Tipping kitchen/bathroom fitters?

QTPie

We are just coming to the end of having out kitchen, utility and two bathrooms fitted.

I want to thank the kitchen/bathroom fitters. I asked the project manager how I could thank them and he suggested cash (something non-cash would have been my preference), but said that the amount would be at my discretion.

Any ideas how much might be reasonable? There have been 4 guys on-site for varying amounts of time. Would it be acceptable to give a lump sum to the lead fitter (been on-site the most and have dealt with him the most) to share amongst them?

Thanks
QT

andys15

QTPie wrote: »

We are just coming to the end of having out kitchen, utility and two bathrooms fitted.

I want to thank the kitchen/bathroom fitters. I asked the project manager how I could thank them and he suggested cash (something non-cash would have been my preference), but said that the amount would be at my discretion.

Any ideas how much might be reasonable? There have been 4 guys on-site for varying amounts of time. Would it be acceptable to give a lump sum to the lead fitter (been on-site the most and have dealt with him the most) to share amongst them?

Thanks
QT

blimey. I would not even consider tipping. Sorry but I cannot see why you would tip. I make brews, and provide biscuits when I have workmen in.

pandora205

I must admit I went for the cream cakes avenue of appreciation rather than tipping. It hadn't occurred that this would be appropriate for tradesmen. I also agreed to give them a telephone reference if future customers wanted to contact me (but it was the boss and a couple of other guys who did the work).

phill99

I run a Maintenance Company. Occaisionally a customer will tip, particularly if you have been doing a job where you are at the customers house for a number of days. Some customers just do it to show appreciation, especially if you have gone the extra mile.

If you want to tip, maybe a tenner per person is appropriate. So if there have been 4 guys, then £40 is right. No tradesman expects a tip but it gives you a good feeling if you receive one. Its all very well saying 'I gave tea and biscuits as a sign of appreciation', but that certainly isn't the same as a tip, nor is a recommendation. How do we know that you will ever recommend us?

As a nation, we expect to tip cabbies, waiters, hairdressers etc, so why not tradesman if thay have done a good job?

nickj_2

i think i've only received a tip a couple of times in 30yrs probably £10 - 20 although i do get the odd bottle of wine which is nice and makes you feel appreciated

keystone

nickj wrote: »

...although i do get the odd bottle of wine which is nice and makes you feel appreciated

Me too and I agree wholeheartedly.

Cheers

QTPie

Thanks very much.

The work is being done on a house that we weren't living in at the time (we move at the end of this week). Most trips have been dashes in and out with an impatient 7/8 month old baby waiting in the car.... so cuppas and things haven't been an option.

Maybe my mistake was asking their boss (project/installation manager for the kitchen/bathroom shop) whether "beer, wine or something else" would be a good way to thank them and he replied that "cash" would be the best way to show our appreciation. I can understand that cash is more flexible (ie if one of the fitters doesn't drink...), but working out what to give them.... very difficult! This was quite a lot of work.... Tempted to put £40/£50 in an envelope, give it to the lead fitter, explain it is for all of them to "buy a few drinks to thank them"...

QT

SuzieSue

I don't usually tip workmen but a couple of years ago we had central heating fitted by a couple of workmen who were really excellent so we gave them £20 each. if there had been more than 2, we would probably only have given them a tenner each.

Kirri

I didn't tip my fitter but then he was on a very good day rate compared to me struggling to pay for it! But if anything, I would rather give a bottle of drink or something as an actual 'item' to give, rather than cash, it almost seems a little rude for the project manager to suggest cash but maybe that's just me! I'd also want to give it to the actual guys directly so I know they get it.

lagi

Everybody likes cash, i don't think it would be a good idea to give it to one as he may not share it out equally/fairly or even at all.
What about some crates of beer, fairly inexpensive, they may like a drink and if not its always handy to stick in the garage for christmas.

its_all_gravy

I agree with Lagi
get some beer in then the main man cant slide the cash in his own pocket