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.

[anneasquith]

without doubt you were right, and im sure he appreciated the gesture.

[gness]

Good for you, Star. I will tip if a job has been well done and like JJ I say have a drink on me. x

[Georgiesmum]

Good for you.I would have done the same thing. Im sure he was pleased to receive it as it was unexpected.
I dont see how it could possibly be considered an insult. People are glad of any tips nowadays.

[Sqad]

Good service.......a good tip.......he will remember you next time.

I ALWAYS tip for good service.

"Bloody forelock touchin".......I thought that that went out with smacking children.

[marval]

I think you were right, a nice gesture. People shouldn't have to tip, but I am sure he was grateful and not offended.

[woofgang]

I always offer money for a pint or something similar for good work done. The bloke who comes and does my odd jobs and decorating will go off and get the materials and also do little repairs that I hadn't noticed. I add something to his bill for the fuel costs.

[Dee Sa]

I always tip if I am happy with the work, I even tip the RAC man after a call out.

[mier]

Entirely up to the individual (though I disagree with your son).

A nice gesture for the tradesman.

(Smacking children is no longer de riguer?)

[mier]

typo - pardonnez moi - de rigueur

[mackfender]

Nothing wrong with tipping. It shows you're happy with the service received.Better than restaurants that add a tip to your bill no matter what sort of service you receive

[joko]

that is what a tip should be - a little gesture to show appreciation, not an expectation.
if taking the stuff away was not par of the deal and he just did it to be nice, then fair enough, he's earnt it because now he has to deal with for you in his own time - basically he went above and beyond.

but i don't think he necessarily deserved one though - he merely did what you paid him for and did it well, which is surely the least you should expect from a professional.

the danger of tipping is it become expected and if enough people do it, the ones that don't start to be viewed as tight.

it is often a horrible negative thing in america, with many people getting irate and feeling entitled and even shaming people for not giving them money - and i dont want it to start becoming that way here.

[Jeza]

In the early 80's we lived in Northampton. The TV stopped working so I called a repair man. When he came he said it needs a new part, I will get you one and come back Monday and fit it. In the meantime I've patched it up so you will have a TV over the weekend. When Mic came home from work and I told him the tale he said "did you give him a drink" my reply "I offered him a cup of tea but he refused" When Mic fell about laughing I didn't understand. I was very naive back then.