Well, according to my real estate agent, who called her office and canvassed other agents…the proper rule is NOT to tip. The reason being that they’re professional movers, this is their job. So I didn’t tip them. I guess she might have been leading me down the wrong path, but…
Or maybe the movers got back at me. Part of the moving package was “unpack but do not put away.” I told them to unpack the kitchen, the kids’ room, and our room.
Well, maybe this was the right thing to do (according to one friend, I should have absolutely had them unpack), but…we’ve been swimming hip deep in stuff ever since. We couldn’t circumnavigate the kitchen island for a day and a half. (Seriously. We should have taken pictures.) We’re getting the house more under control, but what I really need to do is hire a few babysitters to watch the kids while I dig in at the biggest trouble spots.
We also bought a stainless steel front refrigerator, which does mark up with fingerprints just as much as everyone says. And we’re returning it, though not because of the fingerprints. It’s because stainless steel doesn’t hold magnets. WTF? It’s metal, isn’t it? Anyhow, we need magnets to hold priceless works of art that will come flooding our way soon, so the stainless steel fridge goes back to Sears and a shiny new black one—that holds magnets—will be here on Friday.
Magnets don’t stick to all metals; try to get one to stick to an aluminum can. Iron is the most common metal to which they stick quite effectively. One can make stainless steel alloys that are magnetic or ones that are nonmagnetic, presumably by adjusting the amount of iron in the alloy in relation to the other metals. For example, the stainless-steel optical tables that I use in the lab every day will hold a magnet. Unfortunately, they aren’t as stainless as one would like, and they’ll start to rust after a decade or so in the open air unless someone cares for them properly. Your refrigerator door won’t hold a magnet, but I’d bet it’s far more rust-resistant than our optical tables.
I agree, though, that it just seems mean to choose a nonmagnetic alloy for a refrigerator door. What else is a refrigerator door good for?
Our stainless refrigerator doesn’t hold magnets, either, but I think that’s okay; you pay extra for the stainless presumably because you want to see it.
But you got the opposite advice about tipping movers that I got. I was told by every source I asked — including two former movers — that you should tip movers at least ten percent of the total cost of the move, that it was expected and factored into their salaries. I wound up tipping mine fifteen or twenty percent each because there were only two of them and we had a lot of stairs. They did not exactly fall over from shock at my generosity, either, so I don’t think it was unusual for them to receive a tip in that amount.
Maybe there’s a difference in who’s paying for the move. This is a move paid for by Apple, so I don’t even know what the final bill is. (I am thankful for small favors.) So I wouldn’t even know what to tip if I did a percentage.
If you are getting the San Jose Mercury News yet, Home Depot had an ad in the paper today for a Clean Steel 24.9 CU. Ft. Side by Side Refrigerator that resists fingerprints and is also magnetic. Also has a water filtration system and some other nice features for $999.00. (I’ve been looking for a refrig for our house too)
The unpacking you describe is how all the moving companies do it. In my opinion it’s easier to unpack myself so even though our company will pay for the unpacking I refuse it and just have them later come and pick up the empty boxes and packing materials.
We’re being moved by Atlas and since our company is direct billing it for us too we won’t know the price of the move so I guess I’ll only give them a tip this time if they do an exceptional job.
Wouldn’t it have just been easier to get a big bulletin board?
I didn’t tip the movers in either of my last two moves. The first was cross-country and paid for by Apple, so I was in the same boat you are. The second I wouldn’t have tipped anyway, since I was unimpressed with the company’s organizational skills, and they charged me about 65% more than the original estimate (because the move took 65% longer), so I felt they got plenty of cash from me. (That said, nothing got lost or damaged, except for the traditional losing of the bicycle pump, which happens to me every time I move, for some reason.)
Anyway. I’ve never heard of tipping movers before.
I would never dream of not tipping movers — I buy them lunch, too — but then I’ve never had a move paid for by a company, so I don’t know the rules for that. I just hope your real-estate agent knew them, because there’s nobody surlier than somebody who expects a tip and doesn’t get it.
I just moved and the overseer aksed me for a tip for the guys.
My company paid for the move but I knew the cost. I gladly gave them a tip for their hard work but I didn’t like getting put on the spot that way.
The movers should have been tipped. Though they’re professionals, and that’s “their job,” hairdressers and waiters/waitresses get tipped routinely, and they’re not lifting sofas, beds, and pianos.
Next time…
I am having the same problem. The move costs so much it makes me mad that I have to tip on top of that! And how much are you supposed to tip them? I moved across the country too and have a different mover dropping off my furniture than the one who picked it up. So how much do I tip the first guy and how much do I tip the second guy?
You should always tip movers and buy lunch. You might not think its a big deal but being a mover myself we often take bad care of your property if you do not tip and don’t buy lunch (often signs you have no intention on tipping). On many occassions I have seen boxes known to hold glass items being thrown to the back of the truck simply because the shipper didn’t buy lunch. And remember that the actual movers don’t get too much of the money from a move. Each mover only makes about $100 a day.
Do you tip a mechanic? No. Theu guy who fixes your computer? No. These, too, are services. I think the benchmark for a required tip (like waitstaff) is when the service provider is getting paid less in anticipation of tip. Other than that it should be discretionary. If the comment above is correct (and I am not so sure, it sounds fishy) and the pay is less in anticipation of tip, then sure. But Mr. Mover above is disgusting. So the mechanic gets to put a leak in the oil tank if he thinks you aren’t going to tip for a tune-up? Come on! Just call the company and ask if they pay the movers expecting a tip.
A friend of mine (BRETT) told me that you couldn’t put magnets on a stainless steel fridge. Magnets and what the magnets hold are very important to me so based on what he said I bought an all black fridge. Shortly after buyiing the blk fridge, I went to a family member’s house and found that she was holding her 6 yr old son’s progress report on the fridge with……you guess it!! REFRIDGERATOR MAGNETS!!!!!! Now should I make him pay me for a new fridge? How about half?!!!
Only comment about why you might want the movers to unpack…even though it does create an ungodly mess: if they unpack, there is no question about the condition of your belongings upon arrival.
YOU DIDN’T TIP YOU MOVERS. YOU REAL ESTATE AGENT IS A SLIME AND SO ARE YOU!!!
For most alloys that you find in consumer products, stainless steel is not ferromagnetic (which is the technical term for what most people consider “magnetic” materials, including iron, nickel, & cobalt). However, if shell of a fridge (typically steel, or an iron-carbon alloy) is just covered with a stainless steel case, your magnets may “stick” depending on the case thickness.
This doesn’t mean that you have better fridge, though; stainless steel not only looks good but also has higher corrosion resistance than plain carbon steels. In case you were wondering, the corrosion resistance in most stainless steels typically comes from increasing chromium and/or molybdenum content, which doesn’t necessarily mean decreaing iron content.
Anyway, I hope this helps with the mystery behind the magnets. However, reading these postings has made me even more confused on whether or not to tip movers.
I’ve decided that if I’m ever moving again — which I’m so NOT — we’re doing a totally fresh move. All new stuff. No movers. No wondering where to fit the old stuff into the new house — just start over!
I am very tired of ‘professionals’ telling me I must tip to offset employers not paying their employees a fair wage. Tips were always intended as a ‘bonus’, not a mandatory ‘reward’ irrelevant of service. My last two moves (cross country, two different companies) were inefficient and more expensive as a result – no way was I going to reward them with tips…nor do I feel obligated to tip extra for the randomness of renting (i.e., I pay extra to the company for more stairs, etc.) Laying a ‘guilt trip’ on the consumer doesn’t work on me.
I came to this site while searching for any way to get my magnets to stick to my stainless steel fridge (given to me practically brand new from my parents who moved). Any advice? I’ve heard gel gems work, and some people just use tape, will that hurt the surface? I didn’t quite understand the gel gems concept when I looked at their website. I’m desperate but don’t want to mess up the doors. I have a ton of pics to put up there and nowhere else they can really go in my small condo.
PS I wouldn’t tip anyone that didn’t deserve it. If they did a great job, by all means they deserve a little extra and what a wonderful way to thank someone for going the extra mile by providing lunch or even cold drinks. But absolutely not if the service was so-so, then I think a tip is not necessary, they’re already getting paid to do their job.
About tipping the movers… I own a small to medium size local moving company in Nashville TN. This question is asked a couple times a week when people call to schedule their move and our answer is always the same. Our movers do not expect to be tipped, they are allowed to receive tips however the will never ask or hint around for tips like other companies may do. Yes..moving is hard work, but if it were easy none of us would have a job. We strive to get each move done as quickly and safely as possible ,tips never enter our thoughts. So if you feel like you received exceptional service and you are able then go ahead, tip the movers. However if the service is just so-so dont feel like you have to tip. As movers we make a pretty decent wage,a tip is gratuity that is appreciated but never expected. MR. MOVER Nashville TN
Ah, tipping the mover.
How much, if anything? Tough to know, and the Big Mover sales agents are no help – when queried the agents all indicated that tipping was customary, with the driver’s tip perhaps being more than the crew – appropriate amounts when pressed, were in the $50+ for crew $100+ for the driver range – for each side of the move. Ouch – especially when you find that they’ve managed to crush that one-of-a-kind table you liked so much.
The independents (the excellent J.K Moving, for one) indicated no tips would be expected from anyone, crew or driver, and that if I did want to tip that a twenty would be more than enough.
It’s hard not to appreciate the heavy lifting that these people do but it doesn’t mean you must fork over tons of cash as tips. You are paying plenty (or the company is) already. Buying lunch, and providing plenty of water/sodas is definitely the thing to do. Tip only if you feel inclined to do so – and certainly not because some guy on the crew mentioned it.
I am never sure about tipping movers, I kind of feel bad because they seem to work very hard.
According to this web site:
http://www.itipping.com/tip-moving-company.htm
There isn’t a widely-accepted standard — some companies say tipping is optional, others say tipping the industry standard is 5%. If they do a good job, get the job done in reasonable time (since they bill hourly!) and seem careful about not breaking things, I try to follow the 5% of the total rule, or $20 each on a $700 moving job.
Are you going to move that 400 pound bookcase from your basement upstairs without banging your walls? Tip your movers.
If you spend more than $5,000 on furniture, you always tip your movers. If you have than kind of money to spend on furniture, then you should give your delivery guys a little something for the effort.
You complain about costs and delivery fees. Do it yourself if you don’t like it. And have fun patching your walls too.
If movers who aren’t tipped throw boxes around, then they aren’t professionals.
I’m not sure I follow that anyway, unless that refers to not tipping the loaders on a cross country move who then drive off with your stuff. For a local move, they wouldn’t be tipped until the whole move was done, so there wouldn’t be a chance to roughtly treat your things.
I tip.
I also came to this site to seek the answer to the “Is stainless magnetic?” question… not sure that I got it? Certain stainless is but by far not all??
My husband & I are moving halfway across the country from NJ to KS (paid for by his employer) and (yes I’m crazy) and the tipping is still a mystery. I do understand those who say they won’t tip unless the job is done well. Normal standard- if I go to a restaurant & the service really sucks, I’m going to let them know it & too bad for you Mr. Waiter, I’m not coming back anyway.
But having said that, my belongings will not be delivered & unpacked by the same individuals who are packing & loading them. The heavy lifting & long hard hours are their job but… I would like to ensure that all my furniture gets there & in one piece. Not to mention, it just seems natural, after all we tip for many other services from the salon to the newspaper boy (& they’re not lugging king mattresses down 2 sets of stairways or safeguarding my unmentionables).
We are normally very generous tippers but since we will not know the costs of the move I am stumped. As we have moved ourselves semi locally for our past few moves, our inexperience with movers makes it impossible to guestimate the costs & subsequent percentages. As for lunch, drinks & such, I’m all aboard, it would just be wrong not to.
I’ve only had a cross country moving experience once and it was a nightmare, things lost and broken. Once intially loaded, they ASKED for a tip. I was so turned off by the request I simply stated that I tip at the end when my things arrive. Needless to say, lost and broken items did NOT get them a tip!
We are moving from VA to CO–this is our first professional move. My husbandn’s company is paying for the move, and I know the approximate cost. A 5% tip (as suggested in previous comments) for $10,000 move is more than it will cost us on our drive to CO! So, anyway– we secured a reputable company who scheduled two days for packing and one day for loading. I tried to make arrangements to be without certain things during the packing, but when they showed up to pack, they said they were instructed to get it all done in one day and it would be loaded and shipped off the next. I was not prepared, but they did work with me. However, because I had no intention of losing all my kitchen items immediately, I could not serve the packers lunch and had NO cash to give them (a crew of five). I did, however, try and make things as comfortable as possible; feeding them cookies, giving them bottles of liquor that I didn’t plan to take, and even giving one pregnant girl kids clothes. I feel TERRIBLE that I didn’t tip them…and I know they were expecting it! However, what’s worse is that I have no idea what to be prepared for tomorrow with the actual loading. We do have stairs, we do have an attic, and it might even rain tomorrow. But having not budgeted tips…we can’t afford a $50 tip for the driver and so on and so on. The only reason we’re even able to move is because the company is paying for it! So tell me…is it really standard to tip, and how in the world do middle income people afford it?
I’m telling you now moves are paid by the hour and if these we know theres a nice tip in the end we will run so fast it’ll save hundreds. We just expect To be equally reimbursed for the money saved so it really doesnt cost u any more. The move will be way more smooth if u buy lunch also i mean how often do u move?? So why not tip? You go eat everyday almost and tip them every time so why not tip your once in a lifetime mover who does more then a waiter?? Figure out the cost of how much you go out to eat and them tips added up compared to the cost of your one time in every 5 years or so move. WHAT U THINKIN NOW??
# 28 is an idiot!
I am moving today and my wife was monitoring the moving company’s workers while they packed our house. They immiediately indicated they under bid the order and instead of charging more, they expected a tip. They also proceeded to back out of our driveway with there large moving truck, and hit my neighbors (co-workers) vehicle causing approximately $1000-$1500 in damage. I am still unsure what will happen after they deliver my items. We will see.
Hmmm…I found this website trying to determine if I should be preparing myself to tip when my delivery comes next week. My employer has also paid for my move. I had packers one day and movers the next. They arrived very early – so, after a few hours, I offered to buy them breakfast. But, what confused me is that I had to practically force it on some of them. Each team was only 2 people, so it wasn’t a bid deal to pick up $10 more in food.
Where my confusion lies is if I should also have tipped them when they were done. I do not yet know how much the move costs, so I couldn’t do a percentage if I wanted to (I suspect that would be outside my budget!). This is my first professional move as well and I wouldn’t be doing it if the costs weren’t covered.
As an afterthought, I wondered if they wanted to refuse the offer of food hoping for a cash tip later on in its place. It wouldn’t have been much if that IS what they wanted – I could afford $5, but not $50!
tIPPING IS TOTALLY UP TO THE CUSTOMER. It does look tacky for a crew to ask for it or hint around the bush. If the crew does a good job then most people give a little extra to show their gratitude for a job well done. Like # 28 said, it wouldn’t hurt you to give a tip to someone you barely will see every 5 years or so anyway. When you give good deeds, it is only a blessing for you and your family in the long run. Peace!
Really hard to tell about the tipping and moving. I had no idea this was even expected. Most of my moves have been where I pack and they load (I know what they say, but I am convinced I pack more efficiently and safely than the movers). Reimbursed by work, movers not paid directly. I recently moved to Hawaii – the charge is based on volume, not weight. There was one guy who put the boxes into the truck and also drove it. I had everything stacked in boxes – I lived in an elevated house – it took about 2 hours. I gave him some soda. Was I supposed to tip? Likewise, when you get a new fridge (yeah, got the stainless, non ferromagnetic kind), are you supposed to tip the delivery guys? I never have cash so is it weird to write a check? This tipping stuff beyond the bags at the hotel, the hairdresser and the restaurant is crazy complicated…
“TIP” stands for “to insure promptness” – or that’s the usual explanation of it. I certainly do tip when I get service of any kind that is above and beyond the call of duty. But I do not feel obligated to tip, and if anyone hinted they wanted or expected a tip I’d invite them one time to get the hell off my property.
Movers provide a vital service and they do work hard. However, their work is unskilled and frankly a lot of them seem like they either just got out of jail or they are about to revoke their parole. A lot of them reek of cigarettes and worse, and most of the time when I’ve moved I’ve wanted them out of my house as soon as possible. Their fees are also high enough to begin with, and I’m not going to weep for the worker who “only gets $100 a day” because that’s what he signed up for and also that’s a good month’s salary in most parts of the world for the unskilled and uneducated.
Reading over this I sound very snooty, which I’m not – but I’m getting ready to move and there are enough unknowns and stressors without adding the “should I tip?” thing.
Since you tip after completion of service, I’m not sure how they know to throw the boxes of the non-tipper around unless their moving Oujia boards and crystal balls.
I intend to tip because the moving company for moving a piano. The company did not put me in the books yet when I called them, they got people out the same day anyway (not the movers fault but inconvenience). They were super nice and friendly on the phone too.
I am moving tomorrow. Not being from the US, the “tip” culture seems to me designed so that employers do not need to pay decent wages. (The whole idea that I have to pay extra for good service is ridiculous: everyone of us should do a good job under any circumstances). I worked in a restaurant abroad for three years, and at a furniture store for two. I lugged my fair share of bookcases and cleaned up other people’s leftovers. Still, I never felt entitled to a tip, and really resent the guilt trips some posters are trying to give other posters. However, I do understand the system I live in and accept that gratuities are sometimes expected. I am planning on giving my movers $20 each (it really is an easy move), plus OF COURSE drinks and lunch, unless they do something really wrong…
TIPS / Gratuities:
There is some absolute insanity posted above. Cowards posint anonymously to the internet hope to plant seeds of doubt, or intimidation through these threats.
The thing with movers is, if they don’t like the job they are paid hourly to do, they can get another one…it takes remarkably little training time to get a replacement up and running. Being rude to customers, damaging items–costing the company or their insurer money and hassles and earning the company which will be there long after this temporary worker is gone is a sure way for them to loose their job or get docked pay.
Most importantly, use your head. THERE IS NOT A ONE SIZE FITS ALL ANSWER OR PERCENTAGE. There is a huge difference between local moving, long distance moving; full service and partial service.
Don’t be caught at the end with your pants down…when negotiating the move – ASK UP FRONT. READ THE CONTRACT. You will of course be told that it’s not expected, and up to you…or that it is discouraged. You will NEVER be told that it is expected. If you are, either find another company, or as you get other estimates include this as a cost going in…but I wouldn’t deal with such a company.
That said, treat the workers like you’d hope to be treated. Realize that like anyone else, feeling comfortable and being shown a little consideration helps.
Have non-alcoholic beverages, water and pop, available regardless of the duration.
If they’re going to be there all day, I would strongly suggest having some food and non-alcoholic beverages handy. tray of vegie lasagna, pizza, some sandwhiches, chips, cold water, pop, cookies, etc.. Not a banquet, Not steaks and lobster tails…
to borrow from what seemed a fairly reasonable page: http://www.movingatoz.com/MovingGuide/Chapters/cost-of-moving-p2.php#Tipping
“It is a common thing in the end to tip the movers. They worked hard for you. Tips differ depending on the size and difficulty of the move as well as the efforts put forth by the movers. The average tip for local moves is 7-12% of the total bill, for long distance moves is $3-5 per hour each based on the labor.†Adjust this based on factors of difficulty and by region a little too…use common sense.
And if they are late without calling, rude, reduce the tip. If there is damaging items or a real problem, take it up with the manager/company immediately.
Document the condition of your items BEFORE PACKING with a digital camera. Document mishaps on the spot with a digital camera and report it immediately. Accidents can happen. Don’t be a prick. Just CYA (Cover Your A$$).
*** IF YOU HAVE VALUABLES INSURE THEM. The fellow above who thought he’d save the insurance money and give it to the movers is an idiot. He should tip on good service, but NEVER RISK VALUABLES w/o insurance, because even a hard working well-intentioned mover can have an accident. Without the insurance, you are the one who’s stuck replacing the $4000 hi-def TV or the $2000 armoire.
Good Luck
Wow, I’m a dummy! I’ve been moved cross country 5 times by my husband’s employer and I’ve never tipped or offered lunch. The frige is always unplugged and everything packed and I just assumed that the workers, knowing that, would bring their own lunch and drinks. Who knew?
I came to this site to get ideas for replacing magnets as the mode of tacking my kids pictures on my non- ferro-magnetic fridge. I ended up reading the whole trail because I was floored by the responses on the tipping topic.
No one “deserves” a tip, nor should they expect one. Yes, moving boxes is really hard work, but this is a free country and there are plenty of other career options for those who think that their salary is not commensurate with the labor required to recieve it. While I never have and never will need movers, I would never tip them for doing their job. I don’t tip appliance delivery people either. As long as the service is decent I tip wait staff because they are paid below minimum wage with the expectation that tips will make up that difference.
What upsets me, is these coffee houses that put out tip jars. I fail to see what is so special about pouring a cup of coffee that makes their job any different than the kid who gets my food at McDonalds. There is no skill involved. Even those so called fancy coffee drinks can be made by any moron with a few days of training. I am sick and tired of this notion that I am supposed to tip all these people who get paid hourly for their labor.
As far as buying them lunch and providing drinks, that is crap. If these guys come to work without a lunch and without drinks/water that is their own fault for being stupid.
I am a foreman for a general contractor, and my guys often perform work that is just as physically demanding as moving boxes is. My guys know to bring their lunch (or cash to buy lunch if we are working close to a restaurant) and plenty of water/drinks. They NEVER ask the customer to provide food or refreshments, and would NEVER even think of asking for a tip. They are paid to do their job at the wage agreed upon when the accepted the job.
The rule is, if the person makes minimum wage or more, you don’t need tip. If someone asks for a tip, they certainly don’t deserve one and should not be tipped. If you feel like the service was great, call or write the company to show your appreciation. Quit giving everyone tips. You are creating a class of people who believe that you owe them something. The last thing I want is an ex-con who feels like I owe him something and has all my possessions.
You people who are so concerned with tipping the movers are suffering from guilt because you make a lot of money and the guy moving your stuff make 1/20th of what you make. Quit feeling guilty. There is a reason that guy is working for peanuts doing a labor intensive job. There is a reason you have a good job. Just be happy that you had the sence to make good choices and hold on to your cash. The $20 bucks you give the mover is not going to lift him out of poverty.
Are we supposed to tip our contractor when the job is finished?
I sincerely doubt it. Contractors make their money through markups (agreed to beforehand). If you want to show your appreciation, make them a batch of cookies.
Good post! From what I gather, a normal tip is somewhere around 25 dollars, but it can be more if you really feel it was exemplary. Give it to the guy in charge to divi up.