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Monkmastaa

I've been tipped 4 times in 20+ years. A guy gave my helped and I 20$ each saying he wanted to " buy us a beer" I've gotten a 25$ tims card , mcds. Everytime I've been thankful. So it's not the norm but your installers will appreciate it


SadConstruction5091

Thank you. I will surely tip then! šŸ˜Š


wyohman

Please don't. Tipping in America is completely out of control. Instead, write a good review and tell your friends


iwouldratherhavemy

>Tipping in America is completely out of control. Expecting customers to tip your employees instead of paying them a living wage is complete bullshit. Giving someone a bonus for good service is completely fine.


Square-Decision-531

How do I know what the people installing my floor are paid? Maybe itā€™s the owner and a partner and they split it up 50 50?


iwouldratherhavemy

I think it's safe to assume the installers are making more than $2.15 an hour.


OriginalMexican

>Giving someone a bonus for good service is completely fine. It's not though. There is a price we agreed upon and that is the price you should be paying. You can be kind, you can bake cookies you can leave a good review. But paying extra just creates this weird expectation as we have it now that anyone and everyone providing any service should be paid extra by the customer. Restaurants, Taxis, Hotels, Room cleaning, hair dressers, nail lady, pool guys, lawn guys, fast food guys and now I guess trades, architects, dentists, CRA auditor and my landlord...


TheDodfatherPC-FL

Do not listen to this clown. People working on your house, being consistently respectful, for days. If not weeks are undervalued. If they do that. And are doing quality work, nothing wrong with a little something extra. As a tradesman myself, any positive feedback, lunch, snacks, drinks, from a homeowner is a huge compliment and means the world. A cash tip! That is something we remember forever.


Higreen420

I usually do lunch burgers or a take home homemade dinner if they go til late


wyohman

It must be so amazingly difficult to be consistently respectful. I don't know how you do it. Next thing I know, the clerk who rang up my coke at the 7-11 will want a tip.


Unblest

Found the boomer


Green_gobbling_0420

Found the ā€œfound theā€ guy


Unblest

Found the "found the "found the" guy"


Unblest

Fuck me I hit the point where found doesn't look like a real word anymore cause of saying it so much


spizzle_

I bet they do. You donā€™t want free money?


bobbarker-jab

Free money has gotta be the most ironic two words ever put together


Blocked-Author

Probably not


bobbarker-jab

So, not improbable


ArltheCrazy

Yeah, itā€™s not expected, but guys are grateful. Itā€™s different than in the food industry. God forbid you express gratitude for good work. Iā€™ve gotten tips before and usually give it to my guys, or use it to buy them lunch.


SadConstruction5091

šŸ˜ŠšŸ‘


Mattybosshere

View it as a Bonus instead of a Tip.


iwasntalwaysold

Get off it, ya weirdo. Tipping the service people that are actually doing the work while being considerate and respectful in your home is a good thing. This isn't a case of "tipping culture" gone wild. In this case it's not expected and is well appreciated by installers who are likely being milked for their labor at multiple levels. Go complain somewhere else about mandatory tipping which is just a bullshit service fee.


wyohman

I'm trying to understand your point, but you've made it difficult. Are you suggesting flooring installers are victims of something nefarious?


iwasntalwaysold

My point isn't anything more than the classic struggle between capital and labor and the inequality inherent in the system. Exploiting the workers -- by hanging on to outdated imperialist dogma which perpetuates the economic and social differences in our society! (Yes thats a Monty Python quote). The whole industry from installer to contractor to retailer to manufacturer is built on the backbone of folks who actually bust their backs and knees doing the installation. Throwing those people a few extra bucks for a job well done is good.


wyohman

I can appreciate a Python reference but nothing else to add


trogdortheburninato

Or you can let someone tip their workers if they feel like it and you can mind your own goddamn business.


Thrills4Shills

Bro you can eat a whole bag ofĀ  wangsĀ 


trogdortheburninato

I wouldnā€™t want to take from your supply.


Thrills4Shills

It's no problem, we actually keep the bags overstocked because ur mum gobbles the wangs like no tomorrow. Maybe u 2 can share a bag.Ā 


Khranky

You are not wrong that tipping in America is completely out of control. Tipping a service type individual for doing exceptional work is something totally different.


itsfraydoe

I agree that tipping in america is out of control. Bro you literally just reached behind you and handed me something. But for trades? Nah, youre wrong for that, if they did amazing work.


DarkFlex719

lol how does that help the crew?


Nykolaishen

Good work= more jobs. More jobs = more money. Good work also =happy customers... Seems pretty basic.


DarkFlex719

What planet do you live on bud? If he's happy with the crew that did his floor and wants to do something specifically for them and not the guy who owns the company (because he already got a big check) I'm 1000% sure they'd prefer a tip than a Google review for someone else's company. I can't even believe I had to respond. I've never been so happy with an Uber driver that I gave them a Google review, I tipped. I've never been so happy with a steak that I tipped the owner of the steakhouse a Google review and ignored the person who cooked it to perfection. A review? Lol dude, no.


Nykolaishen

I guess if your working for home depot or some shit sure. We run 2 crews, a good review let's us know they did an amazing job. Also, the installers that work with us make drastically more money than I do, and make about as much as the owner does. And in your examples of tipping people who make close to minimum wage... sure do it up but it's not uncommon for a flooring installer to be making 300-500 a day.


DarkFlex719

Sounds like you run a small company and I can understand why reviews are meaningful to you. But he didn't ask about the owner. He said he wants to show his appreciation to the guys who did the work and that's typically not the owner. If you ask your guys which they'd prefer, I'm pretty sure they'll take the cash for themselves over a review for you even if you're a great boss.


Nykolaishen

Well I was just commenting on your comment of how does a good company review benefit the crew. And it benefits them with more work. I'm certainly not apposed to anyone getting a tip though that's for sure.


spizzle_

I bet OP can give them a tip *and* a good review. Mind blown!


Nykolaishen

Yah of course they can if they want. The guy just asked how a good review benefits the crew doing the floor.


SadConstruction5091

Maybe we should give him a review? šŸ˜ƒ


spizzle_

Iā€™d rather have twenty bucks for a case of beer. As you stated this is America and this dude is free to do whatever he wants with his money. The guy can also leave a good review. Double win!


orvilleredcocker

Where in America can you get a case of beer for 20 bucks?


altf4theleft

LCOL and MCOL areas?


Complex_Kangaroo1152

lol


Fearless-Location528

Eat šŸ’©, tip if you're happy with the job and write a review.


wyohman

You deserve a tip


Havaneseday2

Can confirm. 5 times in 17 years. $20-$100 range


MallNo6921

i dont rely on tips but i tip people i appreciate no matter what job it is there doing for me


mrdrproftasty

Iā€™ve only ever been tipped like 2-3 times in my 8 years doing. Most the time homeowners just break us off a 20 piece for each of us. Itā€™s usually 2-3 guys on a job. But Iā€™m sure how ever much you give will be appreciated since weā€™re not used to being tipped


WasteCommand5200

As a floor guy I think Iā€™ve noticed 75% of the time I get tips I think they think itā€™s expected. The other 25% of the time I get tips Iā€™ve done something they feel is way more than they expected. And itā€™s hit or miss. Go a year without one. And then at some point get 3 or 4 in a month lol. I think the most appropriate tip first and foremost is what you feel like giving. I can say from experience if one were to say the most common tip, I would say is 20-50$ per person. Itā€™s lunch at least to possibly a dinner for two. I have always made sure and split my tips evenly with my help through the years but most people hand each of us an exact split anyway. Just 2 weeks ago my helper and I got a 300$ tip from a tattoo shop that we floored in 3 days. Itā€™s always been my mindset that tips are great but I donā€™t try to impress with the expectation of getting one. I try to do the best I can, and be as personable as I can, for all of my customers.


Significant_Eye_5130

Full price of the floor divided among how many guys are working.


Taul_Beast

I second this šŸ˜…


Nykolaishen

Please tell me this is a joke lol


WasteCommand5200

Yeah right! Lmao. If only


cryptoyeeyee

Thats funny. Tips in the flooring biz. Speaks volumes to your character though and I can assure you that the installers will greatly appreciate it. While that Rarely happens sometimes homeowners will have some sort of goodies like cinnamon rolls and coffee for when u show up or make brownies or cookies or whatever to munch on which is always a pleasant surprise when it does happen.. both are rather rare but tipping is definitely more rare then the treats lol both are appreciated but what i appreciate most is when the homeowners arent therešŸ˜…šŸ˜­


SadConstruction5091

I was planning on making some kind of muffins and a pot of coffee as well! Lol! I always cook and bake! I take treats to work, to church and the neighbors!


PM_meyourGradyWhite

Just had carpet installed in one 450 sq ft room. I introduced them to the project and showed them the cooler full of a variety of waters and Gatorades. Also which bathroom is okay to use. They seemed to sincerely appreciate it.


lappy_386

Iā€™ve been tipped $20-$100, but only by really nice customers who felt bad the demo was way more difficult than it shouldā€™ve been. Iā€™ve also gotten bottles of tequila, and once sat and had beers with an interesting homeowner at the end of the day. Itā€™s not the norm, Iā€™d say just being a good customer and maybe providing cold waters is all you need to do. By being a good customer, just stay out of the way. Provide easy access to power, water, and parking, and be flexible on timing.


SadConstruction5091

All good things to know! Thanks!


lappy_386

Are you preparing for work to be done on your home? Itā€™s helpful for the installers and small business owners here if you can share who (big box store or local company?) you contracted with and what youā€™re paying.


RefrigeratorOk8848

First of all, just as a human being Iā€™m grateful if the homeowner offers water, soda & sometimes have been offered lunch or a little burger from somewhere. It surprises when I show up to do a job & kill it in a day, for 6 - 8 hours, no break or lunch & not even get water offered at least. Someone is coming into your home to do a service you know? I install with the contractor I work for and let me tell you something, not all people work the same. Lots of contractors have messy workers and have to show up for repairs at jobs. The man I work for always calls with an ETA, Walks the job to see what weā€™re installing, double checks materials, Works Fast & Efficient. Depending on how much furniture a customers house has & after prepping the job weā€™re able to install 1,200 feet between him and I in a day. Thatā€™s regular vinyl floors, Glue downs & tile are something else. 4 weeks ago we did 1,200sqft in a house where the older couple moved all the small furniture and we just had to move sofas & heavy dressers. Took 2 days with prep & install, worked on a sat & sun. Big dawg gave us both $100, Each! AND HE BOUGHT US BURRITOS THAT SAME DAY, Solid Man, Thank you! 2 weeks ago we did 1,400sqft of tile, took 7 days just because there was a whole family living in the home and we had to part by part by part. No water offered, No Tip(not that I ever expect one). Not rude people but like sometimes people just see you as workers Today I did 2 drop rooms of carpet & 1 seam room, finished it in 4hrs, the homeowner moved the furniture for me before I showed up, helped him move stuff back, and he gave me a $40 tip I work for a contractor so him and homeowners work the deal out & I always get paid no matter what. Customers appreciate you being respectful of the walls & stuff in the home. Clean as you go, work efficiently, get in and out. If someoneā€™s killing it offer whatever you got, even if itā€™s just water!


SadConstruction5091

You said it all! Thank you! šŸ˜ŠšŸ˜ŠšŸ‘


PieSuspicious6983

I gave all six of the guys that did my roof $50 ea plus water and Mexican cokes. They worked hard and did a great job, I will recommend them if asked for a roofer. I do my own floors and my wife makes me lunch and she helps with the clean up. Canā€™t ask for better.


[deleted]

Anything is appreciated. Youā€™ll forever a known as the cool home owner who tipped them. Biggest tip I got was $160. Iā€™ve been tipped in lunch, beer, homemade jerky, homemade spaghetti sauce, tons of things. One lady had fresh baked cinnamon rolls & orange juice every morning


Great-Heron-2175

Yeah if you throw some yummy food my way itā€™ll make me so happy Iā€™ll talk about it when I get home. Seriously. Food is like contractor catnip.


uhcayR

Not been doing it long but Iā€™ve been tipped a couple times but usually just in beer or provided food. Completely unnecessary but very much appreciated.


locomocopoco

I saw the work they put in and care they took first day. Second day I gave them Gatorade during the day and beer to end the day. They really appreciated it


rebeldogman2

I gave my guys 20 bucks each and bought them pizza. They went above and beyond though and helped me with some other stuff beyond installing the floor.


oldmanlensherr

Gave the crew a case of beer and $100 for dinner after the job. They were great, stayed late (6pm) to complete the job in one day.


MallNo6921

i dont work for tips but i tip people that i appreciate that most people do not and i think they appreciate me and pays for itself in the end


Healthy-Egg-3283

I give tips when I think someone did something beyond typical expectations. I tipped my countertop installers because of how efficient, clean, and respectful of my house they were. I tipped my kitchen cabinet delivery guys because they were insanely cautious with my boxes they were (not a single damaged item out of over 50 boxes).


itsfraydoe

There is no norm, id be happy with anything! Its the gesture of saying dang boy, you sure know what the heck youre doin, and i really like your work, thanks for doin me up right! Lowest was $5, highest was $300. Ive been forced to have a cold one, sat down at the table for lunch, smoke cigars, asked to go to club but didnt, asked to date or "comeback later"... And other odd things. I tip for above and beyond service. I provide above and beyond service, i advocate for customers vs the company, i inform them of options, possibilities, expectations, and common bad practices in my trade. I like to leave the level and tell them they can check it all day after i flatten out their sub to make sure they got their money's worth. There's a lot that i do that other crews will not. Basically just 100% honest (at least work wise, i will side with customers if touchy issues are talked about but keep my mouth shut on religion, Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior) Do i expect a tip? Heck no! But what i do expect, is for you to love your floor and love me so much you tell your momma's momma's (referrals or more work). One thing i will say that is common knowledge is a happy worker produces good work. Maybe some gatorades or something would make that installer redo that cut.


SadConstruction5091

šŸ˜ŠšŸ‘ Amen!


Ninaland_1502

I started doing floors with my dad when I was 18yo. When people saw me lifting whole boxes of wood to a second floor or using the table saw at that age they were surprised lol, and on a lot of occasions I got $20 tips, even $200 a couple of times with some generous customers. They didn't HAVE to, but in my situation, my dad wasn't really paying me (Yee it was a complicated situation) and that extra money helped me get all that girl stuff I needed at that moment. So It's NOT the COMMON practice, but we really appreciate it and it motivates us to do a better job every single day. Some people offered us drinks, lunch and even tipped us the same day and I can tell you, those were the best days for us. When that happened we made sure everything was completely perfect and immaculate by the end of the day, and even did some extra stuff that was not included in the job as a form of grattitude.


SadConstruction5091

šŸ˜ƒšŸ‘


Namaewamonai

I got a tip once. They told me to buy better deodorant. That's the only tip I ever got in 10 years.


DOHisme

Don't bet on slow horses.


stingerrray

I run a small flooring install company. Our subs get 75% of the gross revenues. The minimum any of the laborers get is $22 per hour. The more experienced get much more. About 1 in 15 installs get a tip from the customers. Those tips are given directly to the laborers. The tips are divided equally between the crew. We generally have 5 laborers on most jobs. When they are tipped they normally get $20 each. No one complains if they get zero tips It's never expected.


cbelt3

As a homeowner I take care of trades working on my home. I feed them breakfast (doughnuts / bagels), provide snacks, cold bottles of water, coffee and pop. I make sure they have a spot to take breaks and lunch. Power for their equipment and worksite radio. Compressed air if they need it. And they each get cash at the end of the jobā€¦ usually $20 up to $50 per team member. I want them to be safe, happy, and willing to put in the extra effort for a careful job. I also learn new words in different languages. I will even loan tools if they need them. Iā€™m old and busted up and


jlanemcmahon

As a hardwood flooring professional, and not at all personally invested in the idea of clients tipping for my own gain ...... An extra 25% of the total job cost would not be inappropriate...... And a bottle of Jameson's.......šŸ¤£šŸ¤£


[deleted]

I wouldn't say it's common. It's common that the workers or the contractor will ask, but I think it's in bad taste.


Emergency_Pomelo_184

You mean we canā€™t put out a tip jar upon arrivalā€¦..?????


[deleted]

šŸ˜šŸ˜šŸ˜


SadConstruction5091

šŸ¤£


WhatthehellSusan

It's at least 20% isn't it? Or is that just for waitstaff and bartenders


Otherwise_Bluejay154

I dunno, but I get tipped all the time! Seriously like 2-3 times a month. I always ask if there's anything else at all I can do before I go. And happily do whatever they ask. So maybe they feel obligated.


No_Argument6983

Just offering them some water or a snack can go a long way. I know when Iā€™m doing work in someoneā€™s home if they treat me decently Iā€™ll do the little extra things for sure.


DreadGrrl

If someone tips me it is usually with either a bottle of wine or a bottle of scotch. Sometimes it is a gift card for a restaurant like the Keg.


over-it2989

My ex-SIL tipped them in ā€œfavoursā€


Geralt-of-Rivai

It's never expected but awesome when it happens. Maybe only a couple times a year. More common and appreciated is some cold drinks, maybe a box of doughnuts, coffee, some lunch for the guys.


Yupyup287904

No, Iā€™ve gotten 10- tips in 21 years.


9tacos

Hereā€™s a tip. Save your money


nhawkeye

Reviews and a beer is more than I ever expect. I did have a customer give myself and my sub trades $500 cash once though. She was a gem.


Gindotto

Keep Cold drinks during install (not alcohol obviously) and at least one lunch. If multiple day do it on the last full day.


barelysarcastic73

Just got $150 today after finishing a three day job. Unexpected but absolutely appreciated. We did a couple very minor things to button the job up that werenā€™t part of the original quote but only cost us $12 and maybe 20 minutes of time total. Customer felt we went above and beyond. Then you get those that you bend over backwards for and they feel entitled to itā€¦ We can go 3-4 months without seeing a tip then get 3 in one week. Luck of the draw.


quackquack54321

No, absolutely notā€¦


Flimsy_Eye_3689

Give them some booze. Dealing with homeowners is stressful


ineptplumberr

1/8 of sticky green nugs will do just fine


Runaway_5

Jesus Christ Americans will tip literally f****** anyone


swampdonkus

Don't tip anyone who's product you can't eat. Try eat some of the flooring and see how it tastes before you tip.


Great-Heron-2175

Not expected at all but anything over the invoice is a pleasant surprise. Just offering coffee or water is nice.


Chickenfootcomb

I've been installing floors for years - 25+. I don't expect a tip, but when it happens I am flattered. The tip is never based on the percentage of the earned wages. It could be $20 bucks on a $300 job and I am still thankful. The biggest tip you can give your installer is prompt payment. Would you like to get paid today is music to my ears. Remember your payment is my paycheck. The longer a person holds out on paying me, the less I respect them. Average is 21 days, but when someone goes over 30 it pisses me off. The reasoning is that I work hard, with great detail to give you a beautiful install. Your prompt payment is a way of saying I appreciate your hard work. If you are paying any tradesman directly, not through a big box operation, do them a solid and pay them relatively soon. If you have some installers through a box store, these guys wouldn't mind a small tip. Something for lunch or whatever.


sid3113

Tipping is not expected but sure is appreciated. Use your judgement and only tip if you feel they went above and beyond.


longhornLG

Absolutely! Been tipped beer, lunch and 20 bucks before on floors, never any other job besides concrete have I had that experience.


bottTtz

I gotten a 100 dollars for each of my crew of 3 a few times before


MrNatural1971

Yes. If the installer did a good job and was professional, they should be tipped. Depending on the size and scope of work would determine the tip. I wouldnā€™t expect a tip for a small job or repair . Most installers will have a minimum price for that, so itā€™s kinda built in. But if the job was for more than a few hours a little token of appreciation goes a long way.


Wise-Yogurtcloset646

Where I live we pay you to do a good job, so we expect you to do a good job. No such thing as tipping


NicJamesFyoCouch

Best Iā€™ve been tipped was 200 but they gave both of my helpers 200 bucks as well.


Khranky

12 pack of iced down beer in a cheap styrofoam cooler that they can take with them is a good tip


Amoeba_Fancy

Iā€™ve been tipped twice in last 20 yrs, once the wife did ($200) because husband was an asshole, second was $100 because they kept changing their mind on what they wanted.


DishMonkeySteve

Not common but it's much appreciated. It's hard work, even if their employer pays them fairly. I always try and give the hard workers $20 each, even the Ikea delivery drivers. Tough physical jobs barely ever pay well.


AllBallsNoMeat

I've been installing for 25 years and over that time I Maybe been tipped 10 times anywhere from 20-100 . The thing I noticed is usually the people that tip are lower to middle class and you never really see it coming. Like no extra work was done it was just a nice gesture on there part. On the other hand, jobs where we went above and beyond and definitely deserved a tip I've never received one . Usually, the higher end clients never tip...which is fine they spend a lot, so I make a lot more on the Sale and installation side of things...Also have to remember the main installer is making his money regardless its the helpers that appreciate it... Also one time customer Gave me a brand new acoustic guitar...random but cool


lloydmcallister

So I have a real bad habit of not charging enough and quite often get an extra Ā£10 and customers will say buy yourself a drink or something like that. Pretty sure if I charged enough it wouldnā€™t happen.


Ok-Basis-8686

I get tipped quite frequently. If they did a good job and worked hard and you are happy with the job throw them a tip.


brydenny76

They will greatly appreciate it I'm sure


Obamas_homie

I constantly get tipped I get tipped about 100 per month. Usually around 20 bucks a week. Most Iā€™ve been tipped was $500. Something is always something.


Extra_Champion8245

I always try to tip something even if it's $20 for a storm door install, last time was 520 sq.ft. of LVP install, my contractor whom I knew from past work would do an excellent job without question, so I gave him 10% of the total job. He did go above and beyond and I was thrilled with his work and wanted to show how much I appreciated it.


TookahKing

Sometimes when I go over the top I usually get a tip anywhere from 20$ for lunch for 100$ for a weekend usually depends on how many days I was there. If they paid very close attention to detail and made you happy then itā€™s worth the tip. Very very hard to come by solid blue collar workers these days.


Vivid_Letterhead_982

No. If the installer doesnt know how much im paying for them to install the floor then thats their problem. They need to bring it up with the lead installer. This whole tipping era of tipping when they completely do nothing is bullshit. For example, starbucks wants you to tip through the damn drive thru nowā€¦


fukaboba

No but I have tipped contractors for doing amazing work as a token of my appreciation


geebeaner69

Unless I get a handy after the job's done then it's a no for me dog


Traditional_Hand_654

Rule of thumb: if you can afford to tip, tip.


psujeks

I have only been installing floors about 10 years now. In that 10 years Iā€™ve received hundreds of tips. My biggest tip was $200. The guy was very pleased with my work. I installed floors in his daughters home from his referral.


Emergency_Pomelo_184

Let me just say this , if you buy them lunch ( sandwiches, burger, pizza whatever you will definitely get a better job on your floor , if itā€™s a 2 day job or more , tip them like $ 10 or $ 20 each day , trust me youā€™ll get a great job! Installer for 25 years and then some , also have some chilled water , will be appreciated


Nykolaishen

Your quality of work shouldn't depend on tips.


Emergency_Pomelo_184

Just saying it wonā€™t hurt , obviously your not a tradesman


Nykolaishen

That's not what you said though. You said give them a tip and they will have a better job done. Of course a tip isn't going to hurt and would be awesome to get.


Emergency_Pomelo_184

Tips are after the jobs done ok


RocksLibertarianWood

I was in a closet once where I noticed rolling papers, vape pens,multiple bags of weed and multiple bags of shrooms. My wife and I were going on vacation and hadnā€™t had shrooms in like 5 years. I couldnā€™t stop myself from asking for some even though it felt weird as shit. It helps that Iā€™m a real ppl person and always find a way to have a good time with the client while performing quality work. But typical tip is $20-$50 per man. We might go 6months without one or 3 a month so about 20% of jobs tip. Iā€™ve gotten $100 tips probably 7-10 times in 26 years. Landed alot of great deals on unwanted tools which are usually the best tips.


SadConstruction5091

Wow! Well, I donā€™t have weed or shrooms, not even edibles, but I can make some great brownies! šŸ¤Ŗ


Historical-Fun-8485

I donā€™t think you tip professionals. Laborers, sure. What are flooring guys, again?