Question about tipping?

[Orrex]

Having a new water heater installed today. Given the suddenness of the need, I didn't have the luxury of shopping around, so I went to Lowe's. Installation is $199.00.

Do I tip the installers? If so, then how much?

I ask because the installation would have cost me about $40 if I'd had some lead time, but my preferred guy wasn't available and I couldn't get the heater to my house in any case.


In routine life I only deal with tipping as it applies to waitstaff, because we don't make (if any) use of other tip-related services. I tip waitstaff pretty well (20 to 25%), but I wasn't sure how it applies here, if at all.


Recommendations? They're in the basement now, so your prompt response is appreciated!

[pipi_k]

1. I don't know if

there are any rules on this, so I would say do what you feel comfortable doing.

If the guys showed up on short notice, then it might be a nice gesture, but I don't think they'll think you're rude or anything if you don't.

Not much help, I know...

[denverbill]

2. It you are going to tip, just give them 5 bucks for a coffee or something.

It certainly doesn't need to be 15%. I don't think it's generally expected.

[onehandle]

3. I've never tipped 'skilled labor' from a company. On Edit...

If it was a couple of guys just dropping off the water heater for you, then I would tip them.

I don't think it's expected with a company's skilled labor.

On edit: I have tipped self-employed handymen if they gave me a good deal.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

4. I'm not aware of any rules in this area...

I tip service providers based on their timeliness, efficiency and whether they are direct employees of a company, or an independent contractor. I tend to be more generous with the direct employees. You might be surprised to learn that many people do not tip these providers at all.

[Cal Carpenter]

5. I tend to tip when in doubt

especially as wages are so suppressed and so many companies skim more off the workers than ever before - and I would guess this applies to anyone working or contracting with Lowe's, Home Depot etc.

If you feel compelled, I would give them $10 or more, regardless of the bill amount.

Last time I had a plumber over, I gave him a $20. It wasn't really based on the total bill like it would be for waitstaff, but because he did a good job and left the area clean, and also clued me into a coupon in the back of the phonebook that gave me 10% off the bill (which saved me more than $20!).

I don't know what the 'rules' are, but if you can afford it, it certainly can't hurt to tip someone.

[clam happy]

6. I would.

I'd probably give each a ten and say "get yourself a six-pack tonight." Makes them happy. They work hard and deserve some happy.

[d_r]

7. That right there

or "let me buy you lunch" it takes some of the "weirdness" out of tipping someone in a situation like that.

[Kali]

8. go get them some doughnuts

or cookies or something like that.

[Ptah]

10. No food advice allowed on DU.

What if they are diabetic?
Did you think of that?
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[Kali]

15. hahahahhahaa!

rare to find working crews that won't take doughnuts!

[MiddleFingerMom]

19. MiddleFingerMomDad bought a house in a subdivision in Oro Vslley that was so new...

.
.
.
... that the house itself was just being built. He went out to the job site a LOT (where I'm
sure he was a big PITA, but he would show up near quitting time on Fridays with a case of
cold beer.
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In the Arizona desert heat. people will face DEATH for and with you if you have brought
them cold beer at quitting time.
.
Sometimes the man was a genius.
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.

[In_The_Wind]

9. $20 should be enough.

[kudzu22]

11. Doesn't seem like a tipping situation to me

[olddots]

12. Tipping is good karma

I say 20 bucks -if they are nice people .getting a tip can make not just your day but sometimes your life's attitude.

[Denis 11]

13. I agree, if you tip the money will return to you somewhere down the road.

People who received tips doing their work, like to tip. People whom rarely dealt with the public have trouble with the concept. I was fortunate to have been generously tipped on occasion, i am a conscientious tipper.
At the very least offer a beverage or snack I am sure it would be very appreciated.

[Dragonbreathp9d]

14. What's with this?: This DU Member is not permitted to post replies to this thread.

Never seen it before

[Kali]

16. it is orrex, master of fake-out sig lines

I suggest putting him on ignore (just kidding, the guy has a warped sense of humor - and I LIKE that)

[Dragonbreathp9d]

17. Hahaha ok

He totally got me! I feel like a noob

[Kali]

18. it used to say "this DUer has put you on ignore"

or something close to that - really freaked people out

there is another funny sig line floating about - it is in regular posting font and says "Also, I just wanted to let you know that this is my signature." so you read it after every post they make - gets me EVERY time

[OriginalGeek]

20. lol! that one gets me every time too

and I love it every time.



I think I might be sad the day I realize it didn't get me.

[Orrex]

21. Well, couldn't decide, so I flat-out asked him

I said "Can I tip you?"

He laughed good-naturedly and said "No, we don't do that. But thanks."


Overall I'm very pleased with the installation, though the previous owner of this house built a simple studs-and-drywall wall that blocked access to the heater, so I had to demo that last night, and I'll have some work to do to rebuild it while preserving access to the heater.

I gave the installers a positively glowing review on Lowe's feedback page, so at the very least their higher-ups will know that they did a good job.


Thank you all for the responses!