Professional movers - do we tip them?

[lecach]

I read somewhere that it is customary to tip professional movers. Our movers are a little bit different so I would like some advice. The movers are part of a residential program for substance abusers. Once they graduate from the very strict program they can apply to work at the different companies that the group owns. Anyway there will be 5-6 movers to pack our stuff onto the truck. Then in two weeks we'll move into the new house with 5-6 movers again. I assume that we may have different movers for each move. So - do I tip? Do I tip each segment of the move? How much do I tip? I dont think this matters but I will have bottled water, gatorade and snacks on hand as well.

 

[Pop Daddy]

It depends on if there sexy

 

[RadioFanatic]

I had movers who took four hours to move me from one place to another - I tipped them $20 pp

 

[ZuZugal]

I have always tipped our movers. And a nice lunch is a big plus for them too. Our family would need to eat as well, so I would order enough extra pizza so everyone got some. My philosophy is, if you take care of them then they will take care of you.

I've never had 5-6 movers at a time, but I would think a twenty each should do it.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Normally, yes.

In this situation I would contact the company or the program. They may not be allowed to have cash and I'd make sure of what is or is not allowed before putting anyone in an awkard situation. If cash isn't allowed perhaps lunch or a gift card would be appropriate.

 

[DisneyDotty]

We tip movers and buy them lunch, too. It's been awhile, but I'd say $20/person is a good figure.
And you're right--you should tip the movers both times.

 

[barkley]

def. check with the program-for some programs this is part of a work training aspect and they may allow for it (or they may ask that the funds you would tip be donated to the parent organization), for others it can be counted as their work requirement for the food stamp program or general assistance program (in which case any cash received would have to be reported and may negativly affect their allotment the future month).

 

[marybet]

We have moved a lot and have never tipped the movers. This board was the first place I ever heard about tipping movers. If you are tipping them so that they take better care of your stuff than you better tip them first.

IMHO tipping has gotten out of hand. We started tipping waitresses because they were paid a very small salary, below minimum wage. Now we have to tip people who make way more than minimum, I just don't get it. Where does it stop?

We have always given the movers water but we don't feed them. Our last move cost over $4000, I figured that was enough.

 

[lecach]

I will definately check with their supervisor first to see what is allowed and what they recommend. My issue is that if we will probably have different movers for both the moving out and then the moving in phases, I dont think we can afford to pay $20 each both times (thats $200-240). Since we dont know for sure wouldnt it be okay if I gave each mover $10 for moving us out and then $10 for moving us in? Since I will also be giving them snacks and drinks?

 

[lecach]

I called the supervisor today to ask if the movers are allowed to accept tips. He said that it would have to be turned in to the agency. But that food and drinks are welcome. So I have the fridge stocked with water and Gatorade and Dominos is having their $5 pizza deal (medium 1 topping pizzas, 3 or more, $5 each). So we'll feed them. I was going to feed them anyway. This way I dont have to worry about how much tip.