Do I tip the blinds people?
 

I am having some blinds put in today, and don't know if I should tip the people installing them. I have been accused of being a no need to tip tipper, meaning tipping everyone. So what do you think?

If they do a particularly good job I would. If not, then no.

Maybe just offer them something to drink or a snack. Normally these guys/gals are appreciative of that.

I don't usually tip people whose services I pay for by the hour -- electricians, plumbers, etc. Nor do I tip people who just come to the house, do something simple, and then just leave. I do tip if I think that what they have to do is harder than usual, or if they do a little something extra for me that they don't have to.

Like, if some deliverymen are dropping off a piece of furniture and they have to carry it up a flight of stairs (especially our weird stairs), we'll tip them. Or the time a guy came from Sears to fix the refrigerator and also remounted the door so it opened from the other side, at my request, I did tip him; he didn't have to do that. Or if a repairman decides to rehab a part that's gone wrong in some appliance rather than just ordering a new one for $80, I'll tip.

If they just come and slap in the drapes and leave, I wouldn't worry about tipping. But if they are obviously trying to do a good job and make you happy, I would tip.

Yes. Unless it's figured into their pay as it is for waitresses, certain hotel personnel, or pizza delivery then you aren't obliged to tip. If they go above and beyond then of course tip as you please.

I would tip delivery people, like pizza guy or furniture delivery, but not servicepeople. No, you definitely don't need to tip them, or anyone you are paying to be at your house to perform a job. I was in the trades for years and the most important thing is to be nice to them - not gruff or talking down to them, and offer them water, cokes, a donut, coffee, whatever. Just by being nice and offering something you will make them happy and you will get more caring service, etc.

i don't want to sound like a dick or anything
but you're having someone install blinds?

can't you get your husband to do that, jim?

:) jk

yeah I would offer a drink not a tip I'm sure they get paid well enough

I have a hard time tipping anyone except waiters/waitresses/bartenders. I never worked a job where I received tips so that may have something to do with it. The way I see it these people are doing a job they are already getting paid for, why should I have to pay them as well.

Probably why my wife does most of the tipping.

Im pretty sure they won't be expecting a tip. They probably get plenty just to go to your house and do that so just let them do their thing then be on their way.

HAHAHA. You see, I can be an asshole or some may say stupid (I agree with both). I don't even want blinds. I live with my sister and she wants them. I told her that she has to handle everything because I'm happy with my $5.99 Paper Shades I got from the Home Depot. So since she really wants the blinds and I don't care....I'm not gonna waste my time putting them up. I guess I could of saved her some extra money...oh well.

Oh well is right. And I would echo the comment about offering the installers a cup of coffee or something of that nature. Your sister has already paid an installation fee, which includes a trip charge as well as money to do the actual installation.

I would think that offering them a bit of hospitality would be much more genuine than some cash. Not that there's anything wrong with cash, it's just impersonal.

I say no.
I hate everything about the tipping system. What the hell?
I guess it's designed to ensure better service in some industries, but in reality, it just means lower base salaries.
It makes no sense to me at all. Especially the countertop tip jar at some restaurants. Tip for what? Handing me the food? Making it? I already paid you for that!
I hate the system, but I do tip well. But not for general service technicians.

I wouldn't feel that obligated if I were you, but as has been stated, I'd offer them a drink or something.


My tipping rule: If I'm in doubt, I tip. That extra few bucks isn't going to break me, and I'd rather over tip than be the "cheap bastard" whose foods gets spit in, or valeted car gets a little scratch, or whatever. In the case of a maintenance/service person, it might actually mean a little more attention to detail.