Here in the U.S.A. I know it's customary, and in fact (often) necessary, to tip certain people. I should point out that in the past, I have been a bartender, and a pizza-delivery guy. Except in the most extreme case of poor service (which hasn't happened to me), I will ALWAYS tip my waitperson/bartender, hairstylist, pizza/food delivery person, or taxi driver...usually pretty generously. I am sure there are others who receive (and deserve) tips, but I can't think of them all right now.
The question is, where is the line drawn? For example, I have just purchased a brand-new bed (mattress, box spring, and frame) from a furniture store. It's being delivered on Tuesday. It didn't occur to me to ask the salesperson about it, but should I tip the mattress delivery guy/guys? On the one hand, they're lugging big, heavy furniture around (they'll be setting it up, too)...on the other hand, I already paid hundreds of dollars to the very store that they work for.
2006-08-05 10:12:32 · 11 answers · asked by jvsconsulting 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Good question. I think you can tip everyone you want to and not HAVE to tip anyone you don't want to.
I am in sales and am not in a position to received tips but once in a blue moon when I deliver an order (and it can be a tiny box I've carry in that might weigh a pound) someone may give me a $1 or $5. I always always tell them they do not have to do that, but most people insist.
My boyfriend works for a utility company. Once in a blue moon someone will also tip him after he fixes their service. Most often an older person. Sometimes it's $1 but he's gotten as much as a $20 (wonder what she looked like!?)
Whoever tips (like in your case) has thought about it and thought about it and decided to tip in certain instances. When the mattress folks deliver your bed and you are happy with them and they are kind and don't scuff up your walls you will probably give them a tip. They may say "no, we can't take that." but you will not be the first to offer to them. Insist and they will take it. :) But ONLY if you want to.
I had Sears bring me a washer and dryer once. I was late getting home and the guys were waiting in the driveway for me. They helped me carry my groceries in too! I gave them ice tea and a tip. I was happy - they were happy. Life is good.
2006-08-05 10:46:11 · answer #1 · answered by daisylane 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Again. this is an American type question. In Europe, we pay a good minimum wage and therefore tipping is often considered insulting. I have worked in the US (legally) as a waitress etc and have been delighted with tips but have now decided not to return there solely because of the tipping procedure. On last stay in Boston, tipped the Bell Boy, tipped the waitress, tipped the concierge tipped the room staff Worked out so expensive and got so paranoid about those I didnt tip and had I tipped enough, I am too embarrassed to return. Much easier to pay higher rates and presume staff are being paid accordingly. Sorry...
2006-08-05 19:00:01 · answer #2 · answered by Maeve B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel the same way you do! I tip all the same people you mentioned, ususally generously. I would probably tip the delivery guys, too. Maybe not a whole lot, but something. You could always offer a cold drink, too. (By the way, I worked for four years as a grocery store cashier - a not-too-fun job that does NOT include being tipped!) :)
2006-08-05 17:20:00 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like they're doing a great deal of work for you. If you're satisfied with their service, and they're on time, and careful and courteous, it couldn't hurt to give 10-20 bucks or so to whomever is in charge.
They like it, they often get it, and it's just a nice thing to do (it's very hot in most parts of the U.S. this week, mind you).
If you don't, they won't slash your tires, and honestly, half the people they deliver to probably DON'T tip. . .but if you're happy with them, show it!
I know what you mean about having hidden costs and stuff and the price tag should be the full price tag, but the delivery-men should be taken care of (they're neither salesman nor merchant).
2006-08-05 18:20:04 · answer #4 · answered by ThatGuy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked in restaurants so long I am very picky and cheap about tipping. Yes I'll admit it. I'll tip a server if the service was good. I don't get pizza delivered, because I can't stand tipping them. I'll tip the hair cutter usually 15%. That's pretty much it.
2006-08-05 20:31:11 · answer #5 · answered by njyecats 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though I was once a waitress I am not crazy about the tipping thing. I know that most places pay very little to waiters ( I got $2.18 an hour) and most of their income is tips, but with things costing so much nowadays, I only tip about $2.00 a meal and it has to be at least a $30.00 meal. I know, Im a cheap scate.
2006-08-05 19:44:25 · answer #6 · answered by LittleMermaid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tip alll the above people too and it is based on service. Poor service poor tip...good service EXCELLENT tip.. As far as the bed delivery...I would offer them a few buck if they are prompted, pleasant and do a good job, if not......offer them a soda and let all the profit their company made off the bed pay for their service.
just my 2 cents
2006-08-05 17:48:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They already get paid to deliver it, a good sum i'm sure. If you feel like you should tip them then do so but I wouldn't.
2006-08-05 20:36:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there being paid to deliver your bed its their job i wouldnt even consider it and i am a nice person
2006-08-05 18:13:59 · answer #9 · answered by Charlotte.♥ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE WAY I SEE IT ..THE OWNERS SHOULD BE THE ONE GIVING THEM BONUSES NOT YOU...
EVEN IN RESTAURANTS OWNERS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR GIVING THEM BONUSES... I ALREADY ORDERED THE FOOD WHY SHOULD I EVEN BOTHER TIPPING>>IF YOU GO TO FAST FOOD NO TIP!
THEY CHOOSE THE WORK SO NO NEED TO TIP ANYBODY!
2006-08-05 17:21:53 · answer #10 · answered by +++++ SPOOK ++++ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋