Am I Wrong To Tip For A Good Job Done?

[starone]

I have just had a new door fitted. The bloke who did it made a really good job of it, worked efficiently and hard and took all the rubbish away. When he left I gave him a £5 tip because I thought he deserved it. I know it is not much but the door was expensive and left me a bit skint. My son-in-law says it is an insult to give a tip and smacks of forelock touching etc. The bloke seemed quite pleased - I don't think he minded. So ABers, who is right, me or him? I have been feeling quite guilty about it so I would like to know what others think.

[Octavius]

How much did he charge to fit the door ?

[Baldric]

Get a quote for the job,
Get the job done, then pay the bill (quote)
No tip, if he'd wanted more he'd have put it in the quote, which is already
as 'much as he thinks he can get away with'

[B00]

I wouldn't have tipped, not because its "not the done thing" but more because I'm tighter than a ducks bum.

If you wanted to tip and he seemed pleased to accept it, then there's no harm done, don't think there is a tipping etiquette is there?

[starone]

He was working for a firm, so presumably getting a wage or salary, so I reckon anything extra would have been useful.

[Buenchico]

It's your money and you are free to do what you want with it. I've turned down plenty of tips in the past (when I worked at a railway station) but I was never offended by people offering them to me.

[flump1]

I think that was a lovely gesture Star, and it probably made the workman's day. Good for you ! If I have extra change I tip my hairdresser, if not I pop in a small box of sweets. Makes her smile. Don't feel guilty for making a bloke smile.

[Eve]

I think it's up to you, if you think good service deserved it.

I don't get along well with the idea of tipping because it is expected, like in places like New York which, to me, goes against the idea of tipping at someone's own discretion. It seems to be more common over here now, places like restaurants.

[Ric.ror]

I think you should go on any websites such as My builder and leave a glowing review too
If you lived in my area I would ask for his details for any further work I need doing

[elliemay1]

I think you were right to tip when you appreciated a good job well done and especially when he took all the rubbish away. It is so difficult these days to get a 'neat 'workman. I would have done the same.

[bednobs]

personally i never tip however, just do what comfy for you

[joggerjayne]

I usually tip people like that. But I think it's nice to say that the tip is for something specific, because then you don't imply that the chap is short for a fiver.

So you might say, for instance ... Have a drink on me this evening.

With barmen, we normally say ... Get one in for yourself.

Of course, with barmen, it's usually because you've been served by the hottest barman, and you want to make sure he keeps on looking after you when you go back to the bar.

[Eve]

I also think there are other nice ways of "tipping" such as recommendations for more business or giving a really nice comment about them to their boss etc...

[starone]

My son-in-law said that if I had lived in America they want 10% for their tips, in which case I would have had to give him £80. I think that might have been a bit too much for me!!

[Eve]

A fiver is a nice little sum though, he can get himself a drink (or two, depending on where you are!) after work or a lunch or something.

I used to love getting tips as a waitress, I worked in places like Pizza Hut and cafes/small restaurants and I always saw it as a lovely sign of them having been pleased with the service I gave them.

Similarly in my professional career it was always lovely to get a compliment on service, a card or small gift like some flowers. Similarly, as I used to get a lot of work by word of mouth, it was lovely to hear I'd been recommended.

[Svejk]

I bet he was chuffed,star. Nothing wrong with spreading a bit of happiness.

[KristalB]

starone, if the guy had been getting the full £800 for supplying and fitting your door then no, a tip would not be necessary, but you say he was employed by the firm so would be getting a wage regardless of how good a job he did. Its a very nice gesture and means a lot to someone. My son works PT for a landscaping company on quite a small wage and has had everything from a crate of homemade cider to a box full of organic veg as a tip and is very grateful and appreciative. I give a tip for a good job done if the person is an employee but not a tip to an owner of the business as they are already getting a profit out of me.

[Octavius]

I have a very good painter and decorator who I have used a lot, he doesn't charge the earth and I don't tip him - he gets what he quotes. What he does get from me is quite a lot of repeat business, and referrals to all my local friends and neighbours. He drives around in a brand new range rover now!

[starone]

Oh good, I feel much better now, so I think my son-in-law is an old scrooge. Mind you, he is lovely too!

[Canary42]

Tell your son-in-law to chill out. Forelock touching indeed.

I tipped on both the last works I had done on the house (New fascia, Double glazing) because the guys who did it were hard-working, tidy, and pleasant.

[mazie]

I think it's lovely you showed your appreciation starone. My old man was a carpenter and often got a tip for his work and tidiness.