Proper Etiquette for Tipping

Updated on February 14, 2008
P.M. asks from Flower Mound, TX
12 answers

We are having a fence built and we have a pretty big lot. What is proper etiquette for tipping? Am I supposed to tip and if so, how do I figure out how much?

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C.A.

answers from Dallas on

I don't think tipping is standard for this type of work. I have provided lunch before and if the company does a really good job I will write a note and offer to be a referral if they ever need one.

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F.T.

answers from Dallas on

Hello P.,
The price given to you for working on your fence was not sight unseen. They have taken into consideration the size of your lot and priced accordingly. I believe no tip is required.

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C.G.

answers from Dallas on

I do not think you need to tip in money, just give them lunch or dinner good drinks and so forth.

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B.B.

answers from Dallas on

I would think that you are not required to tip the workers installing your fence. If you feel inclined to do something nice for them offer them gatorade(sp?) or some other refreshing drink and a light snack. The company that they work for pays them a good rate for their time. I hope this helps.

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

I have never heard of tipping the workers, and my dad has been a general contractor through-out my life. If you are feeling extra generous you could buy each of them a gift card for 10.oo to a restraunt, or offer to buy them Subway for lunch one day while they are working. Just don't let it crush your spirit if you do not get much thanks, as I have had this happen to me before, when I was feeling extra generous while having carpet put down. Take Care. ~K.

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K.B.

answers from Dallas on

I would definitely not tip for a job you are paying them to do. If you want to give them something for doing a good job I would give them a nice bottle of wine or gift basket.

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S.W.

answers from Dallas on

The best "tip" you could give them is a referral to all of your friends needing a fence!

They will not be expecting anything... but the lunch thing is something we have done in the past.

I think it is nice of you to want to show your appreciation!

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R.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

My husband is a general contractor and I don't think he has ever been "tipped" by a customer. He has been given "gifts" from clients like a nice bottle of wine or extra cash during the holidays from a regular client. I don't think tipping is necessary in your case. Trust me, the cost of the fence materials is minimal compared to the actual price you are paying.

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J.J.

answers from Dallas on

I am dealing with several contractors currently in getting my home fixed up to sell. In general, if they manage to be on time, friendly, do a good job, finish on schedule, and give you a good price then I would do a little something extra for them. (And shout from the rooftops!) Personally, I am getting really peeved that no one ever seems to be able to get here when they say they will! So no, I haven't yet tipped even though I am willing to for good service.

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L.

answers from Dallas on

P.,
There is no etiquette for tipping for work of this nature because you don't tip for this kind of work. I have bought lunch for a crew before, but that was the extent.
Good luck! C.

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B.H.

answers from Dallas on

The person or business who's building the fence should put any expense into the cost of the fence. I have never tipped a handyman anything, ever. I have family members in this type of work and at least in this part of the country, no one in that line of work expect a tip.

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T.O.

answers from Dallas on

I don't think of that as a servie... like waiting tables where part of what the waiter earns is from tips.

This is a job. They're charging you a certain price. No need to tip.

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