Should we tip movers

[Evaka]

Partner and I are debating whether to tip our house movers. They're packing and moving a one bed flat for us this weekend. We're paying 1.5k for what I think is a fairly premo service. Should we tip the workers? DP was NYC based for years so possibly skews towards tipping in general.

No.
That is their job.
They are paid a wage to do exactly that.

Yes, we tipped. We also provided drinks and snacks for them.

Thanks for your reply. Can I ask how much you tipped?

Absolutely tip. £20 each is my view, but I haven't moved for 20 years

When I moved last year, I did £10 per person.

I moved a few months ago. We didn't tip but bought them take out coffee and bacon sandwiches for breakfast and cake for the afternoon

No. Why would you unless they do something above and beyond?

@Evaka I’m also from New York and always tip movers, and provide them with drinks and food. It’s always appreciated. I did the same when we moved from part of Scotland to another a few years ago and once again the guys appreciated it. I was raised that if someone is in your home, you feed and water them. It’s common courtesy.

No. I’ve moved a lot in my life and never done this. I would make them tea and coffee and buy some biscuits but never tip.
its their job.

Yes you feed and water them but not give them money when you’re already paying them for a service.

£1.5k for a one bed packed move is outrageous. 2 bed fully packed in summer 23 (South East commuter belt) was £800. Tipped the crew when they went absolutely above and beyond on a very hot day removing a window (and putting it back) and hoisting furniture to be able to get it in the house.

I would work on the basis that at that price they are being paid a premium already and only tip if on the day they demonstrate going the extra mile.

My family always tipped from memory, I don’t think the removal men themselves make loads of money. That being said we did have one awful move where we didn’t tip. I think it’s also polite to provide drinks and snacks.

Of course not. They have quoted you a price to do a job. Why should you pay them extra just because they have done the job they said they would do?

£20 each person, tea and biscuits.

I moved in the past month. I did tip them as they worked very hard, didn't stop, were extremely quick to volunteer to move furniture if I wasn't happy etc.

We did because I felt our movers went about and beyond - £20 each - however we only paid £650 to move a 3 bed house with garage (3 years ago SE).

Another company did quote us £1500 which felt extortionate.

I’d not have tipped if we’d taken the the more expensive quote.

We did £20 each and provided tea and biscuits. They also packed for us. On moving day they didn’t really have time for refreshments.

Tipping in the UK is quite random when you think about it and the weird conventions about who we feel obliged to feed and water all day is quite odd.

The movers are doing the job they are paid to do like most people who turn up to work.

Yet reading this thread somehow they get drinks and food (biscuits but some suggesting full on bacon sandwiches) provided all day and then walk away with an extra £10-20 tax free in their pocket at the end of the day so potentially an extra £50-100 each week. That could end up an extra £2-5k per year (I know that’s unlikely in reality but just looking at the theory).

Hairdressers also get tipped each cut so can end up with a fair extra bit of cash at the end of a busy day.

Postman gets nothing as a regular but could amass a fair bit of cash at Xmas.

Yet the shop worker gets nothing all year round.

We did tip our movers and made tea a few times with biscuits but I felt the pressure to do even that on a really busy day when half the time I didn’t know where the mugs were and was knee deep in cleaning and boxes - that was enough without sorting out flipping bacon sandwiches. They are surely capable of bringing a packed lunch like most people who go to work?

£20 each. It was such a stressful time and they were amazing.

Yes. Of course. They will likely be earning minimum wage

Yes , always. Have moved a lot and always supply drinks and snacks then tip them when finished. £20 per head sounds about right .

Yes a tip
and we also have them a box of beers

I moved in 2021 - provided sandwiches and drinks and gave each person £25 at the end of the day

No, I didn’t tip them as I paid £2k to begin with to pack and move a 3 bed semi. I also didn’t provide snacks and drinks. But then I’ve been a nurse for 20 years, have days/nights at work where I never stop, clean peoples bodily fluids for them, rarely have a break and I’ve never once received a tip or a snack or drink for my services!

I didn’t tip but got coffees, lunch, and snacks.