I was just asked by one of my clients a question about Moving Companies. More specifically, how much do you tip the movers? Are tips expected? Do I give everything to the Foreman of the crew and let him/her disperse the money to the other individuals or simply give to each person myself?
These are all very good questions. If you are like me, you want to be fair and I like to think of tips as "Merit pay". The job has been done well and whatever I choose to give the movers should be a true reflection of my appreciation.
I did notice this post on the subject of tipping movers. You might want to take a look because it does get into specifics when tipping. Remember, I'm a Real Estate Professional, not a mover, and that is why this article can really assist you on the subject: Tipping Movers?
So How Much Should I Tip My Movers? For sure, tip each individual - don't give it all to the Foreman and let it show a reflection of your gratitude for a job well done.
David, this has never come up but it makes sense that movers should be rewarded for a job well-done. Thanks for the link to the article. It definitely provided some insight into this subject.
I think this is a great post because I think alot of the time it just doesn't occur to people. I liked the link as well.
David, Good blog something we all grapple with and yes tip everyone individually!
I recently had do extra yard work cleaning up the "back 40". I thought he way under bid the job. So I gave him a large tip and asked my I please tip your workers. That way I know they got what I was intenting for them.
I think that you often run the risk (if you give it to the boss) of the money not making it where it should go.
I never heard of tipping movers before. However, reading the post and the comments, I can see that if you hire Joe's Corner Movers and they show up with a 2 ton truck, maybe tips would be in order. I can't see paying the big national movers' employees anything extra, though. Buy them pizza and soda for lunch, give them a case of beer, but no more. They are doing their job like the rest of us.
I guess it is something to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Just like tipping for any other services we receive, yes?
I usually give them $10 or $20 per person, and might even throw in a case of beer -- as long as they start drinking after everything is moved in. If they don't perform as expected, I'm not so generous. I had one experience in which I handed them a check for less than agreed upon amount, listening to them protesting, claiming I could not do that, but I certainly did do it. They took off for a 2-hour lunch, left my refrigerator full of perishables out in the sun, showed up late and not in uniform as promised . . .
I refer a few movers all the time, there is no right answer according to what they have told me. You will come up with the right answer once the delivery is done.
David - I've never been asked this question before by a client and honestly wouldn't have a clue what the norm would be.
David never gave much thought to this, but I can see this question being asked. Thanks for the link.
David, this is a question I have never been asked and would have no idea how much. Glad to see the answers. Sharon
I always tip the movers and offer them cold bottled water and donuts or pizza. Especially when they're really careful about not damaging either the furniture OR the house ... they are worth their wegiht in gold. A smile and pleasant attitude at the beginning goes a long way to make sure they'll work hard to protect your treasures!
I've moved a couple of times and have always tipped the movers. I did give the money to the boss though, but I did it in front of everyone.
David - I've never had this question come up though we have fed the movers.
I would agree that you either tip everyone individually or you tip the boss, but do it in front of everyone so that you're not concerned that he might just pocket the whole tip.
I guess it all depends how hard they have work for you. .
but they all should be tipped. .that is a breaking back job
David, excellent post, and a great idea! These movers are moving all of your precious belongings and to keep them safe a nice would be warranted!
Thank you to everyone who not only stopped by but took a few moments to share your thoughts on the topic of Tipping Movers. I was surprised when I turned on my computer this morning and found so many comments. I hope everyone found the link I provided as enlightening on the subject. Again - thank you.
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