Author Topic: Should you tip handymen/contractors?  (Read 2137 times)

Mrs Brightside

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Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« on: February 13, 2020, 11:31:27 AM »
We had about 600 sq ft of flooring replaced in our house. It was more than we had time to deal with, so we hired two local handymen who charge by the hour plus materials. They did a good job, hit a few snags but were responsive to what we wanted. Don't think they necessarily went above expectations but they were proactive about finding solutions to our issues. We do feel the hourly rate is maybe less than we expected for the area. Should we tip them when the job is done? If so, how much? A percentage? The total cost is between $1000-5000. We would likely use them again in the future for other projects.

Imma

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2020, 11:48:31 AM »
I'm not from a place where tipping is as big of a thing as it is in the US, but to me it would be odd to tip an independent contractor who sets his own rates. I associate tipping with low-paying jobs like waiting tables, delivering newspapers and the like.

I would instead recommend their services to others and hire them again. Where I live it is common to serve builders lunch/snacks and cold drinks/ice cream in summer and a beer after work on the last day. 

Fishindude

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2020, 01:00:26 PM »
I don't think tipping a contractor is ever necessary and I made my living as one.
A nicely written thank you and testimonial letter on what a good job they did is always appreciated.    Put a gift certificate for a nice restaurant in there if you are extra pleased or take them out to a nice meal.

terran

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2020, 01:14:28 PM »
Agreed. I wouldn't tip a self employed business owner. They charged you what they felt comfortable doing the work for. If you wanted to tip there employee (if they had one) you could, but the business owner should charge more if they want to make more.

Lucky13

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2020, 01:17:37 PM »
I've never heard of tipping a contractor (I'm in the U.S.) as these are skilled trades that are generally paid well above minimum wage. But if you're thinking this is necessary or normal then you must have a reason (and I hope it's not these 2 workers trying to intimidate you into paying more money than you originally agreed).

partgypsy

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2020, 01:23:45 PM »
Nope, don't tip contractors, workmen, repairmen etc.

Providing food/snacks, recommending to others, writing a letter are all nice things. Using them for future jobs as well.

Mrs Brightside

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2020, 01:52:42 PM »
I've never heard of tipping a contractor (I'm in the U.S.) as these are skilled trades that are generally paid well above minimum wage. But if you're thinking this is necessary or normal then you must have a reason (and I hope it's not these 2 workers trying to intimidate you into paying more money than you originally agreed).

Not at all! I’m a first time homeowner and just not familiar with the customs around this kind of work. My dad always did this type of work himself so he didn’t know either. We still tip stylists and massage therapists who are licensed and own their own business. So I just wasn’t sure. Sounds like it’s not necessary!

Papa bear

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Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #7 on: February 13, 2020, 05:43:36 PM »
Offer water, snacks, run out to get lunch, and if you really like them, at the end of the day, a beer.  No need for a monetary tip.


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use2betrix

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #8 on: February 13, 2020, 07:01:45 PM »
I think it depends on the company and the contractor/situation. If they are an independent contractor/own the company, I’d certainly say no. If they are just employees at a much larger company, then tipping may be justified based on the circumstance.

GuitarStv

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #9 on: February 14, 2020, 07:12:18 AM »
Yes.




I always mention that they should invest in low MER whole maket mutual funds.

ericbonabike

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2020, 07:29:10 AM »
We had a "minor" flood a few years ago, and we were under the gun to get it fixed up.
So, we "incentivized" the drywaller, and told him that if he got it done within a certain time, I would pay him a premium.

I guess you could call it a tip, but he got it done within the proscribed timespan.

I've had issues with contractors before not getting the work done within a certain amount of time, and I had struggled with how to mitigate those issues.  And we debated the carrot vs stick method. 

So far, the carrot has worked much much better than the stick.

AMandM

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Re: Should you tip handymen/contractors?
« Reply #11 on: February 21, 2020, 11:53:12 AM »
FWIW, Miss Manners, who is US-based, says you do not tip the owner of a business, which I think would include self-employed partners like in your situation. Tipping is for employees.