how much should i tip the movers? (buy, income) - City-Data Forum

gogogo · 05-25-2008, 08:56 AM

we are moving to nova next week and i am wondering about the following tipping scenarios:

how much is a good tip for the folks that unload the whole truck?
do you tip someone who delivers your car?
how much should you tip those that unpack your boxes?

i haven't done a move quite like this before and want to make sure i know what the scoop is.

thanks!

tamitrail · 05-25-2008, 12:07 PM

I've always felt this was not adequate enough, but we usually give each man $20 if they've done a good job. They work their you know what's off. They probably deserve more but it becomes quite costly.

Novamom06 · 05-25-2008, 12:17 PM

We recently moved and gave the five guys $200 to split.

plf86 · 05-25-2008, 02:23 PM

I gave the five guys that moved me 40 bucks apiece, but that was only cause a friend that used the same movers gave 25 apiece and he is a Dallas fan. couldnt Let him one up the Skins!!

Moman1 · 05-26-2008, 07:54 AM

Perhaps I'm just cheap. I read the first few responses and was very surprised to see anyone giving movers tips. I have moved 5 times in the last 12 years and have never tipped the movers. If they counted on tips as part of their income, I would. But they don't. If people tip them to help ensure their stuff gets taken care of, you have to tip before they do their job. Otherwise, the job is done and you're wasting your money. I'm not saying don't tip. Anytime you get service above and beyond the normal service, I would tip. That just hasn't happened with me yet when it comes to moving. I do however, buy the whole gang lunch and provide them drinks throughout the day.

Tideas · 05-26-2008, 12:51 PM

I don't get why we tip at certain places and not at others, lol. we tip at restaurants, but not at fast food.

EuroExpat · 05-26-2008, 01:23 PM

I gave our two movers $30/each (CA->VA). Considering how rude the driver was, I should've only tipped the other guy.

JJM · 05-26-2008, 01:27 PM

Man, I feel sooo out of touch. I have never tipped the movers. Never thought about it. We paid over $6,500.00 to move 50 miles a year ago. Yes, it was across state lines but I thought that was payment enough. Does anyone publish a book or something on the art of tipping? I guess I need one!

Novamom06 · 05-26-2008, 02:02 PM

Well I ended up finding out that our movers were paid $10/hr by a reputable moving company. they worked their tails off. And yes, we also bought them lunch and drinks.

i have moved several times and always tipped the movers. They work so hard it almost makes me sick to my stomach to watch them do this back breaking work. It is worth every penny.

msjack · 05-26-2008, 07:46 PM

I always tip movers. The last time I moved, I only went 20 miles and it was about a 2bd apt worth of stuff and I tipped the 3 guys $25 each. I always tip when appropriate, but I did wait tables on and off for 10 years so I know what it's like to be in the service industry. Plus, if they do a good job and didn't mess up your stuff I think they should be rewarded. Obviously they are expecting a tip or they wouldn't care and would scratch up stuff. The co will still get paid regardless if something gets damaged. Of course if they do a horrible job and mess stuff up that's a different story with the tipping.