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.

We didn't tip, but did supply endless tea, cold drinks, and I sent the kids to Tesco to buy icecreams, which they were incredibly pleased with (it was a rather warm couple of days!)

Yes, if it is not their own business and they are working for a removal firm the packers really appreciate a tip at the end of the job.

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

This honestly doesn’t bother me. I’m not going to begrudge others that money.

When we moved a few years ago we gave them £10 or £20 each (can't remember) but they were amazing and went above and beyond.

When my mum moved 3 years ago, no because they were bloody awful!

We live in rented so move a bit, always top £20 pp guess we should move that in line with inflation

If they do something above on beyond on the day, then fair enough if you want to tip.

I've got to admit I've never thought about tipping removers myself though (I work in two fairly paid jobs and no one ever tips me).

The best thing you can do is make sure you keep them supplied with coffee, tea, squash and keep them updated about what's happening re: access to your own going property.

My parents' family business was a removals firm. The movers don't expect tips, but are always delighted to receive them. Tea, coffee, biscuits are very much appreciated, and a cash tip at the end of the move is nice if you can stretch to it. But as I say, it isn't expected at all.

We’ve always tipped people the price of a round of drinks in the pub so save 40 quid between them

Really? £1.5k is a massive cost for one days work. No way. A big thank you is enough.

My movers were amazing and made the day so much easier. Didn’t leave until we were all set up and were really kind. We moved in lockdown and it was hugely stressful so we were so grateful. Gave them each £50 and let one take a piece of furniture that had been left behind that we didn’t want - was a favour for us really as we hated it but he was super happy

I’d always tip the removal people, especially if they’ve done a good job. Well I tip most people, hairdressers, restaurant servers, people working for others. They’re probably not getting the best wages so it’s nice to tip for a job well done. We’d probably tip around 10-20% of the price of the job depending on the number in the team.

Tipping is weird. Why would you tip someone for moving furniture yet wouldn’t tip a solicitor for doing a really good job, or an academic for giving a great lecture, or the teller in H&M for putting your new trousers on a bag?

If it’s their own business then no. If they are employees then yes.

I wondered why my movers were hanging around after the job was done! Then they asked for cigarette money.

I’ve had a lot of things stolen in various moves,, including a hifi! So I’m afraid I am quite suspicious now .

Yes. It's expected. My daughter's ex worked for a removal company for a while and they got pretty generous tips.

It’s really not expected

Our friend ran the removals company where my daughter's ex worked. He paid minimum wage and the lads all got tips. He made it clear when he was quoting for jobs that gratuities were on top, and gave people details of how much to pay. I just spoke to him - he said this was par for the course in this area. It might be different where you are.

More shame him in not paying a living wage.

Once we were delayed as the house we were moving into wasn't ready, I took everyone to the local supermarket for an All Day Big Breakfast and a mug of tea. The unloading went really smoothly.....

I’ve moved 11 times since I got married. I’ve never tipped.

We’ve used the same company to move twice. Didn’t tip the movers themselves (one of them is the company owner) but always tipped the junior with them. Same as how I tip the girl who washes my hair in the salon rather than the actual hairstylist. Don’t know why, but assume life is hard on trainee wages and £10 (£5 for my hair washer) goes further for them!

Yes supply with snacks drinks etc. It's not usual to top in this country but if you feel like you should on the day then do.

What’s the point in £10 when you’re paying £1k for a service? Just don’t bother, that’s pennies.

Do you also tip shop workers? They are some of the lowest paid workers in the country.