moving home - should we tip the removers?

[SoTiredOfTheWheelsOnTheBus]

We are moving house soon, and are paying quite a lot of money for a full-pack removals service. Because both dh and I work and we have a toddler, the idea of having to pack everything ourselves is just a nightmare, so we're paying extra for the service.

My question is a really basic one, but I'm unsure of the best thing to do as this is the first time we've done a proper, "grown-up" move (i.e. does not involve parents moving everything in their cars) - given that we are paying quite a lot for the service (and paying in advance), should we tip the removals people on the day? In these sort of situations, I'm just never certain what is expected.

We did - not loads but enough for a couple of drinks each. Paying for packing is definitely money well spent.

I have heard someone say, if you're going to tip, tell them in advance and they'll take extra care! Seems a bit cynical and we didn't do this but worth a try I suppose.

Mentioning a tip will def get you a better service. Most removal men are paid a pittance (esp thoes in the larger firms) and really do appreciate a tip. Make sure it goes to the men tho and doesnt go into the back pocket of the boss.

We bought them a case of beer instead of giving them money....they seemed happy with that.

We have tipped both times we moved, I think we gave them around £50 and there were around 5-6 of them (it varied).

Slightly regret tipping the first crew from Pickfords as they managed to damage a few things (discovered after moving day) and we just missed the deadline for claims so were out of pocket...

Best thing to do is have the kettle on and keep the tea & coffee coming hourly. And have it ready at the other end as well. (DH always does bacon sandwiches as well, but that's a step too far IMO)

Hand the tip to the foreman to divvy up - about a tenner each.

I tipped. They were the saving grace of our move. I tipped the equivalent of £10 per person on the crewe (2 day move). I gave it to the foreman.

We tipped £20 to each of the 2 workers & nothing to the boss...we got one of the £20 back though because one of the guys stole from us, he returned the goods when we mentioned the word police!