~~~I can home from work, there were the hoses, about to burst behind the washing machine, I called my friend, her dad said he would come right over. (hes a very very sweet older gentleman,semi retired plummer, recently widowed ) he charged me $34.00 for the two "steel" :) hoses and $35.00 labor, for a total of $69.00...took him almost an hour, the hoses were corroded and he had a heck of a time getting them disconnected. I gave him $100.00 told him have a few drinks on me with your buddies,,,,he gave me a hug,,,and said thank you sweetie,,,,,but in my last question someone said it would be an insult to tip ? Did I just insult a very dear older man? I figure he came over asap and replaced the hoses,,,,that were ready to burst. Did I insult him? if not,,,did I tip him enough? I thought $69.00 for parts and labor was pretty good.
2007-01-04 10:03:03 · 25 answers · asked by ~~Penny~~ 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Penny, I would do it too. Tipping isn't the issue -- you basically told him how much you appreciate his swiftness, the quality of his work, and making you the priority that day. Don't think of it as a tip, think of it as the value to the job, that he undercharged you and you were just paying what you wanted for a job well-done.
2007-01-04 11:52:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on where you live, it usually costs about 60 to 100 bucks just to have someone come to your house and look at the machine, that doesn't include fixing it. If he gives you a good price, throw him at least 20 bucks (if you can afford it) and tell him you really appreciate it. He probably won't expect a tip, but it might make him more inclined to help you in the future since your such a nice person. I wish I could tell you how much it usually costs to switch out the hoses but I've never had it done. I just know that any time somebody has to come to your house, you usually pay through the nose for it.
2016-05-23 03:54:03 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is never an insult to tip the repairman if the tip is for appreciation of a job well done. In this instance although on the surface just changing hoses is a simple task but with the old hoses corroded fast to the spigots. I am sure that he used knowledge that was learned through many years in his profession and he may have even thought a time or two what did I do to get this job but he persevered and did his task to completion. You cannot charge for the knowledge and experience and he charged you a very reasonable price. With your tip he got paid what his job was worth and he appreciated that you felt it was worth what you paid him.
A customer can fall all over themselves thanking you for a job well done but even just a couple dollars tip will show that you are not just saying thanks but mean it.
I never expect a tip and don't usually get one although I do get many thankyou's but on the rare occurance someone wants to show their pleasure with a small tip it makes my day and it tells me that they realy do appreciate my efforts.
2007-01-04 16:47:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I charge $85. to replace two hoses with steel ones. The only
thing you did wrong was not calling me - I could use the tip, which
I never get over $5. and thats one out of 300 jobs.
2007-01-05 07:53:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can guarantee you that he was not insulted at all and that when the first drinks were served a toast was made to you and the next time you have a problem he will be there ASAP again, I don't know who told you that tipping was an insult but I would stop listening to them, gratitude is never insulting.
2007-01-04 10:09:30 · answer #5 · answered by smart mouth 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Wow I was in the home repair buz for over 30 years never got a tip or a hug. Most bitched about the the price
2007-01-04 12:35:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you sound like a very nice person with good karma and karma has rewarded you!
you've heard the phrase: what goes 'round, comes 'round.
he did you a favor and you returned it by buying him a couple of beer!
it was very kind of him to help you and of you to reward him! $69. for parts and labor is so very reasonable and it is not an insult to tip anyone for goodness sake.
too many people take it for granted that others should give up their time to help them without any compensation! not nice!
point of information: we just had to get a plumber in - $105.00 per hour!!!!!
2007-01-04 10:21:41 · answer #7 · answered by tess 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't sound like you insulted him. In an occupation not normally expecting a tip, I'd say he'd appreciate whatever you gave him. You went way above the reasonable 15% tip that is given to workers expecting one.
You're in the clear.
2007-01-04 14:39:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you did the right thing and I believe he did too because he gave you a hug and nicely thanked you.
Do not listen to anyone that says different. Your generosity will come back to you in greater ways.
Have a beautiful day.
2007-01-04 10:07:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You did the right thing!
In my opinion, when a friend or relative does something for you that you would have had to pay full rate for, you should actually feel like giving them MORE than the full rate...I mean...you would give the full rate to a complete stranger, right? Why would we do less for a friend or relative? Then let THEM decide to refuse it...and they usually will.
2007-01-04 10:23:26 · answer #10 · answered by roadlessgraveled 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋