Another tipping conundrum.... (house, income, living)

[GreatDaneGirl]

My boyfriend and I recently moved into a house together. He signed a contract with an oil company and in the contract we get an annual oil burner service/cleaning. The first one was this morning and there was a rather awkward exchange at the end when the man was leaving. Now we're both wondering if we were supposed to tip him. Any thoughts?

[twingles]

Um, no. Awkward how?

[nassau2suffolk]

You never have to tip, but if you think he deserved one then by all means. I tip just about everyone who comes to my home and does work, even if it's only five bucks for coffee.

[metal workshop]

Originally Posted by GreatDaneGirl

My boyfriend and I recently moved into a house together. He signed a contract with an oil company and in the contract we get an annual oil burner service/cleaning. The first one was this morning and there was a rather awkward exchange at the end when the man was leaving. Now we're both wondering if we were supposed to tip him. Any thoughts?

***the following comments do not apply to waitstaff or other occupations where tips are expected and considered by the IRS to be part of their regular income***

If the technician provided exceptional service, tip.

If the technician came to your house during extreme weather conditions, tip.

If the appointment was an emergency or scheduled during unusual hours (between 7pm and 7am), tip.

If you caused the technician to spend extra time because you were unprepared (say, there were 3 old couches blocking the boiler), tip.

Otherwise, tipping is not warranted. Tipping is not required. Tipping exists to recognize exceptional service. If you did not receive exceptional service, no need to tip.

[GreatDaneGirl]

Thanks for all your help! I feel bad now because he was really nice.

@twingles - it was just a little awkward because he was standing in the living room with us not saying anything. My boyfriend offered him tea, water, etc. but he just stood there looking at us. We're new to homeownership and all the etiquette that goes along with it. We're learning as we go

[twingles]

Originally Posted by GreatDaneGirl

Thanks for all your help! I feel bad now because he was really nice.

@twingles - it was just a little awkward because he was standing in the living room with us not saying anything. My boyfriend offered him tea, water, etc. but he just stood there looking at us. We're new to homeownership and all the etiquette that goes along with it. We're learning as we go

No need to feel bad. Does anyone tip you for doing your salaried job?

Next time you'll know - when the guy says he's done - you just keep moving to the front door as you make small talk. Like pp said - no need for tipping unless it's late at night etc. He IS getting paid.

[Dmdpt]

I've been a homeowner for 12 years now with oil contracts and never once have I tipped the service techs and never once have they ever given any hint of looking for one. Sounds unusual to me.

[Gpsma]

Friend of mine is an oil tech. He said he never expects tips nor does he encourage them.

[kptree]

I have to agree with GPSMA- my relative owned a small oil company and he never accepted tips nor were the service techs allowed to accept cash.

[daveoliva]

I am an appliance technician. I make house calls all day every day. I never expect a tip. If someone gives me one I'll accept it, but it's NEVER expected.