Tipping

LM

Hello.
Am in the process of having some work done on a new property. Does anyone know do you/how much do you tip the guys who install the alarm, lay the flooring, do the tiling, etc. etc. Also does the tipping differ depending on whether it's a self employed tradesman or someone who works for a larger company.
All and any advice appreciated.
-LM.

Fortinbras'

LM wrote:

Hello.
Am in the process of having some work done on a new property. Does anyone know do you/how much do you tip the guys who install the alarm, lay the flooring, do the tiling, etc. etc. Also does the tipping differ depending on whether it's a self employed tradesman or someone who works for a larger company.
All and any advice appreciated.
-LM.

I dont think anyone in this country tips, unless the work is exceptional or you fall in love with the labourer

Victor

Tipping is for personal service, e.g. you tip in a restaurant where you are waited on, you don't tip in McDonalds where you collect your food at the counter.

You might tip someone who does something extra special for you (e.g. if a delivery man carries something heavy / awkward to an upper storey), not someone doing their ordinary job, for which they might be overpaid anyway.

garred

A nice cup of tea and a few chocolate bikkies, thats all. If they go above and beyond what they are hired to do then offer the cash (although personally I think the cash is impersonal and some people get insulted if you try but not many).

When we were moving into our apartment (top floor) the couch would'nt fit up the lift/stairs so we went around to the foreman as they were still building. He sent a guy with a forklift around and we got it through the balcony doors. Did'nt give him cash but a bottle of whisky, he was delighted.

rooferPete

Hi LM,

The above answers are correct, however I have found that my Guys tend to remember the customer who shows a little gratitude, that can range from a small tip for the junior to a bottle of non alcoholic beer (j/k)

While leaving the work area clean is part of their job they do tend to double check everything, so as is standard even in the restaurant the tip is at your discretion it can help make the service providers more enthusiastic.

.

Borzoi

LM wrote:

Hello.
Am in the process of having some work done on a new property. Does anyone know do you/how much do you tip the guys who install the alarm, lay the flooring, do the tiling, etc. etc. Also does the tipping differ depending on whether it's a self employed tradesman or someone who works for a larger company.
-LM.

If they're self employed - that's no tip. If it's someone (or a crew) from a large company, a tip at the end of the job if you're particularly happy would always be appreciated (enough to cover 2-3 beers per skull) but no one would think any worse of you for not offering one. Likewise anobody who does you a special favour, well, gared has already explained what to do.

To be honest, most crews would be as happy to be shown a general level of civility during the job, simple stuff like been shown where the tea and kettle is, leaving a pack of biscuits or the like is always good too

I always remember the little things - but the nicest thing was a a euro finals year, (1988?) Ireland had a big match in the middle of the day and there was three of us doing an outdoor job in Celbridge Abbey. We'd been racking our brains about the match and what to do, when one of the monks offered us the use of a sitting room and telly, offer accepted we settled in, when the same monk came in with a tray of beers