Does one tip a plumber? (Austin, Lago Vista: salon, home, construction)

[paul6835]

Just called Johnny Rooter to fix a clog and they're on their way. Do I tip the guy when I pay? Thoughts appreciated.

[10scoachrick]

Originally Posted by paul6835

Just called Johnny Rooter to fix a clog and they're on their way. Do I tip the guy when I pay? Thoughts appreciated.

Just had 'our' ARS guy out for a tricky faucet install(was out before on a different 'tricky' faucet install) and he went a bit over and beyond, so, I felt a tip was in order(but I find myself doing that a little more these days). YMMV and all that.

[CptnRn]

I have never tipped home repair tradesman. Never heard of anyone doing it actually. I thought tipping was reserved for minimum wage employees.

[Jennibc]

My dad was a plumber and he was never tipped. My thought is when I am paying in the $100 per hour range for a service, there is no tip necessary, I am paying enough already.

[Trainwreck20]

I would not tip. Repeat service and/or recommendations to your friends are your 'tip'.

[Pontificator]

The only time I've paid extra was when an independent tree-trimmer guy ended up with much more of a job than he expected. I could see this was the case, and happily paid him about 30% more than the agreed price. As for a typical tradesman, they are charging by the hour, and probably get mark-up on parts, so no.

[kiacook]

God, I hope not! It's already insane in my opinion to tip hair stylists, doormen, valets, etc, etc!

[paul6835]

thanks! well, I recommend them anyway. quick, friendly, and effective. I kind of figured they were paid enough that tipping would seem awkward.

[Schnaiy]

Just last week I was a guest speaker at a Lions meeting and the subject of tradesmen came up for home construction and remodelling. I heard three horror stories, made our own experience - which was not good - seem trivial in comparison. It left me wondering, are there any competent plumbers in Austin (I live in the Lago Vista area)? In my experience, plumbers stand out for overcharging, not turning up on the agreed day or time to do the job and then the work is poorly done.

I agree with the earlier comments - if the job is done well, it is reward to tell anyone you know that you would recommend that plumber. When I have come across a good plumber, I gladly sing praise and pass the word around to everyone looking for a good plumber. Sadly, since coming to Austin, I can't recommend a good plumber.

[love roses]

Originally Posted by kiacook

God, I hope not! It's already insane in my opinion to tip hair stylists, doormen, valets, etc, etc!

As a former hairstylist, I say boo! From time to time I ran across people who felt as you do, but I will say that the good tippers get definite preferential treatment. There are some people who won't really tip the higher management or salon owner, but will tip a new hire or someone a little lower on the totem pole, which does make sense. Our other favorites were people who may not tip with money but on holidays would bring us food or if they worked at another local business and would "trade" us for discounts on things. In return, we would discount or comp a service for them.

I wouldn't tip a plumber unless they went above and beyond. It's not really a commission based job and it's a more "professional" type job.