Tipping A Contractor

Winkk · ‎03-15-2010

I would like to get some feedback from everyone on whether or not to tip a contractor. We have a big project underway at home - new siding, windows, internal trim work and a lot of miscellaneous projects associated with it.

There are mainly two guys doing all the work - the owner and his assistant. The assistant has been doing 90% of the work (the owner has been doing other jobs) and he is excellent. He makes sure every detail is taken care of.

Should we tip him? If so, how much, percentage of the cost of the job? It definitely won't hurt to tip him, but I didn't know if there was a protocol for tipping contractors.

MamaWick · ‎03-09-2010

I would Google tipping guides, but personally I don't think this is a job that should be tipped.

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness ~ Dalai Lama XIV

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace ~ Jimi Hendrix

Lila Belle · ‎01-24-2013

Perhaps a letter praising their work would be more appropriate.

Yuban3 · ‎03-10-2010

I agree with Mama Wick. I wouldn't tip a contractor either. Sure, I'd give him (or her) bottled water, or cookies, but $? Heck no! I'd already be shelling out enough $ as it was for them to do their job. They don't need additional monies on top of that for them doing their job.

The only people that I tip are:

My hairdresser

taxi driver

wait staff at a restaurant

pizza delivery person.

It seems as though everybody has their hand out for extra $, just for doing their job.

What's next? Tipping the firefighter or paramedic who comes to your home in an emergency?

It's getting ridiculous, and it's getting, way, way, way out of hand.

(edited by me)

Was Yuban, then changed to Plaid Pants due to forum upgrade, and apparently, I'm back to being Yuban.

reiki604 · ‎03-09-2010

I also am having work done. I provide cold water and have bought pizza for lunch. I will tip the assistants but not the contractor.

'I refuse to engage in a battle of wits with an unarmed man'.......Unknown

sidsmom · ‎11-25-2011

I believe there are just some things in life that are super simple.

You do the work.
I pay.
Everyone's happy.

Unless you're going to be using them repeatedly, why tip?

Luv2Decorate · ‎03-12-2010

I don't know if there is any protocol when it comes to tipping contractors but if you think that this guy is doing an outstanding job, I don't see any harm in giving the guy doing the majority of the work a couple hundred dollars, unless he's not allowed to take it...

Hopefully Raven Blackbird will see this thread. She'd know.

brii · ‎06-20-2010

I don't think it's expected.

If the assistant is doing a great job, I would make sure to tell his boss though.

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

On 7/14/2014 Lila Belle said:
Perhaps a letter praising their work would be more appropriate.

ITA!!! Tipping is not appropriate for a contractor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shaunac · ‎09-22-2010

There is no way I would tip a contractor. Don't you think you're paying enough as it is? And, don't you think they've jacked up the prices enough to give themselves a tip???