Should I have tipped the moving company?

Question

I recently just moved from a one bedroom apt. to another one bed apartment? I hired a moving company. Thisis the first time I did this. I was not aware of the tipping policy. Honestly, it would have never crossed my mind that you even tipped movers. To make a long story short, I was not please with their service. They were mad that it was raining and I did not reschedule my move. ( I rent, I had to be out by a certain date!) The one younger kid told me "mam, remember that we do accept tips, especially since we are going to get soak and wet out there" I was strapped to begin with, paying them $90 per hour. I hired movers cuz it is so hard to find reliable friends and family members and I hate to inconvenience people and ruin their weekend by moving. Anyway, the same kid who solicited for tips also asked me for food twice. Jesus, was i supposed to feed them also??? I am moving for god sakes, I do not have a fridge full of food. If my friends and family were helping, I would have bought

refreshments, lunch, dinner, etc. But again, these people were HIRED HELP, not personal relations. My parents recommended this company to me and said they were great. I personally think the company sent me the slackers because they thought it was just a one-bedroom apt. That's another thing. This was an easy job for them. Since it was just an apt., there were no appliances to move (fridge, stove, washer, dryer, all stay in apt.) Another thing is I was digusted because they were 30 minutes late and they kept asking to use my cell. One gentleman said that I had a cell phone that was "back in the day." The two younger people also kept "horseplaying" and wrestling around and playing with my intercom system, making it make funny noises.
Well, obviously, I was extremely dissatisfied. But even if I was happy, should I have tipped??? Why does everyone want a tip nowadays? When I was younger, I never got tipped for working in retail, covenience stores, etc and you put up with crap

Answer 1

that's whats wrong with this world -- they were paid to do a job if they didn't want to work in the rain well they should have thought about that before they started working for a moving company-- NO NO -- call the moving company and ask for the owner ask him what he thinks about what happen to you-- i bet Mr tip wanting a snack want have a job to cry about Monday--

Answer 2

Tipping is a funny thing. There are certain jobs that it's a necessity, like servers in restaurants. Their hourly wage usually stinks. Tips is where they make their money.

I've used moving companies (I use that term loosely) 4 times. I've tipped 3 of those times. The rate you're paying is not going to the guys doing the work. That's why I tip them.

But it's AMAZINGLY TACKY to mention tipping to you. If that happened to me I would've told him I was planning on tipping but he just talked me out of it.

Normally yes, you should tip them. I'd say for a 1 bedroom, something like $10 for each person is good. If you're not sure, you can always ask the company their tipping policy when you schedule them.

I also offer them a cold drink only because that's how I was raised -- someone's in your house, you offer them a drink.

But so what if it was raining. That's part of the job. I've moved when it was snowing. The show must go on. Moves have to happen when they are scheduled. Unless it's a hurricane or blizzard, my stuff is going!

IBut don't feel badly. Just remember it in the future to have a little extra on hand if you feel they did a good job.

Answer 3

No. You are under NO obligation to feed or tip these people. It is nice to offer them a drink since they are working hard. However, most people manage to bring their own lunch to the job and do not expect their clients to feed them.

You are paying this company for a service. You do not need to tip them. If these people feel they are not making enough money, that is between them and their employer; it is not your problem.

More to the point, what is wrong in our society where everyone feels they deserve a tip? What happened to simply doing your job well?

Good move on you for NOT tipping!!

Answer 4

Sounds like Budget Movers or Starving Students. Real movers would not ask or expect a "tip" however they may ask for water or something to keep hydrated. Good movers usually keep to themselves and bank on you tipping them for their good service and making your transition a pleasant experience. A nice tip, if you can't afford it is a simple call to the main office and praise them for their good work and pleasant attitude. On the other hand you should call the office and report your disappointment on poor service and rude suggestions. I put myself through school by moving furniture with great crews and we were tipped, fed and asked to bar-b-ques afterward too! BUT!, we NEVER asked for anything. My tip for them would have been: Change your work ethics or you will be unemployed soon.

Answer 5

sounds like you need to connect with the moving company, and have that kid fired for asking for food. If they do a good, prompt job, tipping is acceptable, but not a prerequisite. However expecting you to feed them, is unquestionable, and offering anything more than water or coffee is above the call of decency. Next time pay for a reputable company, or get your family and friends to move you.

Answer 6

I would say you can tip them if you want to, but you don't have to. The fact that they asked you for a tip, and tried to make you feel guilty for them doing the job they are paid to do warrants a call to the management or owner. Not only would I not recommend that company, I would tell everyone I know what happened. I would never use them again!

Answer 7

I am struggling with this one. Yes, you are supposed to tip movers, so part the part of me raised to be painstakingly polite wants to say "yes, you should have tipped them!"

HOWEVER, to remind you that they take tips and to ASK you for food is so far out of line that I understand why you didn't. I guess I was lucky when we moved into our house, because we absolutely loved our movers, because they went out of their way to make things easy on us. Since we were the last move of the day for them, and because someone had brought us a ton of food and beer to the new house, we offered our movers a sandwich and a cold beer.

If I were in your shoes, though - I probably would have tipped - the bare minimum, and then called the moving company to complain.

Answer 8

no way. don't tip them ever. even if thy did a good job. I'm sure they get paid well. It is also unprofessional of them to ask for food. They can get thier own lunch. Would you feed the stove repair man or the plumber. I don't think so. Next time I would ask your family and friends. ask 10 people and 5 are bound to show up. one bedroom and you can't have that much stuff, three large pizzas and you saved a butt load of money

Answer 9

Movers make a huge amount of money, just when you pay their usual charges.

You're not supposed to tip them, you're not supposed to feed them. They were trying to rip you off - and if you didn't let them, good for you!

Answer 10

If they did a good job I would have tiped. But it's not somethign you have to do, and the fact that he asked for it is just plain rude. Tipping is all about personal preference. When someone deserves a tip you know :) I wouldn't have tipped them myself. Or I would've given them a real bad one. Only waiters and delivery people MUST get tips.