How much to tip movers?

[diethx]

This is the first time I'm hiring actual movers to move me. Going from ground floor 2BR to 4th floor 2BR, no elevator. 3 man team... going to just be moving the big stuff; I'll move the majority of my smaller stuff, boxes, etc., before and after they're done. It's a small family-owned company, not one of the big chains (the owner is actually one of the 3 on the team), and they charge $150/hr plus a travel charge (I think he said 1 hr for travel time).

What would you tip?

[Drew]

Personally I'd give 20 bucks to each of the employees, you don't tip the owner of a business. I think 10 per is also a fine number if 20 is too steep.

[Gelston]

Probably $30, since there are 3 of them and it is $150 an hour (which seems high to me).

[diethx]

Are you saying $30 total, not $30 each?

They're actually cheaper than other companies I called, and they have really, really good reviews on Yelp (for whatever that means).

[Gelston]

Total. I guess it is just where you live. I'm mostly looking at it as $50/hour for unskilled manual labor which would be ridiculously high, and you said they had travel charges too. I'm pretty certain they aren't getting paid $50 an hour though.

It was a good point he made about not tipping the owner, but I still do anyways. He is out there working too.

Another, obvious, thing to point out... Tips aren't a mandatory thing. If they do a terrible job, you can give them nothing and be happy.

[diethx]

http://www.yelp.com/biz/blitz-moving-services-atlanta-2

[Drew]

It was a good point he made about not tipping the owner, but I still do anyways. He is out there working too.

I know some people do but it's insulting to tip the owner of a business. He/she is a white collar worker and should be treated as such. Would you tip your lawyer, doctor or contractor? If he runs the business he handles the books, taxes, and many other things that a service employee is not expected to. Just because they are doing physical labor does not make them blue collar.

[Gelston]

Atlanta, yeah, I could see things being more expensive there compared to here in Shreveport, Louisiana.

[Gelston]

I know some people do but it's insulting to tip the owner of a business. He/she is a white collar worker and should be treated as such. Would you tip your lawyer, doctor or contractor? If he runs the business he handles the books, taxes, and many other things that a service employee is not expected to. Just because they are doing physical labor does not make them blue collar.

Heh, a guy that owns a small business and constantly does unskilled manual labor is not a white collar worker in my book. I don't think it it insulting at all, but if he does, he can redistribute the tip he receives to the other worker. Key word here, SMALL business. I'm not saying a CEO of Disney that operates rides or does lumberjacking is blue collar now.

Not to mention, if the owner is one of the movers, the entire staff might be like 4 people.

[diethx]

You really think I'd insult him if I tipped him? Damn.

[diethx]

Oh and no, $20 each is not too steep. I was actually expecting an appropriate tip to be more than that. So, this outcome makes me happy.

[Drew]

Heh, a guy that owns a small business and constantly does unskilled manual labor is not a white collar worker in my book. I don't think it it insulting at all, but if he does, he can redistribute the tip he receives to the other worker. KEy word here, SMALL business. I'm not saying a CEO of Disney that operates rides or does lumberjacking is blue collar now.

I think you underestimate the amount of paperwork it takes to run a small business. On top of that the owner controls the rates that are charged and therefore has control on the amount of money he is making. If he is not making the appropriate amount he can always raise rates whereas the employee can't.

[Gelston]

I think you underestimate the amount of paperwork it takes to run a small business. On top of that the owner controls the rates that are charged and therefore has control on the amount of money he is making. If he is not making the appropriate amount he can always raise rates whereas the employee can't.

I don't underestimate it, but his wife probably takes care of that. I see family business and figure that is the case. Yes, the owner can raise rates, but I consider tips for manual labor to be an additional attaboy and thank you and not a "Yall are so cheap and need this to survive".

[Drew]

You really think I'd insult him if I tipped him? Damn.

I don't think it would necessarily insult him. It would insult some number of people who take pride in their work; however if you google "should I tip the owner of a salon" you'll find results from plenty of owners of salons who insist you MUST tip them. It's embarrassing for them but it's certainly not a universal attitude from owner's of businesses.

Edit: My company buy properties, rents properties and manages them and so even though it's not my primary responsibility I'm often doing manual labor (like fixing something on a property for a rental client ) and if they offered to tip me I'd find it demeaning.

[Gelston]

I've never, ever, seen anyone upset that I gave them a tip. Except in Italy.

[AnticorRifling]

A moving company and you're not leaving the state? The hell?!

[Drew]

I've never, ever, seen anyone upset that I gave them a tip. Except in Italy.

Also this may have some regionalism to it, I have a general contractor on a property in hickville North Carolina and I'm very certain he'd be extremely upset if I offered him a tip. I imagine the same scenario might not apply in NYC.

[diethx]

A moving company and you're not leaving the state? The hell?!

Hehe. I want to have an "easy" move for once. Plus I have a bunch of heavy shit and I'm moving to a 4th floor apartment with no elevator. :/

[Gelston]

Eh, Louisiana here. I mostly tip the lawn crew that comes over here, and yeah, the owners is one of them.

[Methais]

you don't tip the owner of a business.

This guy disagrees:
http://a.abcnews.com/images/ABC_Univision/cc_abc_130516_wg.jpg

[Sile]

This guy disagrees:
http://a.abcnews.com/images/ABC_Univision/cc_abc_130516_wg.jpg

Isn't that Inspires sister?

[Archigeek]

I think what I would do is treat them well while they're working, making sure plenty of water/lemonade was available, and then give each of the workers a 20 when they're done if they worked their asses off and did a good job, which they probably will. If they're screw ups who waste the time you're paying for, then don't tip. I've had very mixed results with movers, from spectacular to shitty. I had one company that built custom crates for artwork and only charged me about 35 bucks a crate, which was a bargain. I tipped them well. On the other hand, I've had guys bump door frames and crack jokes about it like they hadn't damaged the frame and what they were carrying. Hiring people for things like moving is a bit of a dice roll, simply because of who takes jobs like that. You'll get a mix of students, musicians working part time, recovering addicts and ex-cons.

[Sile]

I've generally had good experience with movers myself. Though my employer pays for bonded and insured movers. Everything is legit, though I'm sure its not cheap.

$150 an hour seems reasonable, I understand the convenience, for short moves my friends usually just pay with beer and pizza. I think I've done 12 moves like that in my life. But that is with everyone working.

[Parkbandit]

I think what I would do is treat them well while they're working, making sure plenty of water/lemonade was available, and then give each of the workers a 20 when they're done if they worked their asses off and did a good job, which they probably will. If they're screw ups who waste the time you're paying for, then don't tip. I've had very mixed results with movers, from spectacular to shitty. I had one company that built custom crates for artwork and only charged me about 35 bucks a crate, which was a bargain. I tipped them well. On the other hand, I've had guys bump door frames and crack jokes about it like they hadn't damaged the frame and what they were carrying. Hiring people for things like moving is a bit of a dice roll, simply because of who takes jobs like that. You'll get a mix of students, musicians working part time, recovering addicts and ex-cons.

Exactly this. A tip is given as a reward for a job well done. If they are fuckups and don't seem to care, this should be reflected in their tip.

I've tipped anywhere from $0 to $100 to individuals.. based upon their performance.

[Tgo01]

Oh and no, $20 each is not too steep. I was actually expecting an appropriate tip to be more than that. So, this outcome makes me happy.

I would use the cost of the job as a good guide, how long is this going to take them? I realize there are no elevators but come on, three people moving just the big stuff up three flights of stairs, that should be two hours tops. 60 bucks in tips would be 20% of what they are charging you, that's already plenty girl.

[Archigeek]

Another way to look at it is this. You're paying $150/hr for a 3 person crew. The two who don't own the company are probably making 12-15 bucks an hour, while the owner takes the balance to cover his own labor, insurance, the cost of the truck, and perhaps some benefits for his workers. A normal ratio for business is 1/1/1 for labor/expenses/overhead and profit. If you look at the $150 that way and he pays each of his workers 15/hr, that leaves him 20/hr for himself, plus the expense money and profit. If he's doing a good job, it's working out well financially for him, whereas his laborers are doing a lot of hard manual labor for their 15/hr and there's no up side profit to look forward to, just their daily rate. Tip them if they do a good job.

[diethx]

All great advice. Thanks guys!

[Keller]

I usually do $50 per person, but I've never lived on a 4th floor walk up. Sucks to be them (and you, assuming you're not going to use Peapod or another grocery delivery).

[diethx]

Thread: How much to tip movers? (http://forum.gsplayers.com/showthread.php?84875-How-much-to-tip-movers&p=1581055#post1581055)
another thing you could do is offer them alter designing advice. and don't get thrown off when they play it like they don't know what you're talking about. they know. they're just a little embarrassed because they have 20 spidersilk pantaloons.

ROFL

And no, I will be lugging that shit up the stairs myself. It's ok - a little exercise never hurt anyone and definitely won't hurt me!

[Tgo01]

a little exercise never hurt anyone and definitely won't hurt me!

Tell that to John Henry.

[MotleyCrew]

TIPS is an acronym for To Insure Proper Service (some say Prompt), and that's exactly what it's for. Whether it's for your morning cup of coffee or these movers, always tip according to the service provided. But, be sure if they are lousy that they know your small or non-existent tip is for that reason and not because you are just a stingy bitch. (Not that you are such, heh, just sayin' most slackers blame everyone but themselves).

[Sile]

Could do what Fraiser did, when the server showed up he placed money on the table. "This is your potential tip..."

Was one of my favorite Fraiser moments...

[Tgo01]

Could do what Fraiser did, when the server showed up he placed money on the table. "This is your potential tip..."

Was one of my favorite Fraiser moments...

I thought that was Carla's brother on Cheers?

[Drew]

TIPS is an acronym for To Insure Proper Service

No, no it isn't.


EDIT- Hint: If you think the word was used before the outbreak of World War 1 and someone is saying it has an acronym as the etymological origin it is almost certainly not true. Fuck is not fornicate under consent of the king, shit is not ship high in transit, etc. Newer words like laser and scuba have an acronymic origin but they came into being recently.

[Sile]

Might of been repeated, I first remember seeing it on Fraiser..

[Ker_Thwap]

Last year, I had a short distance move. Two guys hustled like hell and it only took two hours total, which saved me a lot on the hourly rate. They didn't scratch a thing, and moved some heavy items down two flights of stairs. I gave them each $60, since I was prepared to pay for a third and fourth hour anyway.

[Latrinsorm]

I thought that was Carla's brother on Cheers?I thought Frasier was Carla's brother on Cheers?

[Methais]

SHIT is an acronym for Store High In Transit.

Just saying.


I thought Frasier was Carla's brother on Cheers?

What is wrong with you people?

[Tgo01]

I thought Frasier was Carla's brother on Cheers?

:O! GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE YOU BLASPHEMER!

[Latrinsorm]

What do you think Tortelli means in Italian? "Crane." Hence tortellini or "little cranes" shaped after Frasier's famous forehead.

[Drew]

SHIT is an acronym for Store High In Transit.

Just saying.



http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j29/robitusson/ArnoldWRONG.gif

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=shit&allowed_in_frame=0


More info on SHIT and other shitty fake word origins: http://www.etymonline.com/baloney.php

[RSR]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1ZZWhSvOMI

You're both wrong. It was John Lithgow on 3rd Rock that did the 'potential tip'.

[Sile]

Maybe its a joke that's been played many times... I vividly remember the episode with Frasier, Niles was going nuts.

[diethx]

I saw the title of that video and thought it was some bit about... dick tips.

I was going to say, I'm not tipping these movers with my dick. No way.

[Sile]

I saw the title of that video and thought it was some bit about... dick tips.

I was going to say, I'm not tipping these movers with my dick. No way.

'Dick tips'

Sounds like a delicacy for the family from Texas Chainsaw Massacre

[Shaps]

Why is it we have to tip everyone nowadays? I do sometimes for certain things, but for $150 an hour I would expect a service to get done. I don't tip my plumber, my AC guy, a painter, or my car repair guy. I pay them a price based upon a quoted appraisal. I don't tip or pay whoever the owner tasks with completing the work. Why is the consumer expected more and more to supplement the employers costs, by tipping the workers that they pay. It is not like those movers are making $2.13/hr like waiters.

Just seems like more and more people that work for a company, expect a tip, for the work they are paid to already do. Now if they go above and beyond what they were asked to do (ie. a job was supposed to take 4 hours, they did it in 2), then I am more than happy to tip.

I'll come move all of your stuff for $150/hour. That's just nuts.. if that is what people are getting paid to just move a dresser around and pack some boxes, I'm all for it.

Of course you could just rent a truck for $30 for the day, call up some friends, buy them some beer, and move it yourselves for about $100 total.

[Sile]

Why is it we have to tip everyone nowadays? I do sometimes for certain things, but for $150 an hour I would expect a service to get done. I don't tip my plumber, my AC guy, a painter, or my car repair guy. I pay them a price based upon a quoted appraisal. I don't tip or pay whoever the owner tasks with completing the work. Why is the consumer expected more and more to supplement the employers costs, by tipping the workers that they pay. It is not like those movers are making $2.13/hr like waiters.

Just seems like more and more people that work for a company, expect a tip, for the work they are paid to already do. Now if they go above and beyond what they were asked to do (ie. a job was supposed to take 4 hours, they did it in 2), then I am more than happy to tip.

I'll come move all of your stuff for $150/hour. That's just nuts.. if that is what people are getting paid to just move a dresser around and pack some boxes, I'm all for it.

Of course you could just rent a truck for $30 for the day, call up some friends, buy them some beer, and move it yourselves for about $100 total.

Some industries are based around tips or handouts from outside the company. Restaurants do it with servers, Hotels with wait staff, Walmart is one of the biggest abusers of it (not through tips).

It's honesty one of the results of a free market society. Also on a flip side some people prefer tips over pay because then they can get away with under claiming come tax time. Cash is king.

[Shaps]

Some industries are based around tips or handouts from outside the company. Restaurants do it with servers, Hotels with wait staff, Walmart is one of the biggest abusers of it (not through tips).

It's honesty one of the results of a free market society. Also on a flip side some people prefer tips over pay because then they can get away with under claiming come tax time. Cash is king.

I understand some industries are based on this, and even that workers may like tips more than $10/hr.

The example that was given.. was $150/hr for 3 guys to move some stuff. For that price, there is no need to tip the workers. Especially if the owner is there with them. If the owner is paying them $8/hr, and you're paying him $150/hr... then that just sucks.. but if your already paying pretty much $50/hr for 1 guy, that should be plenty for manual labor.

As I said, if people are that lazy these days, I know what I'm doing when I retire. I'll get with a friend and charge people $150/hr all day every day to move their junk around. That would be way to easy, relaxing, and very low stress for a lot of easy cash.

[Sile]

I understand some industries are based on this, and even that workers may like tips more than $10/hr.

The example that was given.. was $150/hr for 3 guys to move some stuff. For that price, there is no need to tip the workers. Especially if the owner is there with them. If the owner is paying them $8/hr, and you're paying him $150/hr... then that just sucks.. but if your already paying pretty much $50/hr for 1 guy, that should be plenty for manual labor.

As I said, if people are that lazy these days, I know what I'm doing when I retire. I'll get with a friend and charge people $150/hr all day every day to move their junk around. That would be way to easy, relaxing, and very low stress for a lot of easy cash.

To me, 150 bucks to get my armoire, fridge and stove moved is a good deal. Some pieces are just too bothersome. I admit I'm lazy, but I don't see moving as relaxing or easy. Well not all the time.

[Shaps]

To me, 150 bucks to get my armoire, fridge and stove moved is a good deal. Some pieces are just too bothersome. I admit I'm lazy, but I don't see moving as relaxing or easy. Well not all the time.

Damn.. where you live! I'll come over and move those 3 pieces myself for $75 and a case of beer. No friends to call up and help move? None of those are that heavy at all.

[Shaps]

By the way.. great avatar lol

[Sile]

Damn.. where you live! I'll come over and move those 3 pieces myself for $75 and a case of beer. No friends to call up and help move? None of those are that heavy at all.

Ah yeah I usually do the friend thing, beer and pizza. And a bunch of swearing.

My Armoire weighs over 500lbs, its mostly made of slate and some hardwood, forget the name. It's definitely not a 1 or two person job.

[Shaps]

Ah yeah I usually do the friend thing, beer and pizza. And a bunch of swearing.

My Armoire weighs over 500lbs, its mostly made of slate and some hardwood, forget the name. It's definitely not a 1 or two person job.

Damn.. a slate armoire... now that sounds like a beautiful piece. And yea.. unless your friends with guys in the WWE that might take more than 2.

[diethx]

That's ok Shaps, I'm not interested in hiring you. Thanks though.

[Sile]

Don't normally comment on rep, but this one made me laugh.

08-19-2013 07:29 PM


Thread: How much to tip movers?

i'm well acquainted with your armoire and i believe that wood is technically referred to as tisket's penis. hardest wood east of the mississippi.

[Shaps]

That's ok Shaps, I'm not interested in hiring you. Thanks though.

Awww.. and I was just about to reply to your personal ad on Craigslist. Don't know what you're missing.

[diethx]

I will carry on, somehow.

[Latrinsorm]

I will carry on, somehow.Were you thinking Kansas/Supernatural or Fun.?

[diethx]

Do not search for a deeper meaning. It was pure, unadulterated sarcasm, and only that.

[Nathala Crane]

Last time I hired movers I just offered them a beer and they were like overjoyed.

[Methais]

Offer to let them DP you. I'm sure that would be viewed as an adequate tip.

[senorgordoburro]

Total. I guess it is just where you live. I'm mostly looking at it as $50/hour for unskilled manual labor which would be ridiculously high, and you said they had travel charges too. I'm pretty certain they aren't getting paid $50 an hour though.

It was a good point he made about not tipping the owner, but I still do anyways. He is out there working too.

Another, obvious, thing to point out... Tips aren't a mandatory thing. If they do a terrible job, you can give them nothing and be happy.

I haven't read this whole thread, but that rate is not just for the labor. Generally that fee includes boxes, wrapping supplies (paper, tape, blankets...), insurance, fuel, and many other things. Also, I have some buddies from the military that used to work part time for a moving company and they were paid $10 an hour in the DC Metro area by a pretty reputable moving company but they charged similar fees.

[Gelston]

I haven't read this whole thread, but that rate is not just for the labor. Generally that fee includes boxes, wrapping supplies (paper, tape, blankets...), insurance, fuel, and many other things. Also, I have some buddies from the military that used to work part time for a moving company and they were paid $10 an hour in the DC Metro area by a pretty reputable moving company but they charged similar fees.

Oh, I'm aware of that. I'm just saying I can grab some buddies and pay them a lot less for the same work. Not everyone can do that, I know, but I was just saying to me, it seemed a bit expensive.

[Tisket]

Don't normally comment on rep, but this one made me laugh.

08-19-2013 07:29 PM


Thread: How much to tip movers?

i'm well acquainted with your armoire and i believe that wood is technically referred to as tisket's penis. hardest wood east of the mississippi.

How did my (enormous) penis get drawn into this conversation!?

[Latrinsorm]

It must be hard (that's what she said) to be so irresistible.

[Taernath]

Last time I hired movers I just offered them a beer and they were like overjoyed.

I used to do that too, but then I realized I preferred not having stuff broken.

[diethx]

Offer to let them DP you. I'm sure that would be viewed as an adequate tip.

Tip? Shit, that's MY tip.

Who doesn't want DP from two sweaty, beefy movers? Anyone? Anyone?

[Sile]

Tip? Shit, that's MY tip.

Who doesn't want DP from two sweaty, beefy movers? Anyone? Anyone?

Could be a marketing angle for the moving company.

"We'll move your shit, then pound your shit"

[thefarmer]

Company name: 2 Dicks in a box, Dicks in your box
Theme song played in all trucks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7H9xEesilU

[Shaps]

Could be a marketing angle for the moving company.

"We'll move your shit, then pound your shit"

Or...

"We pack your shit for free, moving your furniture costs extra though!"

[Tisket]

I know I'm going to feel stupid for asking but...what the hell is "DP"? I'm assuming it's not Dr. Pepper.

[diethx]

Double penetration.

[Delias]

I know I'm going to feel stupid for asking but...what the hell is "DP"? I'm assuming it's not Dr. Pepper.

Don't play innocent with us.

[tyrant-201]

I know I'm going to feel stupid for asking but...what the hell is "DP"? I'm assuming it's not Dr. Pepper.

I do not believe you. One cannot be as depraved as you are and not know DP.

[Tisket]

Acronyms and initials are my bane.

[RSR]

tits or gtfo.

[Stretch]

TIPS is an acronym for To Insure Proper Service (some say Prompt)

Every time someone says "insure" when they mean "ensure," the flying spaghetti monster jerks off in a cat's face.

[tyrant-201]

Every time someone says "insure" when they mean "ensure," the flying spaghetti monster jerks off in a cat's face.

Everyone knows TFSM doesn't exist.

[Stanley Burrell]

Just remember to move upside and let the man go through when he's lifting heavy shit.

[Delias]

Everyone knows TFSM doesn't exist.

How DARE you show such a lack of respect for my pastafarian beliefs? May you be torn apart by pirates.

[Gelston]

How DARE you show such a lack of respect for my pastafarian beliefs? May you be torn apart by pirates.

You get away from me with your atheist gods!

[Dranock]

I'm with Drew, depending on how hard they work too and if its a big company. I usually tip around $20 a person, or drop the leader $100 in front of the minions so they fight over it.

I've had anywhere from 2 to 5 movers for a 3 bedroom move.

When using a large corporation I always noticed the guys slacked and I had to stay on them to keep them moving.
The biggest time sink was the drive between places. The last group I had took a lunch break without saying anything and acted like there was traffic when I was next to them the whole way. Whenever I didn't actively follow them in and out of the places they would stand around talkin. Bitches! I be payin you!

[diethx]

I decided to go with a different company who got equally awesome reviews on Yelp, and are slightly cheaper ($139/hr). The owner of the first company was at first like, well I don't know if I'm going to have enough time to move your stuff on Tuesday as I only have a few hours in the afternoon free, so I say okay, you can come look at my stuff Thursday and let me know for sure. Then when I call him to schedule Thursday he's all weeeell I've not had very many 4th floor moves with no elevator and I don't know if I want to do that to my guys so I'll come look Thursday and I'm like... huh. So I call this other place that got great reviews, also a smaller company, and dude is like um yeah we get those moves all the time. Our guys can handle it easily - it just may take a little longer than if it were ground floor to ground floor. And we have Tuesday morning open for you. Me: book that shit.

SORT OF on topic, if you want a great deal on a flat screen TV, where would you go? My old piece of shit bedroom TV is on its last leg, and I was thinking about getting a new one but I don't want to pay a ton. Either I can get a smallerish one for the bedroom, or I can move the one I currently have in the living room (32") to the bedroom if I find a great deal on a bigger one. I checked a bunch of sites but didn't see anything that really jumped out at me.

[dszabo]

Costco! Or Sam's Club, or even Wal Mart around Super Bowl time, if you can wait that long. Check for the Costco/Sam's floor models. Usually about 30-50% off.

[diethx]

I don't know if I want to wait til February...

I do have a Costco membership, though... maybe I'll go over at lunch.

[Tgo01]

That guy wanted 150 bucks an hour to move your stuff from the ground floor to the fourth floor with an elevator? AND he expected it to take a few hours? Eesh.

[Delias]

You can get flat screens in the 42" range for less than 300 bucks now, not on sale. If you get any electronics store ads in your local flyers, check there.