I would not tip installers generally. They are skilled technicians and their compensation should reflect that (I'm not say that it always does - but it should). As far as appliance delivery guys - I would tip them it there was some particularly challenging aspect to the delivery such as a 2nd floor delivery or if they do something exceptional.
I think tipping is becoming quite annoying - employers are squeezing employees, and tipping is becoming the way employers are passing their costs on to consumers while appearing to control prices. I am trying not to play that game. It is bad enough that people are expected to pay a tip for "average" restaurant service (I still feel strongly that weak or bad service means little or no tip), but now consumers are being pressured to tip any time someone does any service for anyone else. I say - to service providers - pay your employees what you need to without people paying tips, and consumers will opt to pay a nominal tip for exceptional service (read not "average" or "good") only.
I think tipping is becoming quite annoying - employers are squeezing employees, and tipping is becoming the way employers are passing their costs on to consumers while appearing to control prices. I am trying not to play that game. It is bad enough that people are expected to pay a tip for "average" restaurant service (I still feel strongly that weak or bad service means little or no tip), but now consumers are being pressured to tip any time someone does any service for anyone else. I say - to service providers - pay your employees what you need to without people paying tips, and consumers will opt to pay a nominal tip for exceptional service (read not "average" or "good") only.
I was shocked that he tipped such a low amount!! I think $20 would have been better, maybe even more, I don't know.
