Tipping floor installers

[TSO/ISPF]

Is there a rule of thumb for tipping floor installers? We are having 1200 square feet of laminate installed by 3 guys.

[dewilson58]

One Response: I have never tipped a floor installer.

[photo1902]

Is there a rule of thumb for tipping floor installers? We are having 1200 square feet of laminate installed by 3 guys.

I tipped our two installers $20 each. They spent a day and a half installing laminate in my home. $20 is a not a lot, but they worked hard, did a great job, and if nothing else, covered there lunch for a few days.

[retiredguy123]

I don't think there is a "rule of thumb" and there shouldn't be one. Any tipping you do should be based on what you feel is warranted.

[Bogie Shooter]

I don't think there is a "rule of thumb" and there shouldn't be one. Any tipping you do should be based on what you feel is warranted.

Common sense wins again.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Nada. I don't tip my dentist, car mechanic, eye doctor, insurance agent, or bank teller either.

[petsetc]

I was in business for myself (with as many as 50 employees at my peak). I think there are too many companies that allow their employees to have their hand out. Tipping servers in restaurants is one thing, tipping people for doing their job is another is another (included fast food-movers-gardeners- etc). No one ever tipped me for doing my job when I was an employee AND I DIDN'T EXPECT IT.

[JoMar]

Since many that provide services are way down the food chain, and since I have been blessed with the ability to share, if the person does an exceptional job or provides a service not expected, I will tip. Many of these folks are struggling while their supervisors and business owners, who have the ability to help, don't. The amounts aren't significant, $20 - $25 usually, but it sends a message that they are appreciated.

[Shimpy]

Nada. I don't tip my dentist, car mechanic, eye doctor, insurance agent, or bank teller either.

Always thought it was strange to tip a taxi driver but not an airline pilot who is responsible for 200 lives.

[ColdNoMore]

Since many that provide services are way down the food chain, and since I have been blessed with the ability to share, if the person does an exceptional job or provides a service not expected, I will tip. Many of these folks are struggling while their supervisors and business owners, who have the ability to help, don't. The amounts aren't significant, $20 - $25 usually, but it sends a message that they are appreciated.

I agree...same here.

[Two Bills]

I have no idea what they pay tradesman in Florida, but from what I have read on this forum, minimum wage, or less seems to to be the rule for most employees, so maybe a few extra $$ may help.
The minimum wage seems to be the problem that should be addressed, not how much to tip them!
JMO.

[TSO/ISPF]

I have no idea what they pay tradesman in Florida, but from what I have read on this forum, minimum wage, or less seems to to be the rule for most employees, so maybe a few extra $$ may help.
The minimum wage seems to be the problem that should be addressed, not how much to tip them!
JMO.

My thoughts as well. Thanks for the input.

[villagetinker]

I have tipped the spa maintenance person when they went above what I expected. In general I have not tipped people hired to do specific jobs, like painting, plumbing, or electrical work.

[C. C. Rider]

I have no idea what they pay tradesman in Florida, but from what I have read on this forum, minimum wage, or less seems to to be the rule for most employees, so maybe a few extra $$ may help.
The minimum wage seems to be the problem that should be addressed, not how much to tip them!
JMO.

You would be surprised what many of them make. For a real "tradesman" such as a floor installer, cabinet installer, plumber, etc they will make a minimum of around $18/hour and many will make closer to $35/hour. Some make even more.

A lot of these "tradesmen" are subcontractors who get paid by the job. I recently had some flooring installed and, based on what I know of the cost of materials plus overhead and profit for the company, I figure that the two installers (who were subcontractors) probably made about $35 to $40/hour EACH.

Two years ago I had my block house exterior painted. I shopped around and talked with several neighbors and friends and hired the painter who was supposed to be the best and the cheapest. He worked by himself and furnished his own brushes, rollers, and tape but I paid for the paint. At the end of the job, I paid him the agreed to price, and it figured out to almost exactly $40/hour for his total time on the job. I kept close track of his time each day. Some days he wouldn't show up until noon. Always had a good excuse why he wasn't there earlier. Next time, I'll paint it myself and pocket the $40/hour for myself.

[Vickshaw1]

I own a retail floor covering store in Massachusetts. Tipping is not expected. That said on the rare instances our Well Paid (among the highest paid in our organization) crews do receive a tip you’d think they had just won the lottery. If a client gives them say $20 each....they are so happy. It’s not the money. It’s knowing that the client Appreciated what they had done...especially if the work is especially intricate or the materials especially heavy to work with. If our installers receive even a modest tip they tell the Whole store about it.
I’d say tip only if you feel you received exceptional service. (Though even then it is not necessary)
(From a floor store owner)

[rjn5656]

If they work extra hard or do something exceptional, I give them something for a special lunch. If work is routine effort, then no.

[vinricci]

We had landscaping done by 4 people over the course of 4 days. Bought lunch for them each day and they were very appreciative and we even received a card from the company thanking us.

[jedalton]

it seems to me everybody in TV is looking for a tip?

[KLBNJ]

I always tip the service people. Next time you need them they never forget how nice you were to them and appreciated all their hard work in your home. Bless them all for their expertise to help me.

[moe1212]

i will typically tip workers around $20 and tell them to buy some lunch. Recently tipped my furnace worker who worked hard to solve a problem. You could tell he did not expect and was deeply touched by the offer. I think some workers are not appreciated.

[ColdNoMore]

i will typically tip workers around $20 and tell them to buy some lunch. Recently tipped my furnace worker who worked hard to solve a problem. You could tell he did not expect and was deeply touched by the offer. I think some workers are not appreciated.

That's usually what I do also.

While I suspect that most of them are probably headed to the nearest convenience store, and could save money bringing a lunch to work, I have yet to have any of them not have their face light up...and profusely thank me.

And that reaction itself...makes it worth it. :thumbup:

[ColdNoMore]

I own a retail floor covering store in Massachusetts. Tipping is not expected. That said on the rare instances our Well Paid (among the highest paid in our organization) crews do receive a tip you’d think they had just won the lottery. If a client gives them say $20 each....they are so happy. It’s not the money. It’s knowing that the client Appreciated what they had done...especially if the work is especially intricate or the materials especially heavy to work with. If our installers receive even a modest tip they tell the Whole store about it.
I’d say tip only if you feel you received exceptional service. (Though even then it is not necessary)
(From a floor store owner)

That pretty much says it all, in that it's not really the amount of money they receive from a tip...it's the acknowledgement/appreciation.

Thanks for sharing. :cool:

[ColdNoMore]

it seems to me everybody in TV is looking for a tip?

Given the number of financial services companies around here, I would say the tip most in demand is;


Buy low...sell high.



:D

[MIskra]

I provide food and beverages for the workers. When we had our garage floor coated, they showed up early and I bought them donuts and coffee for breakfast. When I had work done on my kitchen, I bought them subs, chips and soda for lunch.

[greenflash245]

$20 each

[ChicagoNative]

No matter who is doing a service at my home, I always offer water, pop, or coffee. I rarely tip skilled tradesmen unless they have done something that is so far above and beyond the contracted work. Furniture delivery people always get at least $10 each. Our movers got $50 each and they deserved every penny.

The part of tipping culture that frosts my shorts are counter tip jars where the only thing happening is a transaction. YMMV.

[jswirs]

Is there a rule of thumb for tipping floor installers? We are having 1200 square feet of laminate installed by 3 guys.
I always tip IF they did a good job, they were on time, courteous and respectful. But never more than $20.00 each.

[caljeff]

Is there a rule of thumb for tipping floor installers? We are having 1200 square feet of laminate installed by 3 guys.
Regarding tipping of workmen general; we recently had our home re-roofed here in TV. Upon watching how hard those folks worked and keeping in mind the general Florida wage scale, we decided to tip the roofing crew $100 per.
Jus' sayin'.

[dougjb]

Wow! Upon spending upwards of 2 grand for floor covering, most of which goes to the higher ups, it seems particularly paltry to give just $20. Why not give a waitress a dime by comparison. To me, and I used to lay carpet, a fifty for the guy in charge and 50 for his helper would seem appropriate. You are going to have that carpet for many years. Perhaps it will need a restretch periodically? You are going to get a guy who is wanting to do work for you as opposed to just doing it. Also, as with any tips, I might give the guy 30 when he walks in the door and another 20 when the job is completed. If you are going to tip, then tip. Don't insult the guy!

[karostay]

Just had 3 rooms 1 walk in closet and 2 other closets carpeting removed and laminate installed last month Dec
The installers went above and beyond in dissembling our furniture removing it and installing laminate
They took old carpet temporally place it on the areas they would be walking at end of install removed it
Great care was taken on every step of the process. They leveled the floor made sure no dust or contaminant would be under the flooring.
Even when they installed 1/4 round around the base they notice a slight color variation in the paint.
They painted all my base boards to match..Everything was re assemble placed back exactly where it was located
Yes we tipped the installers they went above and beyond . Got it right 100% the first time
The Company the Floor Shoppe :bigbow:

[JanetMM]

I own a retail floor covering store in Massachusetts. Tipping is not expected. That said on the rare instances our Well Paid (among the highest paid in our organization) crews do receive a tip you’d think they had just won the lottery. If a client gives them say $20 each....they are so happy. It’s not the money. It’s knowing that the client Appreciated what they had done...especially if the work is especially intricate or the materials especially heavy to work with. If our installers receive even a modest tip they tell the Whole store about it.
I’d say tip only if you feel you received exceptional service. (Though even then it is not necessary)
(From a floor store owner)
Thank you very much for that informed piece of information. That just backs up my own thoughts on the matter from knowing about things from up north but I don’t want to base everything just on my opinion. Information is always appreciated

[OhioBuckeye]

I don't think there is a "rule of thumb" and there shouldn't be one. Any tipping you do should be based on what you feel is warranted.

Tipping I think should be optional. If you do it to be nice that is nice or do some people think they don’t make enough from their employer. Me myself think the employer should pay them enough & not making the home owner to make up the difference in their pay. But it is nice that some people tip! I agree with RETIREDGUY!

[New Englander]

As a matter of fact, I had vinyl plank installed Monday & Tuesday. There were two men and I tipped each one a $20 because I wanted to.

[theruizs]

Since many that provide services are way down the food chain, and since I have been blessed with the ability to share, if the person does an exceptional job or provides a service not expected, I will tip. Many of these folks are struggling while their supervisors and business owners, who have the ability to help, don't. The amounts aren't significant, $20 - $25 usually, but it sends a message that they are appreciated.

I agree. I don’t always tip in these situations, but do when I can and when warranted. But I don’t think there is a simple rule of thumb. It’s a personal matter as to how you feel about the job they do and your own financial situation.

[OhioBuckeye]

One Response: I have never tipped a floor installer.

Your right dewilson, it's their job & they get paid for their work by their employers & not tipping them to up their salary! But if someone wants to tip them, that's your privilege.

[CWGUY]

Is there a rule of thumb for tipping floor installers? We are having 1200 square feet of laminate installed by 3 guys.

I don't think there is a "rule of thumb" and there shouldn't be one. Any tipping you do should be based on what you feel is warranted.

:oops: What else needs to be said? :confused:

[Gpsma]

Tipping...dirty word for many here in TV.

And so many wonder why wait staff leave restaurants.

Tipping seems to be a regional thing. Usually people west of the Hudson River will be kinda squeeky with tips.

[JSR22]

I tipped the floor installers, painters and bathroom reno guys each $20. We tip the shrub guys because it is a big undertaking.

[CWGUY]

Tipping...dirty word for many here in TV.

And so many wonder why wait staff leave restaurants.

Tipping seems to be a regional thing. Usually people west of the Hudson River will be kinda squeeky with tips.

:icon_wink: Some think it's a dirty word and some think it's a city in China! Like I said at Christmas..... people that want to tip do it and the rest..... well you get the picture. :ho:

[ColdNoMore]

As a matter of fact, I had vinyl plank installed Monday & Tuesday. There were two men and I tipped each one a $20 because I wanted to.

Good for you. :thumbup:

[MollyJo]

Self employed persons pay both sides of Medicare, Social Security, liability insurance, truck maintenance & most likely don’t have health insurance. That $40 per hour doesn’t go far once expenses factor in.