I’ve got some people coming over tomorrow to put new carpeting in the master bedroom. The total cost for carpet, installation and removal of the old carpet came to about 800 dollars, which I’ve already paid (got the carpet at Home Depot).
Do people usually tip carpet installers? I would think not, because I’ve already spent 800 dollars, and it’s not like these guys are getting paid minimum wage.
Buy them some drinks or something. Tip is not necessary. Up to you though. Whatever you see fit.
Offer them a few drinks and or lunch…a fairly small cost effective way to show appreciation without looking at a 10% tip of $80
Homemade cookies. Pizza. Beer.
My thoughts are it depends on what they do.
I had carpet installed in the entire house by Home Depot. It was a phased move-in and there was a mattress and boxspring in one room. They wouldn’t move it out of the way, I had to move it to the kitchen. I don’t know what they would have done if it was just my wife there, there was no way she could have moved them. They didn’t even get my thanks after the job.
BTW, there was nothing in the contract saying they would or would not move stuff out of the way. I wonder what would have happened if there was furniture around. There were also language problems.
But, they did do a great job on the install.
We install furnaces, boilers, A/C systems, lighting, water heaters, water softeners etc and we have never been tipped, and I don’t know any of my friends who have.
I don’t think it’s necessary.
What would be very nice is drinks; Cokes, 7-Up etc. Lunch is not necessary but a nice touch if they will be there all day. Even then, something simple—a pizza or 2 for example.
No alcohol, ever.
No, it’s not necessary. In fact it’s pretty damn rare. But having been there myself, and hearing from the guys now, it does really make their day, and they will make an extra effort for you.
As to alcohol, things have really changed in the last 15 years or so, but giving a case of beer at the end of a project would never be turned down. That doesn’t mean everyone is sitting around getting smashed at the job site, nor am I advocating it.
It also depends on what they are doing, how well they are doing it, and did they go the extra mile for any special requests.
You have a simple roof, in and out in a day? Probably not necessary. You have a 3 story, complicated roof in miserable weather? Probably. You have a complicated 3 story roof in miserable weather and you ask them to help hang Christmas lights and move your deck furniture? Still not necessary, but if you’re any kind of decent human, of course you would.
Yea, I’ve been offered a beer on several occasions. I always [politely] refuse. I don’t think it’s professional. (that’s just me)
If they offered a 12 pack for the road, we’d graciously accept. Also, in many companies there are restrictions on drinking on the job, and restrictions on accepting gratuities.
I would allow my employees to accept a small gratuity, but would never allow them to drink alcohol on a job site.
We are in agreement, then.
The funny thing is, I rarely, and I mean rarely, drink at all. But I understand the value of free beer.
Never underestimate the value of free beer. Or fresh homemade cookies, still warm from the oven.
My father is a carpet installer. I’d say it depends on the installer. My dad rarely accepts cash tips, and occasionally accepts food. He does not see tipping as part of his job. But other guys will be like, “Hey, free money/food!” and accept whatever you offer.
I would strongly recommend against alcohol. Carpet installation is both physically and mentally taxing. You don’t want your guy having a drink on his break, and then having to pick up a 50lb. roll of carpet while slightly inebriated. Ditto taking measurements for a room. It may not affect his performance on your installation, but it may affect his next job. Since you really have no control over when he drinks it, it’s better to play it safe. If you want to get him a drink, make it a cold bottle of water.
Just to clarify, again.
I AM NOT ADVOCATING DRINKING ON THE JOB.
I figured as reasonable adults, we can all understand this general rule. I didn’t realize I had to shout it, repeatedly.
And as to 'better not give them any beer because at the next job they’ll show up drunk and screw the cat," give me a break. People in the trades are not children.
Better not give them money, either, otherwise they’ll show up with hookers and snort coke off their ass. And cookies? Oh, hell no. They might try to eat one when driving down the road and kill a pedestrian…
And no, tipping is not required, nor really expected. I guess I just come from the idea to show appreciation, whether it is a simple thank you, or lunch, or a snack.
Better yet, just pay your bill on time.