tipping furniture pick-up????

[Teacher510]

I'm donating my entertainment center to Salvation Army (if my new one ever gets here! ). What should I tip the driver(s) who pick it up? It's about 6'X6' and will probably be tough getting out. I think I usually wind up over-tipping since I'm so afraid of being cheap and insulting them.

 

[Ashley Kees]

I don't tip the people who pick up donations. I'm already donating something. It isn't a service, they need that item, I'm not tipping on top of it. But maybe I'm in the minority.

 

[TwinmomPlusOne]

I've never tipped them either. I've never heard of tipping for a donation pickup. I'm going to feel really bad if I check back here and find out I should have all along

 

[disneychrista]

Wouldn't tip either.

 

[Kellydelly]

I would never think to tip for that sort of service either.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

I would never tip in this situation either.

 

[Teacher510]

I actually never tipped when I donated furniture in the past but several years ago I felt that the drivers were annoyed that they had struggled with the couch and got nothing. A couple of years ago I did tip (with my father's encouragment) when someone picked up some dressers. While these are donations to an organization, these guys are just working for them and probably feel like they're doing me a favor getting unwanted furniture out for me. I do feel that it's their job but I don't want to not do something that is somehow expected or usual in this situation. That's the reason I wanted you folks to let me know what your experience has been. Thanks to those who have already responded and I'd be grateful for any other advice.

 

[bmoncher]

I actually do "tip" when I donate furniture. I have donated several items to a local chairty that picks up at my home.
I usually tip with a bottle of cold water or a treat of some sort... sometimes I give cash (small amt.) like 10.00 for the crew.. depends on when they are picking up and how the treat my furniture as they remove the donation...

In the summer, I normall just give them each a cold bottle of water after moving heavy furniture on a hot day

Beth

 

[dpratt68]

Don't mean to hijack this thread but I had a refigerator delivered from a large company and the delivery guys came in and put a clipboard (with a $20 bill attached to it) on my counter. After delivery was in it was obvious they were lingering looking for a tip. My opinion was delivery was part of my purchase. Should I have tipped?

 

[DVCajun]

Don't mean to hijack this thread but I had a refigerator delivered from a large company and the delivery guys came in and put a clipboard (with a $20 bill attached to it) on my counter. After delivery was in it was obvious they were lingering looking for a tip. My opinion was delivery was part of my purchase. Should I have tipped?

Nope. imho it's very tacky to solicit tips. It seems to be the going trend these days with tip jars everywhere. I'm just waiting for the day they show up on the McDonalds counter.

 

[IDoDis]

I understand what others are saying about the tipping getting out of hand. However, if you tip to have furniture delivered that you are purchasing, why not tip to have it picked up? The person who is lifting and moving the furniture is still working either way. Why do people only tip if they are purchasing when the person doing the work is still working just as hard?

Personally though, I don't tip delivery people at all. They are already getting paid to do a job and I've already paid for the delivery. I feel the same way about hair stylists (and a few other trades that don't include wait people), but I DO tip them, even though I feel they are already getting paid a good amount as it is.

So, if you tip for delivery, you should tip for pick-up. If you don't tip, maybe you could bake some cookies and give the workers each a baggie with some cookies and a cold bottle of water.

 

[wheelcap]

I Know The Salvation Army very well, and can tell you clearly NO TIPPING ALLOWED!!! It's their corporate policy, and the driver will be fired if they're caught accepting anything for themselves. Don't risk their jobs in that way. Many of them are in recovery, and that job is essential to their stability. They lose that job, and they could lose their sobriety - which for an addict can be deadly. So - don't risk all of that. If you really want the driver to have something, call the office and ask their local policy for how to go about showing your appreciation to the driver.

 

[Kellydelly]

I thought that places that took discards would only take them from an easy access spot, like your garage. I could be wrong, though. I would not tip these guys. If you really want to, just give them $5 each and "buy" them lunch.

 

[Kellydelly]

Don't mean to hijack this thread but I had a refigerator delivered from a large company and the delivery guys came in and put a clipboard (with a $20 bill attached to it) on my counter. After delivery was in it was obvious they were lingering looking for a tip. My opinion was delivery was part of my purchase. Should I have tipped?

I think you should have tipped the delivery guys, not sure what the $20 on the clipboard was supposed to mean. I think that is odd. I would only have given them $5 each. If someone was delivering a household of furniture to me I might tip them $20 (total) to bring it in.

 

[Teacher510]

I Know The Salvation Army very well, and can tell you clearly NO TIPPING ALLOWED!!! It's their corporate policy, and the driver will be fired if they're caught accepting anything for themselves. Don't risk their jobs in that way. Many of them are in recovery, and that job is essential to their stability. They lose that job, and they could lose their sobriety - which for an addict can be deadly. So - don't risk all of that. If you really want the driver to have something, call the office and ask their local policy for how to go about showing your appreciation to the driver.

Thank you (and to everyone else who answered!) I now feel comfortable not tipping! I appreciate the info on the drivers. I certainly wouldn't want to jeopardize anyone's future.

 

[dpratt68]

I think you should have tipped the delivery guys, not sure what the $20 on the clipboard was supposed to mean. I think that is odd. I would only have given them $5 each. If someone was delivering a household of furniture to me I might tip them $20 (total) to bring it in.

I mentioned the $20 on the clipboard because I think he wanted to be sure I saw that he had cash I assume from another delivery. Why do you pay a delivery charge if a tip is still expected??? I am not a cheap person but I agree tips are getting out of hand. I tip 20% at a restaurant and also my hairdresser.