Tipping protocol for the movers. (Centreville, Springfield: renting, insurance, hairstylists)

[designer-d]

Originally Posted by spencgr

I think $20 is sufficient for the small volume of moving involved.

Last time I moved (2 bedroom TH - moving about 30 miles), I tipped the movers (there were 7 of them)$100 each. I didn't intend to, initially, but it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year. The entire move took about 8 hours, and I was pretty thankful no one died in my driveway. As I watched them drip gallons of sweat from their heards, and not complain once, I thought about what they were making. They probably only were making about $10/ hour; thus they would only be walking away from a horrendous 8 hour day of hard labor and sweltering conditions with $100. I felt the least I could do was double that amount....and offer a beer when they were done.

(oh, and we had cases of cold water available to them, and we bought them pizza for lunch.)

These are good ideas. I once tipped a crew of 10 men $200 each, because I got to know them through the day and they seemed like good guys. Most had families to support, and some had wives who also were working to make ends meet. I offered them some vintage wines, and some didn't drink so I offered those ones some small electronics (my old iPod, blu-ray player, etc). We also went out to PF Changs that night for a bite to eat. $20 may seem like a good tip for a pizza man, but think about the conditions these moving men are forced to work under.

[packer43064]

Originally Posted by designer-d

These are good ideas. I once tipped a crew of 10 men $200 each, because I got to know them through the day and they seemed like good guys. Most had families to support, and some had wives who also were working to make ends meet. I offered them some vintage wines, and some didn't drink so I offered those ones some small electronics (my old iPod, blu-ray player, etc). We also went out to PF Changs that night for a bite to eat. $20 may seem like a good tip for a pizza man, but think about the conditions these moving men are forced to work under.

They move boxes and furniture. I work in a warehouse with no AC in the heat of the summer. Were drenched in sweat after throwing 40-70 pound boxes every few minutes. Wish I got a $200 tip. Looks like the moving business is where it is at.

[designer-d]

Originally Posted by packer43064

They move boxes and furniture. I work in a warehouse with no AC in the heat of the summer. Were drenched in sweat after throwing 40-70 pound boxes every few minutes. Wish I got a $200 tip. Looks like the moving business is where it is at.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the wages of people who work directly with the public in a service way (food delivery, moving, waitress, haircut) purposely lower than those who work "behind the scenes" doing a similar job because tips are expected to make up the difference?

[allen25ham]

I moved recently...new home just 4-5 miles away. But since we had 2 kids, we had a lot of things I would say. I didn't tip the movers (maybe I should have!) but I got them lunch, large box of pizza, gatarode and chicken wings. They were happy and so did I with their service. So, if you don't know how much to tip them...maybe you can get them a lunch and a few gatorade bottles. They appreciate that a lot!

[packer43064]

Originally Posted by designer-d

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the wages of people who work directly with the public in a service way (food delivery, moving, waitress, haircut) purposely lower than those who work "behind the scenes" doing a similar job because tips are expected to make up the difference?

I guess it could be had that way. When I get a haircut I give $3 as a tip, why does a move get $20 or more. I mean their both making $10 perhaps. I guess there is no right or wrong answer, but if people are tipping $20 or more for a tip ill start recommending being a move for a starter job.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by packer43064

I guess it could be had that way. When I get a haircut I give $3 as a tip, why does a move get $20 or more. I mean their both making $10 perhaps. I guess there is no right or wrong answer, but if people are tipping $20 or more for a tip ill start recommending being a move for a starter job.

Cutting hair all day in an air-conditioned salon is different than moving large-scale, furniture, numerous boxes, pianos, etc. in 103+ degrees up ramps, in and out of tractor trailers, up and down flights of steps, in and out of rooms, without breaking a single thing or scratching the leg of a dining table. People who work on commercial jobs, for example a corporate office, a research center, an industrial business, etc. contend with things like giant copiers and computers, small flight craft, big wall units and desks, etc.

And no, the moving business is not as it was, with the advent of DIY services like PODs, people posting on CraigsList, etc. -- alot of small companies are struggling or went out of business or had to merge as agents with the large companies.

[StandBack-DoorsClosing]

I don't know, your guys' tips all seem kind of low to me. One time I was short on cash to tip the movers (there were about 35 of them and I would not give a tip less than $500/per), so I opened up the backyard and hosted a pool party barbecue. I called in the local tv station, hired dancers, fog machine, a monster truck, etc. I gave them all steaks off the grill, top quality beer, and taught them how to dance. At one point I was literally pouring jewelry into their pockets for some reason. It just seemed like the least I could do for these guys. To each their own I guess.

[packer43064]

Originally Posted by StandBack-DoorsClosing

I don't know, your guys' tips all seem kind of low to me. One time I was short on cash to tip the movers (there were about 35 of them and I would not give a tip less than $500/per), so I opened up the backyard and hosted a pool party barbecue. I called in the local tv station, hired dancers, fog machine, a monster truck, etc. I gave them all steaks off the grill, top quality beer, and taught them how to dance. At one point I was literally pouring jewelry into their pockets for some reason. It just seemed like the least I could do for these guys. To each their own I guess.

Lol.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by StandBack-DoorsClosing

I don't know, your guys' tips all seem kind of low to me. One time I was short on cash to tip the movers (there were about 35 of them and I would not give a tip less than $500/per), so I opened up the backyard and hosted a pool party barbecue. I called in the local tv station, hired dancers, fog machine, a monster truck, etc. I gave them all steaks off the grill, top quality beer, and taught them how to dance. At one point I was literally pouring jewelry into their pockets for some reason. It just seemed like the least I could do for these guys. To each their own I guess.

In lieu of cash, I am sure your movers enjoyed themselves!

Reminds me: a friend of mine has a collection of wrist watches. When I asked where they all came from, he said customers gave them as a tip when he worked as a mover.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by StandBack-DoorsClosing

I don't know, your guys' tips all seem kind of low to me. One time I was short on cash to tip the movers (there were about 35 of them and I would not give a tip less than $500/per), so I opened up the backyard and hosted a pool party barbecue. I called in the local tv station, hired dancers, fog machine, a monster truck, etc. I gave them all steaks off the grill, top quality beer, and taught them how to dance. At one point I was literally pouring jewelry into their pockets for some reason. It just seemed like the least I could do for these guys. To each their own I guess.

Oh did I not mention I also called in Earth, Wind, and Fire to perform for my movers?

Seriously, though, I was just grateful one of them didn't die of heat stroke on my property. It was my way of keeping the fates on my side. And I'll offer a beer to anyone who comes to my house.