do you tip movers?

[cjnix29]

Never tipped in four moves, but always buy lunch.

 

[ceemys]

I have had movers from the military and in civilian life. Never tipped them, never thought about it. I do provide water. I also provided some snacks once, but only because the move took way over lunch.

 

[DisneyOHFan]

Yes, we always tip especially if everything was delivered in one piece and they didn't make a mess. We also bring them food when they are packing and unloading. We were relocated 5 times in 10 years and it makes all the difference in the world as to how they treat your things when you show your appreciation for their hard work.

 

[Colleen27]

We used local movers last year and while they did a great job, I paid $400 for 1.5 hrs worth of work (it was an apt move). I assume they were paid more than appropriately (2 guys). I did not have them pack anything up and they did not set anything up either in the new place. We did not tip them and did not even think to. When we move in the spring we are hoping to use them to load up our pod. Hopefully, they are willing to do this. If not, it's probably a sign I should have tipped.

The thing is, they probably didn't make more than ~$24 each for that move. $12/hr is normal for drivers here and as low as $8 or $10 for helpers who don't have the credentials to drive the truck. Most companies charge a 3 hour minimum to the customer so your hourly rate looks really high for small moves like that, but the guys are paid by the actual hours worked.

I do tip movers, largely because DH used to be one and I know how the business works from the guys' point of view. There were days where a "mini" (minimum job, less than 3hrs) was all DH was scheduled for. It wasn't as bad for him because he was a driver/crew leader with some management responsibilities on the office end of things, but for some of his guys a $20 tip could end up being more than their hourly pay for the day.

I usually tip $20 per guy, but we handle all our own assembly/disassembly. If I was expecting the movers to break down the furniture and put it back together I'd tip a little more.

 

[Kies99]

My fiance used to work as a mover. Heavy, hard work and the pay was "ok".
He never expected a tip, but always really appreciated it - especially on the tough jobs.

Sometimes people bought them lunch, too. The guys were always really grateful for that, even just a bag of burgers from McD's, or a pizza.

I've moved a number of times and used movers. We always bought them lunch (usually pizza and drinks) as well as tipped them at the end.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I worked for a moving company for many years.

First, when you pay for a move and use a National name like Allied, United, Mayflower, and pay for a local move at an hourly rate say 1 van and 2 men for $110.00 per hour, I can guarantee you, the majority of that money goes to the company, not the workers. Yes they make a pretty good wage, but like a waiter/waitress a tip is greatly appreciated to compensate their pay. They do not make "tons" of money.

In a move cross country, most of the drivers are now owner/operator's who have to hire their help from the local company at destination to deliver. The rate is determined by the local company, not how much they actually want to pay. I would definitely tip well if my goods came to me in very good condition and the driver and workers handled your items with care.

** just a side note, many of our drivers would have to give up jobs that delivered into Union shops because there was the possibility that they could lose money on the delivery. I know you are charged a lot to move, but trust me, some of the shops would have a minimum of 5 to 8 hours of pay no matter how long it took, with very high union rates.

While some workers make an excellent wage, the majority do not.

I would recommend that you tip if you want to and if you feel you received great service. If not, there is nothing wrong with not tipping, but please offer at least some water/soda and maybe a sandwich.

Hope your move went smoothly.

 

[redlawyer]

Last time we moved I was 7 months pregnant. I sat at the back door and directed where everything should go. We bought lunch for the movers and tipped each $20 at the end of the day. They were wonderful, nothing broken and willing to move the furniture around a bit as we settled in.

 

[soccerchick]

Yes, we always tip especially if everything was delivered in one piece and they didn't make a mess. We also bring them food when they are packing and unloading. We were relocated 5 times in 10 years and it makes all the difference in the world as to how they treat your things when you show your appreciation for their hard work.

I have no problem treating the people who are moving my earthly belongings well. I tip, provide water, and lunch.


Did anyone else notice that this thread is over 4 years old? Wonder how/why it got resurrected?

 

[Princesca]

Definitely tip movers. I always have. You don't have to go crazy with it. I think we tipped $50 each for three movers on an all-day job, plus we bought them lunch.

 

[drcmk]

Definitely tip movers. I always have. You don't have to go crazy with it. I think we tipped $50 each for three movers on an all-day job, plus we bought them lunch.

Yes. We always tip movers and delivery men in general. We usually tip about $20 each for the guys that deliver furniture, appliances, etc. We've traveled a bit lately and so I'll mention that we also tip the drivers who help us with our bags and drive us to and from the rental car lot and the long-term parking lot.

 

[LovesTimone]

I always tip the movers, and packers and buy them lunch,and provide gator-aid and other drinks. They are the people moving my memories and personal belongings as well as the rest of the stuff. I want them to know that I appreciate the hard job that they do.

 

[DawnM]

I did not, but I honestly had no idea I was supposed to at the time.

 

[AZMermaid]

I tipped each guy $50, I think. I felt like they worked really hard and efficiently. I offered them McDonald's, but they declined. I was appalled that my sister only tipped each guy $20 to move from 3rd floor apartment to 3rd floor apartment in August in Phoenix, but now I am not thinking it was so bad!

 

[Piglet4Ever]

Dh and I move quit a bit thanks to the military. We always provide sodas and water and something to eat, donuts in the morning, if they are still there at lunch we get them pizza or subs. But we don't tip them money.