Tipping

[plcarrk]

Hi:

HVAC guys just arrived, and I am wondering, am I supposed to tip? If so, how much? There are two men doing the installation. Supposed to take about 7-8 hours.

Thanks

[docholiday]

No, Tipping is not required. On the otherhand, if they seem to be making efforts to keep your house clean, and are well mannered then, if you want to show your appriciation, write a nice note to the company.

[Midwest]

I was always told "do not feed the animals"!lol I agree, that if they go out of their way to protect and respect your property, follow your instincts. If they blow and go, then show the same respects. I never received any monetary tips, but got lots of fresh baked goods, especially around the holidays. Some customers are always proud of their gardening acheivements and shared tons of fresh veggies. We are not allowed to accept monetary gifts, but no one ever said I couldn't take a dozen fresh cinnamon rolls home.

[hvaclover]

I like to tip for good service, and tip well I might add.

I have no objections if techs and installers are given tips if they deserve them.

We don't want to insult a customer by declining a tip, that's the school of thought this organization is from.

If you are happy with the installation and the guys were polite and careful of your property, than slide an Andrew Jackson their way.

It's your call and you have a right to express you gratitude in any way you choose.

One thing I would advise: If you have a one man shop doing the work DO NOT tip the owner. If he has a helper with him and again, if he was sharp, give him a tip.

The Boss is making the lion's share so that leaves him out.

[r22jjc]

if they do you right,take care of them,puts you one the"A"list if you ever need service,dont tell the co. owner,send the co. a short note telling them about your job,neg.or positive,most installers arnt paid what they should be,and that leads to................

[Gunnery Sergeant Hartman]

Do what you feel like.

I always appreciated a pot of coffee in the morning when I arrived.

If the homeowner felt compelled to buy me a sandwich and fries for lunch I would never turn that down either!

[mark beiser]

Originally posted by hvaclover
We don't want to insult a customer by declining a tip, that's the school of thought this organization is from.

In some culturs it is very insulting to decline a tip, Japanese being the main one that comes to mind. I get more tips from Japanese customers than anyone. :)

[hvaclover]

I hear you, Mark.

A guy wants to tip a worker, why rain on his parade?

[cissado]

I agree with not tipping the owner. I don't tip money anymore unless it's a helper and he's done a good job.

I DO usually buy lunch for everyone though. Owner or not, I buy it for the whole crew. One, two or how ever many guys there might be there. Don't tell them at 12Noon, that you're buying lunch. Tell them a little beforehand that it is what you're planning on doing. This way, they can plan a little ahead. Order anything they want and you'll get the tab when they're ready.

Of course offer drinks throughout the day.

[hvaclover]

My kind'a guy! No body goes hungry or thirsty!:D

i have such a caffeine fix I'd got through Two pots by my self when I was in the field.

[dec]

Can I just throw this in being someone thinking about doing it might want to take it into account.

If you want to buy the guys a meal or dinner , I think most would apreciate something like burgers and fries or anthing else purchased.

I keep it company policy that we cannot accept home cooked meals. I am not trying to hurt anyones feeling but it is for the safety of my personel. Im not saying that your residence would have any proble but in all honesty we have been offered meals from people that if you happened to walk thru the kitchen.... you could watch bugs and insects walking across their food.

For that reason I had to make the call that sorry, we cannot accept home cooked meals. Now as far as home cooked cookies or something like that ...... the tech can make that call. He may eat it , he may turn it down, he might even throw it away, its up to him.


As far as tips...... thats up to you , Im not a big one on tipping at what a guy is getting paid to do. I would rather hear about how happy a homeowner is with an employee's work or how profesional he acts ......so I know he deserves a raise or a spif.

I dont even like the question ......how much should I tip them. You just turned it into an obligation and thats what I hate about tipping nowdays. Thats why the resterants get away with paying nothing. Their charging you top dollar and then expecting you to pay the employees wage too ...... that was already in the original price.

Like I say , if you want to tip them fine but let their boss know how well they did .....good or bad.



Oh and let me add this, some shops will say no to everything being they have had some people expect a cut in price being they did tip or supply a meal.

If your thinking at all of using it that way....... dont even go there , just let them do their job and leave it at that. It will just cause problems and make everyone uncomfortable .

[Edited by dec on 11-20-2006 at 05:56 PM]