Answers To Your Questions About Tipping Professional Movers
Professional movers provide an important and valuable service. This raises a common question for both commercial and residential clients: should you tip your movers? And if so, how much? Here are a few answers to these burning questions.
Should You Tip Movers?
In general, professional movers appreciate tips. While they are often paid more per hour than many other service industry workers, they also perform an often demanding amount of labor. You may choose to ask the moving company in advance if they have any policies regarding tipping. However, most companies don't include gratuities in their estimate or billing. And tipping is up to the individual client.
How Much Should You Tip?
So, how much should you plan to tip movers? This really is left to your discretion. However, some experts recommend between 5% and 20% of the total bill, depending on the amount and type of work being done. Some customers measure tips by how long the moving crew worked. A short day might warrant a $20 base tip per person while a very long day might earn $60.
What Affects Moving Tips?
Tipping is, at its core, a way to express gratitude for a job well done — or to express disappointment with poor service. The same can be said for tipping movers. But what criteria might cause you to raise or lower your tips?
A mover might warrant higher amounts if they were proactive to better protect fragile belongings, had to navigate stairs, disassembled and reassembled complex items, or were especially helpful to you as a customer. On the other hand, you might tip less if a mover was rude or unfriendly, if they intentionally worked slowly, if anything was damaged in their care, if they were unprepared, or if you had to pick up the slack.
How Should You Tip Movers?
The best approach to tipping is to begin with a base dollar amount you'll give if nothing else changes. Cash is usually best. Clients often use a small, discreet envelope for each person or for the crew as a whole.
By using cash or cash equivalents, you can adjust your tips up or down based on how the move progresses. Keep an eye out for outstanding service, like going to extra effort to protect your floors during wet weather, or specific challenges like having to park the truck a longer distance. And of course, you'll notice if anything goes wrong enough to warrant a lower tip.
Where Can You Start?
Want to know more about the services, tipping etiquette, and company policies of movers in your local area? Start by meeting with a local moving company today. No matter what you decide to do, you'll contribute to the best possible success on your moving day.
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