(In the U.S.) – I am going to have some wal-to-wall carpet installed today. Is it the norm to tip rug installers? (I’m sure they wouldn’t mind getting a tip, I just want to know whether most people would tip them or not.) If so, how much? And I don’t know how many people are coming, how do you divide it up?
p.s. – I don’t know how much cash I have on hand, I’d rather save the money but I don’t want to appear cheap.
When I have workers in my home, I typically only tip if they go above and beyond the call of duty. That is, if they do a phenomenal job or help me with some extra stuff that they didn’t have to do. I’ll tip anywhere from $10 to $20 per person.
Generally, I try to have a six-pack of beer on hand to give to installers and the sort. Offer it to them when they’re done. Nonalcoholic drinks are acceptable too (and you can offer those while they’re working).
My son and two brothers-in-law install carpets. Tips are appreciated but not necessary. Except…
If your contract states large furniture items will be moved out of the way by the installers, a tip is nice if they have to move 4 dressers and multiple bookcases from one room.
If you are asked to remove dresser contents…do not pile said contents ON TOP OF THE DRESSER. And don’t pile it on the bed, either. You know. The bed they are going to move. Cold, non-alcoholic drinks just don’t cut it for this one.
And for those of you with pets - please vacuum before the installers arrive. 15 years of pet hair will get you blacklisted, no matter how nice you are or how well you may tip.
Again, tipping is NOT necessary, but if you fall into any of the above categories you may want to think about it.
Thanks for the advice, everyone! They just left, the rug looks wonderful, there was no unusual work involved, I didn’t tip but they seemed happy and I kept feeding them seltzer water, etc. And I did vacuum first, and I had already moved all the furniture. So thanks again!
My dad is a carpet installer, and he always refuses tips. If the customer is persistent, he’ll take the tip for gas money or some other work-related expense. Customers have also offered my dad sandwiches, spam musubis, pizza, plate lunches, and Big Gulps from 7-Eleven.
Because of my dad’s policy, I’m not used to thinking of carpet installers as the folks you tip. But really, they’re no different from movers, the guys who delivered your TV, or the guy who installed your new washing machine. If you’re the tipping type, there’s no harm in offering it.
One other thing: I think offering beer to any kind of service person is a bad idea. Liability issues aside, you don’t want guys drinking while on the job. Even if you give them the beer after they’re done with your job, they may have more jobs or cleanup to do afterwards. With carpet installation in particular, there is a lot of heavy lifting and work with chemicals and sharp objects involved. It’s a potentially dangerous and unnecessary combination to throw alcohol in the mix.
Furthermore, with the sheer amount of physical activity that these guys do, proper hydration and nutrition is a top concern. For their sake, you’re better off providing water or sports drinks over dehydrating alcohol.
I would never offer beer until the job was done. And I’d expect them to take it home with them and enjoy it responsibly, not dig into it right away on the job site. (It would not be cold.)
Before I was born (pre 70’s), my brother and sister survived on my father’s tips. Until his death he was a big tipper, unless the service was bad. I continue to follow his lead and I do not make a lot of money (shoot I balk when I have to pay a $50.00 phone bill). No matter what, the pizza (Chinese, chicken) guy/gal gets $5.00 each time he delivers; if it’s raining hard he/she gets $7.00. The carpet guy or the painter, plumber, electrician gets a $20.00. If there is more than one guy, I increase as needed.
I feel that if you get good service, you should show your appreciation (since customer service is a major issue). That’s just me of course.
Besides, I ALWAYS have beer in the fridge, so that’s no reward. That’s my damned beer, man.
I understand that, KellyM– you offer it in the spirit that they will enjoy it responsibly. But you can’t always expect that, because that won’t always happen.