How Much Should You Tip the Movers?
Tipping is not second nature for many (and also has an ugly history of manipulation). However, over time, this has become commonplace in the service industry. Tipping is optional, but it is an expected and good thing for those who, say, carry your entire bed up five flights of stairs. But deciding how much to tip is like studying old wives’ tales: no one tells you why they tip, but your mom once told you to give the movers ten dollars. While it ultimately depends on you, here are some tips on how to show your usual gratitude to your movers.
Tipping from the standard amount
The calculation of tip for movers is not as straightforward as the base 15 percent for catering (which should be 18 percent if you ask me). In addition, tips in the food industry help increase wages in the service industry (since tips to employees are a ridiculous standard that allows establishments such as restaurants to pay their employees below the minimum wage). So how much do movers usually earn and how much would be appropriate to supplement that income?
Movers make an average of $ 30,386 per year , according to ZipRecruiter . If the recommended tip for restaurant staff is 15 to 20 percent, movers can be expected to be somewhere in that range, depending on the cost of the job.
According to Move.com , “A good rule of thumb is to tip drivers $ 4-5 per person for every hour they work.” If your move takes eight hours, you will need to tip about $ 40 per person – enough to count this as part of your overall travel costs. Think of it as a big restaurant party where gratuity is included when you meet a certain number of guests. Include additional tip costs in your calculations when planning your moving costs.
Base the amount on the performance level
When I tip in a restaurant, even if the waiter does a mediocre job, I tip 18 percent (or 15 percent if they messed up). If the movers are late, cut corners or scratched your walls, tip below $ 4. The movers are still moving your belongings, so be sure to tip them. The converse is also important: when the loader is doing exceptional work, remember to tip him above the standard rate.
Appreciate the movers for food and drink. Even something as simple as classic lemonade and cookies will go a long way. Some may go even further by offering to buy lunch or dinner.
File a complaint if anything
While your experience may differ, I personally prefer to tip no matter how much I perceive the quality of service in most cases (probably as a result of working in the catering industry in the past). I will always tip the movers, and I recommend to you too; however, if the quality of their work was poor in any way, tell them where they were unable to complete the delivery. Talking directly to movers about your complaints can not only help them improve the situation, but if you feel that their services are not negotiable, you can expect to be reimbursed for any damaged property or unsatisfactory service.