OT - tipping movers???

[ICF]

When we last moved, we may have offered drinks but I know we didn't provide lunch or tips. It was a cross town move of about 15-20 miles. I was paying something like $90/hr for the truck / guys. The last thing I wanted to be doing was paying them to eat food that I would have also bought and paid for.

I think we as a society have gone tipping overboard. The restaurant workers are one thing as those are "tipped" positions and they earn less then minimum wage. For lots of other people, they chose their profession and get paid at least the federally mandated level. If they can't / don't want to make their current wage they should try and find a better (different) job.

From reading on here, I get the impression that some of you tip everyone for everything. Where does the tipping stop?? You get an oil change.....do you tip?? A repair guy comes to fix the washer....does he get a tip? The person at McD's that ask "do you want fries with that? The cashier at Target who is especially friendly? Where does it end, and why??

At somepoint I feel that the amount that you pay for the service should be your expected cost....not the starting rate + tip.

Feel free to flame away......

 

[Mickeyluver37]

We've never tipped, but ALWAYS had food and plenty of drinks. Usually, dh would pick up donuts and we'd order pizza. The guys always seemed appreciative, never like they were expecting it.

 

[seashoreCM]

Tips are earned, not just received.

For moving, you need to inspect all of the items and make sure everything is in good order before giving a tip. Admittedly the timing makes it difficult, but evaluating the quality of service comes first. Do not promise a tip. If you succeed in inspecting the items before the crew leaves, then you can consider a tip.

It is nice to offer light refreshments but the moving company is not supposed toa sk.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

Moving companies are down near the bottom of the list when it comes to consumer satisfaction. Whether this is becasue of the lack of tips, this is not your (the consumer's) responsibility. The moving company is still subject to claims for damage.

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

Thanks for all the responses.... I guess I'll just wait and see how it goes.... I way over-tipped on our last move (I felt sorry for the guy b/c his trailer had 3 blow-outs b/c our stuff was so heavy - totally not our fault that we were the biggest move he's ever done - he's a local firefighter who does the moving thing on the side and someone we knew), but I don't feel bad about doing that..... I just feel that moving is HARD work, esp. w/ stairs and we have HEAVY stuff upstairs (washer/dryer, large armoire/dresser which they said to leave the clothes IN, heavy filing cabinet) that some sort of tip would be appreciated. We've done all the packing.... they'll just do the loading-drive 2 hours-then unload so this will be an all day job. They'll get here early morning to load and will be on the road at lunchtime so I'm guessing they will just grab something to eat on the way???? I'll be here w/ the movers w/ the kids and we've tried to clean out the fridge - I do have water and gatoraide, but no food (didn't know I should provide food!) We do have a trampoline to take down, maybe put back up (depending on time). Again, thanks for all the responses - I'll just have cash ready in case I feel a tip is earned....

 

[Schachteles]

Tips are earned, not just received.

For moving, you need to inspect all of the items and make sure everything is in good order before giving a tip. Admittedly the timing makes it difficult, but evaluating the quality of service comes first. Do not promise a tip. If you succeed in inspecting the items before the crew leaves, then you can consider a tip.

It is nice to offer light refreshments but the moving company is not supposed toa sk.

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

Moving companies are down near the bottom of the list when it comes to consumer satisfaction. Whether this is becasue of the lack of tips, this is not your (the consumer's) responsibility. The moving company is still subject to claims for damage.

That isn't totally true! Claims can be very sketchy with moving. If you take out basic liability coverage you are going to get $0.60 per pound PER item. You can chose to take out additional ECP (Extra Care Protection) and then you can get more coverage.

But remember if you pack a box and when you get there and unpack there are broken items, if there is no damage to the box, then it is shame on you and the moving company isn't liable (but if the box is damaged then the moving company is liable). But if you have a full pack and something gets broken then it is shame on us.

And if you are moving with a licensed mover, the workers and both of your residences are fully covered for damage.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

I was totally thrown by a mover's request for refreshments- our family always moved ourselves so I had no clue that I was expected to offer food/drinks; I'm moving!
I guess I just assumed they knew they would be hungry/thirsty and would bring a cooler/thermos if they wanted it. My refrigerator was empty and cleaned out- I had a small cooler with a drink in for myself.
Oh well, live and learn. Can you guess that they didn't get a tip either? I had no idea (it was a military move).

Our moves were military moves as well...the guys usually have A LOT more work to do because they are the packers AND the movers. Most people I know that are paying out of pocket for moves are packing themselves.

 

[fireworks fan]

On our cross country move, we provided lunch two days in a row, for both the packing day and loading day. And we tipped each day, which we gave to the driver to distribute. They did a great job, and were very appreciative, especially the day we got everyone sandwiches from our favorite deli However, my parents, who have moved 15 times, never tip the movers, only provide lunch. Its really what you are comfortable with, I guess.