Question - Should I give a tip to the carpet installers?

[lucky978]

They are here now replacing carpets throughout my house. Obviously I've paid for the installation through the price, but should I give them a tip?

 

[monkeyboy]

Do a search
It's a weekly topic

 

[Papa Deuce]

I did.... they were college kids. Gave them $20 each. Do what feels right for you.

 

[lucky978]

Do a search
It's a weekly topic

I shall. I'm surprised it's such a popular topic!

 

[pixiemomma]

I wouldn't. I'm sure they are making far more than minimum wage.

 

[lulugirl]

I would....if they are polite and do a good job.

 

[MosMom]

I'm going to have to get out my Paypal tip jar again.

 

[lulugirl]

Pixiemomma....off topic here, but I love that photo! The lighting is just lovely!

 

[brermomof2]

Yeah, tell them smoking is bad for their health.

 

[pixiemomma]

Pixiemomma....off topic here, but I love that photo! The lighting is just lovely!

Thank you. I just figured out how to post pictures. It only took me 3+ years.

 

[ckay87]

Here's one case that I would if they go out of their way to do something special. Like move a piece of furniture or something. Otherwise I wouldn't because I do believe the tipping tradition is getting out of hand (not including wait-staff, mind you!)

 

[mickeyfan1]

I wouldn't. I'm sure they are making far more than minimum wage.

This is a pretty broad generalization. As someone who has been in business for many years, I know the installer is not always paid what you are charged for installation. If there are 2 men on the job, they have to share the money. They also have to buy the tack strip, nails, seam tape, and any other things needed for the job. That comes out of the per yard rate. A good installer should carry insurance, he has to pay for that. He has to pay for a vehicle, and vehicle insurance. So realistically, by the time the expenses come out of the money, the hourly rate can be low. When my husband was subcontracting installation work, if he needed to have a "helper" he had to pay them at least $8.00 per hour. If the helper was a "mechanic", he got 1/2 the job. In order for my husband to stay in the black in our business, he had to gross $1000.00 per week. It sounds like a lot, but he aslo had to pay his own social security (both parts) and income taxes. He was required by the state to have a license to do business, that was over $600.00 per year. You don't install flooring to become rich. The first year we were in business we grossed $185,000. At the end of the year, we netted only 13K out of it.

After 20 years of being on his knees and doing thousands of houses, I can tell you that he was tipped maybe 5 times, and each time he was amazed. He was never tipped more than 20 dollars, so if the OP feels like tipping, believe me the installer will appreciate it.

 

[lucky978]

Yeah, tell them smoking is bad for their health.

OMG!

You must have met these two guys!

I thought they were smoking inside the house and actually started up the stairs to tell them not to (although who the heck would smoke in someone's house anyways). Come to find out it was just the stench from them smoking outside.

Hey, they're from New Hampshire...what do I expect (Just kidding, of course)!!!

 

[brermomof2]

You don't install flooring to become rich.

That's true. A lot of us choose careers that won't make us rich. When I taught school, if I would have gotten a daily, or weekly, or monthly, or yearly tip, WOW - now your talkin'!!

 

[pixiemomma]

This is a pretty broad generalization. As someone who has been in business for many years, I know the installer is not always paid what you are charged for installation. If there are 2 men on the job, they have to share the money. They also have to buy the tack strip, nails, seam tape, and any other things needed for the job. That comes out of the per yard rate. A good installer should carry insurance, he has to pay for that. He has to pay for a vehicle, and vehicle insurance. So realistically, by the time the expenses come out of the money, the hourly rate can be low. When my husband was subcontracting installation work, if he needed to have a "helper" he had to pay them at least $8.00 per hour. If the helper was a "mechanic", he got 1/2 the job. In order for my husband to stay in the black in our business, he had to gross $1000.00 per week. It sounds like a lot, but he aslo had to pay his own social security (both parts) and income taxes. He was required by the state to have a license to do business, that was over $600.00 per year. You don't install flooring to become rich. The first year we were in business we grossed $185,000. At the end of the year, we netted only 13K out of it.

After 20 years of being on his knees and doing thousands of houses, I can tell you that he was tipped maybe 5 times, and each time he was amazed. He was never tipped more than 20 dollars, so if the OP feels like tipping, believe me the installer will appreciate it.

Maybe you missed the point. It would be generous to tip. However since their living wage is not dependent on it, I don't think it is necessary.

My husband is a contractor. (Among other things he installs tile and hardwood floor) There isn't a thing you could tell me about taxes/expenses and what is left over afterwards!