
2) Lunch or even dinner
3) Call the boss and tell him to give me a raise and request only I do any of his service work.
#3 is the best!
1) $$$$$
2) Lunch or even dinner
3) Call the boss and tell him to give me a raise and request only I do any of his service work.
#3 is the best!
tatra
Well-known member
years back when i was a tire monkey, the ones with custon tires and rims never tipped even tho i would be extra careful, clean and hand torque compared to the other guys............the ones that did tip were business guys who you got in and out quickly, and people with kids who again were turned around quickly...........benz and high end owners were notoriously difficult to deal with and very rarely tipped either..........men were more likely than women in all cases.........best thing that ever happens is when a custy recognizes you when your out and either personally thanks you or pays it forward by picking up lunch or drinks when your out,,,,,,,,,,,
ddawg16
Well-known member
Depends on the work being done....if the guys are going to be there for just a couple of hours....nothing....unless they go out of their way to do a really great job.
I (or my wife) always offers a hot cup of coffee in the morning. We will typically leave a cooler with ice in it for all day jobs....
A cold beer at the end of the day? Questionable....if the guy goes and has a few more after he leaves and then crashes or gets arrested.....it could create problems.
I did tip the roof guy $50 because he did a bit more than required....
Garage door? It's about a half day job....and unless they do a really cracking job....I wouldn't tip...but if they take care of minor details that are not part of the job....a tip would be ok...
I (or my wife) always offers a hot cup of coffee in the morning. We will typically leave a cooler with ice in it for all day jobs....
A cold beer at the end of the day? Questionable....if the guy goes and has a few more after he leaves and then crashes or gets arrested.....it could create problems.
I did tip the roof guy $50 because he did a bit more than required....
Garage door? It's about a half day job....and unless they do a really cracking job....I wouldn't tip...but if they take care of minor details that are not part of the job....a tip would be ok...
Shadowdog500
Well-known member
I usually buy lunch and provide hot or cold drinks, depending on the season for any crew working on my property.
Chris
Chris
slip knot
Well-known member
I gave the security system installer a $40 tip. He did a heck of a job.
My plumber and electrician both get $100 bonus for each project completed. and don't forget the helpers. I always offer lunch if I'm around and taking lunch myself.
Treat the guys you use regularly good and they will remember. When i was single I frequented a local eatery and gave the wait staff good tips. I got excellent service and never had to pay for anything extra and often got better qaulity food than was served at the restaurant. I learned a valuable lesson on tipping service folks from the waitress'
My plumber and electrician both get $100 bonus for each project completed. and don't forget the helpers. I always offer lunch if I'm around and taking lunch myself.
Treat the guys you use regularly good and they will remember. When i was single I frequented a local eatery and gave the wait staff good tips. I got excellent service and never had to pay for anything extra and often got better qaulity food than was served at the restaurant. I learned a valuable lesson on tipping service folks from the waitress'
Now you're talking, fresh fish is like gold to me. (wife comes from Newfoundland fishing area and we have a supply)
Where is PT?
kartracer23
Well-known member
I have a neighbor that is the most generous I've ever seen with tips!
He'll tell them:
"Okay now, what you need to do is.."
"I think if you just did this..."
"It would be a lot easier if you..."
Guy drives me crazy - you can't do a single project without him stopping over to give you his advice. He even came over a few weeks ago & was giving MY plumber his special kind of 'tips'.
He'll tell them:
"Okay now, what you need to do is.."
"I think if you just did this..."
"It would be a lot easier if you..."
Guy drives me crazy - you can't do a single project without him stopping over to give you his advice. He even came over a few weeks ago & was giving MY plumber his special kind of 'tips'.
rburke65
Well-known member
When I was rewiring old houses, it always seemed that the people with the less, always were willing to be the more generous with us. Not only the little stuff.......offers of water, the 'potty', coffee, but even to the point of, not asking if we would like lunch, hell, lunch was on the table....'You boys knock it off now....lunch is ready'. Trust me when I tell you they got more than THEY paid for. And the people with money, it just seemed they wouldn't offer you a glass of warm water after you crawled down from out of their attic in the middle of July.
eborcim
Well-known member
Tipped autoshop techs before...usually $10. Tipped a junkyard dog a cold beer for helping us pull a car out w/o destroying it one time. It was hot outside and he appreciated it. Tipped another junkyard dog $10 for setting a car body on my trailer with a front-end loader, without destroying either one.
I need race tires mounted a lot. Stiff sidewalls are a ***** for a lot of guys. The hardest part was finding a store that didn't have tons of turnover so that you could form a relationship with a guy. Get the tires mounted, check the work, ask the guys name and then slip him a ten-spot. Ask for the guy by name the next time.
Port Townsend Washington, northwest coast of usa
metal1313
Well-known member
i generally tip for good quick work or if they have some serious issues finding the problems...like when my furnace went out and they replaced one part..then a few hours later another part went bad. i felt bad because the guy was here 8times in 4days, and did everything short of replacing the furnace.
when i have some laborers come help spread mulch i give them 10 an hr, and usually tip them with lunch, sometimes dinner as well, and 20bones. the guys i usually use, dom, and jose are both legal immigrants, dom works for a friend of mine, and does odd jobs for extra cash. they are fast, good and dont crush my plants and dont mind my dogs. good people, and i know they could use somemore cash
when i have some laborers come help spread mulch i give them 10 an hr, and usually tip them with lunch, sometimes dinner as well, and 20bones. the guys i usually use, dom, and jose are both legal immigrants, dom works for a friend of mine, and does odd jobs for extra cash. they are fast, good and dont crush my plants and dont mind my dogs. good people, and i know they could use somemore cash
e-tek
Well-known member
Here's my tip: Don't wear a wool sweater in the rain.."
Otherwise - do the job right and you won't have to come back and fix it!
Otherwise - do the job right and you won't have to come back and fix it!
december45
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2009
- Messages
- 1,580
NO....... why would you even consider tipping
It is when you are happy with the job they did and you tip, and just after they leave it turns to ****.... never fails.
It is when you are happy with the job they did and you tip, and just after they leave it turns to ****.... never fails.
tonydanzah
Well-known member
rwhite692
Well-known member
Anytime I hire work done (which is pretty rare) I always have some sodas and water available for the crew and as soon as they start work I will usually pull the lead guy aside and mention that they can expect a good tip and or some beer, if I'm satisfied with the work.
Whatever you do, you want to encorage them to do a good job before they start and/or WHILE they are doing it...waiting until the job is done is not going to influence the outcome of the work at all...
Whatever you do, you want to encorage them to do a good job before they start and/or WHILE they are doing it...waiting until the job is done is not going to influence the outcome of the work at all...
These workers sometimes don't get respect, so have a soft spot if they take pride in their work and have a good attitude.
If they are doing a good job halfway through, I tell them will take care of them upon completion. If they are not going a good job, I tell them and/or their boss. Depending on work, I tip about $20 each. If they did an especially good job, I do the tip and couple days later write an appreciation letter to their boss that hopefully goes in their records file.
If they are doing a good job halfway through, I tell them will take care of them upon completion. If they are not going a good job, I tell them and/or their boss. Depending on work, I tip about $20 each. If they did an especially good job, I do the tip and couple days later write an appreciation letter to their boss that hopefully goes in their records file.
I am service technician that does in home work and I can tell you that if you treat the service man well, you will get your moneys worth. You don't have to tip but, the little things go a long ways. Such as offering your restroom, or a drink of water on a hot day. The most important thing you can do is put your damn dog away! I love dogs and have a couple myself but, I don't need to meet yours and have him nudge my crotch as I am working. I work hard for all my customers no matter how they behave just out of personal pride in my workmanship but, if treated well the pen might be a little lighter, and if you do tip it is much appreciated but, not expected.
Packard V8
Well-known member
FWIW, tipping tradesmen is more an east coast/metro thing. I see it happen less often in smaller towns, southeast, midwest, northwest.
thnx, jack vines
thnx, jack vines
rockchucker
Well-known member
I will tip people who come to my home for services. As I am in a lot of peoples homes providing services. If they do a good job they will get 10-20 per person for said job.
I had a custom sized door installed on my Fab Shop on Tuesday. It was a 14x7 door with a brand new opener. I tipped the guy and had a couple of cold ones with him when the job was done. I got a really good deal on the door and opener.
Mojo1
Active member
Had a guy come out and put carpet on a riser I built for my theater room, he did a great job, took his time to do it right. He got a $50. tip.
nate379
Banned
At the rates most pros charge, hell no. They need to include a tub of KY along with the bill so it slides in a bit easier 
At the rates most pros charge, hell no. They need to include a tub of KY along with the bill so it slides in a bit easier
whatever. you're right tradesman should not make a decent wage.
then do it yourself and have it come out half-assed.
nate379
Banned
You mean do it myself and do it right?
Sorry but $150-200/hr for simple stuff like soldering piping or gluing PVC isn't a decent wage, it's robbery.
If I hire someone to doze my yard, I can see those rates... heavy equipment isn't cheap to run, but otherwise, no.
Sorry but $150-200/hr for simple stuff like soldering piping or gluing PVC isn't a decent wage, it's robbery.
If I hire someone to doze my yard, I can see those rates... heavy equipment isn't cheap to run, but otherwise, no.
Beautiful area!
I fished off Vancouver Island (Port Renfrew) while I was stationed in Victoria for 4 years. Caught a 41lb salmon one year and we regularly caught 18-25 lb springs and had fresh salmon smoked and Halibut in the freezer throughout the year. I miss it and am forever spoiled and cannot truly enjoy market bought fish.
I can't wait to get back there.
Hah, just did a search and found this thread. Had 3 guys here installing countertop, and wife comes in asking if we ought to tip them. After reading the responses, I came to the conclusion that the answer is YES. The guys did a great job, laid tarp on the floor to protect it, and the end product looks fabulous. They were here about 4 hours and I gave them $20 each. On what the whole job is costing that's less than 2%, so not a big deal in the grand scheme. Just hope the guys aren't thinking "less than 2%? What a cheapo!".