[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]

Originally Posted by heims01

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Rapscallion St Croix

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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)