OT: Tipping etiquette for contractors?
MareCat
countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so far
(making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with us
every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost a
week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
weeks--from start to finish).
If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each of
the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
have done.
TIA-
Mary
Steve Pope
So far as I know tipping is not expected. I have tipped movers,
but not home/construction contractors.
Is that wrong? Dunno.
Steve
Peter
"MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:F9qdnUCOuJEVKebV...@comcast.com...
I don't think they expect tips, I've never given one to a contractor. Maybe
some gift certs for dinner or movies so they can take their better half out,
or my usual favorite, a case of beer, if you think they deserve it.
I have movers coming in a couple days and I'll have a case of beer for each
of them (3), if they do a good job.
George Shirley
contractors in the main. They get a salary, the prime gets the biggest
cut, why tip.
If you want to do something nice for them express your gratitude
verbally for their workmanship, let other people know they are good
craftsmen, maybe cook them some goodies before they leave.
Dirty Harry
"Peter" <n...@email.com> wrote in message
news:39udnU7k_oSlK-bV...@giganews.com...
I don't know of any contractors that wouldn't appreciate a case or 2 of good
beer! Might be a good way of saying thanks instead of cash.
Sheldon
Business owners don't get a tip. But two employees busting their
butts every day for two weeks deserve a lot more tip than milk and
cookies, they'd probably not take it and say you need it more then
they do... I'd give each a C note minimum. Btw, never, NEVER serve
anyone you hire to do any work in your home alcoholic beverages while
they're working.
Paul M. Cook
Cigarettes and Southern Comfort.
Paul
Nancy Young
I'm in agreement. The contractor makes the profit, the other
guys, I tip and $100-2 each sounds good for a remodel that
lasted 2/whatever weeks.
nancy
kilikini
My husband did a remodel on a house last fall, and the owners were so happy
with the progress that they gave all the guys gift certificates to Olive
Garden. I'm not advocating Olive Garden, mind you, but it was a really nice
gesture.
kili
Nancy2
My son and his wife "tipped" their contractor and his wife with a
great dinner in their new home.
I have "tipped" subs with gift cards at the local Lowe's, Menard's or
WalMart.
I have given cash to carpet layers.
I have also not tipped at all.
It's all in what you think about tipping, if it's appropriate or not,
if you got more than your money's worth, what the local custom is,
etc., and especially, whether you might need them again in the
future. Do whatever your gut says. Sometimes a six-pack of ice cold
beer at the end of the day is enough. ;-)
N.
Billy
<m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote:
>We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
>countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
>removing two walls).
Since you are remodeling.....with a new kitchen.....why don't you
invite the helpers for a "nice" lunch. Show off what you just had
installed including your cooking talents.
Sheldon
Sheesh... what cheap bastards! A kitchen that took two solid weeks to
complete must have cost many, many thousands of dollars, required a
lot of back breaking and careful work to turn out without incident.
Offering the workers a meal with a beer is like spending $40,000 on a
bathroom makeover and tipping the workers with a shit, shower, and a
shave.
RFC sure got some CHEAP motherfuckers.
Sheldon
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:18:13 -0400, "MareCat"
>
> >We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> >countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> >removing two walls).
>
> Since you are remodeling.....with a new kitchen.....why don't you
WTF makes you think they want to dine on P&J sammiches with the likes
of you.
Gloria P
>
> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each of
> the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
> contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
> have done.
>
You could ask the owner what would be appropriate. If he can't come up
with a satisfactory answer, I'd give each a gift certificate to a nice
local restaurant.
gloria p
Virginia Tadrzynski
"Sheldon" <PENM...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:d10c5557-2231-40ab...@c65g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
I agree with this. A tip shows you know who 'really' did the scut work, the
business owner gets the profit, the workers their regular rate. I wouldn't
give an alcoholic beverage at all. Having grown up around builders and
contractors, I know that tipling employees are often a big problem, that and
the fact you don't know for certain the builders are drinkers or if they are
'on the wagon' and don't need the temptation. A nice tip, I agree, the
C-note seems about right, let's them know they were appreciated and they are
able to use it for whatever.
-ginny
BD
"Gloria P" <gpue...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:DZ-dnW24c5lmSubV...@comcast.com...
My husband has his own, very small, masonry business. He usually has 2 guys
helping him. They ALWAYS appreciate a tip! I wouldn't give alcohol, you
don't know who may be going to AA, ect.
Here are other things that they appreciate......
...a place to go to the bathroom
...ice water, or soda and ice
...a sandwich and a bag of chips.
Barb
Virginia Tadrzynski
"Janet Baraclough" <janet.a...@zetnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:3130303039303...@zetnet.co.uk...
> The message <F9qdnUCOuJEVKebV...@comcast.com>
> from "MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> contains these words:
> many) , ask for some of their cards to pass on with my recommendation,
> and invite them to use my name if new clients ask for a satisfied-
> customer reference. I also, ask friends to mention where the
> recommendation came from. That kind of advertising is worth a great
> deal and makes for a very good long-term relationship with that
> contractor if I ever need their services again.
>
> Workmen who do a good job, know all about it from day one. On their
> rest breaks they get somewhere comfortable to sit, rest and eat, freshly
> made drinks, home made cake, homemade soup at lunch. Otherwise I make
> work easy by keeping out of their way, and thank them for their high
> standards. If they are particularly good I slip them ten quid as they
> leave.
>
> Whenever a company (or their employee ) has done a good job for me,
> I always send their head office/manager/owner a formal letter of thanks
> and appreciation, naming the person concerned and what they did . Its a
> small thing to do but I have had companies write back to say what a
> morale boost it was to have their efforts appreciated, especially for
> their behind the scenes workshop staff who seldom meet customers face
> to face.
>
> Janet.
I used to work in personnel for a curtain factory in NC. On the employee's
birthday, we gave them a letter of appreciation for however many years they
worked for the company (it was stated in the letter) and how their
dedication and dilligence was noticed and appreciated. It was hand-signed
by the plant manager and the individual's direct supervisor. Even the less
than stellar employees got one, as it was noted within the first two months,
how much more happy and productive the employees were after their 'birthday
letter'. They felt better about themselves, knew they were recognized, and
production went up. Since most of them were paid 'production' wages, their
pay packet went up as well.
-ginny
Nancy Young
These days especially I'm sure they would like cold hard cash.
You don't even know if they live locally.
nancy
Dave Smith
>
> > If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each of
> > the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
> > contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
> > have done.
>
> Business owners don't get a tip. But two employees busting their
> butts every day for two weeks deserve a lot more tip than milk and
> cookies, they'd probably not take it and say you need it more then
> they do... I'd give each a C note minimum.
In some businesses, employees who do exceptional work or finish a job up quickly
get a bonus.... from their employer.
I just vicariously experienced a bad contracting job. Two of my brothers recently
had pools installed in their yards and hired landscapers to do their yards. In one
case, the landscaper came on the day he was due, moved a hell of a lot of dirt,
levelled the lawn, did the fencing, did the gardens and planted bushes and
flowers. He did a beautiful job, and it was done in one day. He was so happy
with the job that he recommended the pool contractor, the electrician and the
landscaper to the older brother.
My older brother was not so lucky. First of all, the job was delayed due to
weather. That was not the contractor's fault. He used the same electrician but did
not use the same landscaper. Instead, he used someone who was recommended by a
friend of his son, and it was a verbal agreement. So far, the electrician has been
the only one who did a satisfactory job. When the pool was finally ready for the
liner, the liner did not fit. Now it will be 2-3 weeks before the proper liner
comes and gets installed. One slab of concrete on the pool deck has cracked.
The worst part of the deal was the landscaper. There was less than half as much
work to do as the other brother's yard and over the course of 2-1/2 weeks the guys
showed up 4 or 5 times for a few hours each time. There are dips and bulges all
over and when my brother complained he was told that he could roll it himself.
They were supposed to rototill the yard and rake it smooth before laying the sod,
but the rototiller would not start so they did a half assed job by hand. They laid
sod directly on top of existing lawn, and where the sod ended there was a huge
ridge. They were supposed to sod over the trench but claimed to have seeded that.
When they would leave after a few hours work they said they would be back the next
day and then not show up for 4-5 days. One of the excuses for not showing up was
that he was having a hard time getting a mortgage because he was self employed.
When the contractor said that he was finished my brother was not at all happy with
the job and called to complain. The guy said he would come back and fix it ... the
next day. He didn't show. So after three days my brother called him and told him
not to bother coming back and not to expect any more money. He was fired. The
next day the contractor showed up and my brother told him he had fired him. There
was a bit of a shoving match and the guy started rolling up the sod and tried to
take it away. When the guy finally left the property he stood out on the street
for more than half an hour yelling and screaming.
Another landscaper was contacted to finish the job. He was so appalled by the work
done by the first one that he did not ask for any money up front and said that
they can wait until he is done and they are satisfied.
The first landscaper has threatened to sue. Good luck to him. My brother is in the
debt collection business and sues people for a living. If the guy sues he will
fight it and counter sue. He has everything documented, including photos. The
guy does not stand a chance.
> Btw, never, NEVER serve
> anyone you hire to do any work in your home alcoholic beverages while
> they're working.
Good advice. Not only are they likely to mess up, you will be screwed if there is
an injury.
Dave Smith
> I used to work in personnel for a curtain factory in NC. On the employee's
> birthday, we gave them a letter of appreciation for however many years they
> worked for the company (it was stated in the letter) and how their
> dedication and dilligence was noticed and appreciated. It was hand-signed
> by the plant manager and the individual's direct supervisor. Even the less
> than stellar employees got one, as it was noted within the first two months,
> how much more happy and productive the employees were after their 'birthday
> letter'. They felt better about themselves, knew they were recognized, and
> production went up. Since most of them were paid 'production' wages, their
> pay packet went up as well.
Little things like that go a long way.
FWIW, I worked for a government ministry for a total of 28 years. We were not
allowed to accept tips and we got no bonuses. After 11 years in the maintenance
and equipment branch of the ministry I transferred to enforcement, and after 8
years there I got a little pin in recognition of 5 years service.I questioned
the 5 years service when I had been with the same ministry for 18 years and
they explained that it was only for time in enforcement, so I didn't bother
asking why it was three years late. When time came for my 10 year service pin I
refused to accept it. I figured that if they would not give me credit for my
total time with the ministry or at least get it to me on the year I earned it
within that department it didn't mean much.
Lou Decruss
wrote:
Some of the shit I read here amazes me.
The last thing the workers want to do is return for a "tip." They
really could care less about the kitchen once it's done. They're off
to the next one. Unless they need to return for a trouble call you
and your job are yesterdays news. They're not there for fun or to
enjoy your company. They're there to make money. Actually most of
the time the workers bees despise the homeowner. Give them a case of
beer or some cash if you can, but don't expect them to come back for a
meal for you to show off what they built.
Lou
cshenk
> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each
> of the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for
> tipping contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what
> others here have done.
Mare, I make sure I have plenty of ice water, some regular sodas, and feed
them though I've not have a kitchen remodel where I couldnt cook.
Examples:
Chimney repair guys, here 6 hours. Decent weather and a bit hot actually.
Iceies, fresh bread, sliced cheeses, chicken homemade soup (really more of a
brunswick stew), and sliced tomatoes plus sides of peeled oranges. Fixed
several small cosmetic issues for free (stuff we do not know bricklaying
enough to do)
Pipes busted (23 DEC!), fellows were here in 24F weather out there in the
garage/laundry room for close to 10 hours. I was running hot tea and hot
lemon water (one liked that better) every 30 mins in thermal cups out to
them. I fired up the fireplace so they could come in and bask their buns
(grin). I fixed 2 of the digornos pizzas to their own desired tastes (one
couldnt handle onions, the other green peppers and the 3rd was a vegetarian
so I fixed him a hot grain dish as he's not into even cheese). Made asian
eggplants brushed with olive oil and varied the toppings to suit desires.
Rice with the wasabi seasoning I have is vegetarian so that went well.
Fresh bread from my breadmaker (no milk, olive oil for the oils) with
seasoned butter for the non vegetarian and an italian/greek dip of olive oil
and garlic with spices for the vegetarian. They wished me godspeed and said
if i ever bust a pipe again, call them *please*. Laid in pipe warmers and
insulation for free. Grabbed all sorts of oddiments out of the truck that
we needed and didnt charge us for them.
Sunroom addition, several days. Word got around, that we have a heart and
cook. So the cement folks who did the footing liked the asian stirfry with
sides of rice and fried bannanas. The rip out guys got word of that but
were delighted with a 4 lb dry rub chicken with rice and fresh green beans
lightly steamed with a touch of sesame oil. By the time the wall addition
guys showed up, they were just grinning as we'd made it plain you do get fed
for free and a special order if whats on the menu is a problem. They got a
smorgasbord of things over the next 3 days from stuffed squid to kielbasa to
chili. Crockpot going solid and 'come and get some when hungry'. In fact,
I had 2 crockpots going same time. Beans and hamhocks, and salty peanuts.
By the time the electrician showed up, he took 50$ an hour off his normal
rate for 'side work' and fixed a grunch of little things. He's partial to
salmon butter braised with shiitake and onions though he'd not had it
before. Well, you get the picture.
My wallet is slim due to many repairs (renters did a lot of damage) but I
always feed the workers and i think to make sure the meal suits all or make
up a little something for the one it doesnt.
kilikini
Speaking from the wife of a carpenter, I have to agree with you, Lou. Allan
does NOT want to spend extra gas money for a free meal an hour away.
kili
Sheldon
Nothing says Thank You like cash. When I bought this house five years
ago as a thank you the realtor gave me a $25 gift certificate to a
local eatery... I found out the restaurant belonged to her father and
is a filthy dive... it's still in my desk drawer more as a momento
than anything else, I'll never use it. I would have much more
appreciated had she left a bottle of wine in fridge with a loaf of
bread on the counter, and a local phone directory and road map.
Whenever I contract for a job that requires labor I don't tip the boss
but I always tip the workers commisserate with their efforts... when I
moved here I had Mayflower deliver all my possessions, those guys
worked all day to load up, drive all the way here, and spent a good 12
hours unloading and placing everything where it belonged... nothing
damaged, and they were very pleasant. Three young guys worked their
tails off, I gave each $100 cash... actually a very small amount
compared with the $5,500 I paid Mayflower. Offering them each a six
pack of beer would be like eating a $100 dinner at a restaurant and
leaving a $1 tip.
Sheldon
> "cshenk" wrote:
>
> > [snips]
> > He's partial to salmon butter braised with shiitake and onions
>
> Salmon butter braised with shiitakes and onions? �
> More info, please. �
TIAD...
Janet
in and use the bathroom--since I know that is an issue sometimes--but they
almost never do.
Melba's Jammin'
"MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote:
> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so far
> (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with us
> every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost a
> week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> weeks--from start to finish).
>
> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each of
> the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
> contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
> have done.
>
> TIA-
> Mary
Color me Cheap, but I wouldn't be tipping anybody. It's a job they are
paid to do and last I knew, construction workers were well paid. I'd
probably give them a jar of jam and my deep thanks with appreciation.
I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
Shoot me.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
rec.food.cooking
Preserved Fruit Administrator
"Always in a jam. Never in a stew." - Evergene
sarge137
> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so far
> (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with us
> every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost a
> week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> weeks--from start to finish).
>
> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each of
> the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
> contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
> have done.
>
> TIA-
> Mary
I don't tip contractors in the conventional sense, but if they're
working hard, and doing a good job I take very good care of them while
they're on the job, and give them a gift when they finish. It pays to
be nice to contractors.
About five years ago we had the entire interior of our house painted.
Not a huge house, but very challenging. 2700 square foot two story
split level, 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with an open lower level floor plan
and vaulted ceilings. Many nooks,crannies and alcoves. We had two
painters and a foreman for 3 1/2 days. They worked their butts off,
and when they finished the place looked magnificent. We kept them
supplied with soft drinks and snacks, and let them use our eat in
kitchen for breaks and lunch. During the course of their stay I
learned that the foreman liked scotch, and both painters drank
brandy. At the end the foreman got a bottle of single malt, and the
painters each got a nice bottle of brandy.
Fast forward three years - we needed the exterior painted. I called
the same company. When the owner came out to give me an estimate he
told me that he appreciated how well we treated his crew on the first
job, and was going to give me the "trade" price for the exterior. So,
I saved almost $500.00 on the exterior job, all because I was nice to
his guys the first time around. Got an excellent job this time too,
and took good care of that crew as well.
This fall we're refinishing the hardwood floors. Guess who's getting
the job?
Wayne Boatwright
> In article <F9qdnUCOuJEVKebV...@comcast.com>,
> "MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new
>> cabinets, countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting,
>> painting, and removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been
>> *awesome* so far (making excellent progress, very easy to work with,
>> constantly giving us updates, company owner comes to the work site to
>> check work and meet with us every day, etc.). They're even expecting to
>> complete the project almost a week earlier than planned (just over two
>> weeks--rather than three weeks--from start to finish).
>>
>> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give
>> each of the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette
>> for tipping contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering
>> what others here have done.
>>
>> TIA-
>> Mary
>
> Color me Cheap, but I wouldn't be tipping anybody. It's a job they are
> paid to do and last I knew, construction workers were well paid. I'd
> probably give them a jar of jam and my deep thanks with appreciation.
Color me Cheap, too. I don't tip for contracted services. I provide
coffee and donuts, pop and/or iced tea. Beer doesn't belong on the job.
> I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
> Shoot me.
I don't tip anywhere I order something at a counter and the ordered item is
handed to me. Tip jars/cups on a takeaway counter drive me frigging nuts!
--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Monday, 07(VII)/14(XIV)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
Difficile est satura non scribere --
It is difficult not to write satire.
--Juvenal
-------------------------------------------
cshenk
On Jul 14, 5:49 pm, "cshenk" <cshe...@cox.net> wrote:
> [snips]
> He's partial to
> salmon butter braised with shiitake and onions though he'd not had it
> before.
>Salmon butter braised with shiitakes and onions? More info,
>please. -aem
Salmon, lots of butter and cut up onions and fresh shiitakes. Put the
butter an onion in first then let them carmelize a bit, then add fresh
shiitakes. Let go anotyher minute then add salmon filets and cook about 3
mins per side.
Lovely. Simple, tasty, fast, and lovely.
Gregory Morrow
Lou Decruss wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:52:07 -0400, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom>
> wrote:
>
> >On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:18:13 -0400, "MareCat"
> ><m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote:
> >
> >>We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> >>countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> >>removing two walls).
> >
> >Since you are remodeling.....with a new kitchen.....why don't you
> >invite the helpers for a "nice" lunch. Show off what you just had
> >installed including your cooking talents.
>
> Some of the shit I read here amazes me.
Lol...
If you aren't careful I may kype that as a sig line...
;-)
--
Best
Greg
" I find Greg Morrow lowbrow, witless, and obnoxious. For him to claim that
we are some
kind of comedy team turns my stomach."
- "cybercat" to me on rec.food.cooking
MareCat
news:W62dnQ0k5J3gX-bV...@comcast.com...
>>> each of the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper
>>> etiquette for tipping contractors/workers for projects like this?
>>> Just wondering what others here have done.
>>
>> butts every day for two weeks deserve a lot more tip than milk and
>> cookies, they'd probably not take it and say you need it more then
>
> I'm in agreement. The contractor makes the profit, the other
> guys, I tip and $100-2 each sounds good for a remodel that
> lasted 2/whatever weeks.
This is what we're thinking, too.
Mary
MareCat
news:Xns9ADBC9C3B4D78wa...@69.28.186.120...
>
> Color me Cheap, too. I don't tip for contracted services. I provide
> coffee and donuts, pop and/or iced tea. Beer doesn't belong on the job.
We keep water and soda in the fridge for the workers. On the day the project
started, when we told them to feel free to help themselves to the drinks,
the lead guy politely turned down the offer, telling us they had brought
their own stuff. (I know that they've had at least some of our drinks, as
I've needed to restock a few times.)
>> I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
>> Shoot me.
>
> I don't tip anywhere I order something at a counter and the ordered item
> is
> handed to me. Tip jars/cups on a takeaway counter drive me frigging nuts!
Oh, me too. Counter tip jars are just ridiculous.
Mary
MareCat
news:d10c5557-2231-40ab...@c65g2000hsa.googlegroups.com...
anyone you hire to do any work in your home alcoholic beverages while
they're working.
Yep. Really Bad Idea.
Mary
MareCat
news:lcrn74lmdh3glin0c...@4ax.com...
ITA with this.
Mary
Kathleen
> "Peter" <n...@email.com> wrote in message
> news:39udnU7k_oSlK-bV...@giganews.com...
>
>>"MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>>news:F9qdnUCOuJEVKebV...@comcast.com...
>>
>>>We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
>>>countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
>>>removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so
>>>far (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving
>>>us updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet
>>>with us every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project
>>>almost a week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than
>>>three weeks--from start to finish).
>>>
>>>If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each
>>>of the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for
>>>tipping contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what
>>>others here have done.
>>>
>>>TIA-
>>>Mary
>>
>>I don't think they expect tips, I've never given one to a contractor.
>>Maybe some gift certs for dinner or movies so they can take their better
>>half out, or my usual favorite, a case of beer, if you think they deserve
>>it.
>>
>>I have movers coming in a couple days and I'll have a case of beer for
>>each of them (3), if they do a good job.
>
>
> I don't know of any contractors that wouldn't appreciate a case or 2 of good
> beer! Might be a good way of saying thanks instead of cash.
Not contractors, but at the barn where my daughter used to board her
horse they paid a small fee in addition to their monthly board to have
their horses trailered to local shows and events.
Granted that the fee was supposed to cover gas and hassle, and granted
that the drivers were taking their own horses up anyway to compete, I
still appreciated the effort and made a point of noticing what the staff
liked to drink, given the opportunity, as opposed to what they mostly
could afford, and generally dropped off a case of Guinness or something
nice to have on bonfire nights - most of them lived on site.
At the local cycling emporium, cash tips to mechanics were discouraged
but boxes of fresh donuts, trays of tall cafe mochas or Blizzards were
happily received.
Wayne Boatwright
I view that more of an appreciative gesture of "thanks" than as a tip, per
se.
>
> At the local cycling emporium, cash tips to mechanics were discouraged
> but boxes of fresh donuts, trays of tall cafe mochas or Blizzards were
> happily received.
Again a nice appreciative gesture.
I tip in restaurants, bellboys in hotels, and taxis...mostly because it's
expected, not particularly because I always feel it's deserved.
--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Monday, 07(VII)/14(XIV)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
'Always cut the cards.' - Heinlein
-------------------------------------------
sf
>
>"MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:F9qdnUCOuJEVKebV...@comcast.com...
>> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
>> countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
>> removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so far
>> (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
>> updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with
>> us every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost
>> a week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
>> weeks--from start to finish).
>>
>> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each
>> of the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for
>> tipping contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what
>> others here have done.
>>
>> TIA-
>> Mary
>
>I don't think they expect tips, I've never given one to a contractor. Maybe
>some gift certs for dinner or movies so they can take their better half out,
>or my usual favorite, a case of beer, if you think they deserve it.
She's talking about the worker bees, not the contractor. Cash is
always appropriate. I have no idea what the job cost, but $100 each
wouldn't be out of line if she's that appreciative. The contractor is
making out just fine. Hopefully he's giving his crew a bonus for
this.
>
>I have movers coming in a couple days and I'll have a case of beer for each
>of them (3), if they do a good job.
>
--
I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.
Mae West
Edwin Pawlowski
"Melba's Jammin'" <barbsc...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
>
> Color me Cheap, but I wouldn't be tipping anybody. It's a job they are
> paid to do and last I knew, construction workers were well paid. I'd
> probably give them a jar of jam and my deep thanks with appreciation.
>
> I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
> Shoot me.
I bet you don't tip your doctor after a really good physical either.
Having worked as and for contractors in the past, I was well paid but never
received or expected a tip.
Woolstitcher
"MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:F9qdnUCOuJEVKebV...@comcast.com...
> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so far
> (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with
> us every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost
> a week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> weeks--from start to finish).
>
> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each
> of the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for
> tipping contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what
> others here have done.
>
> TIA-
> Mary
>
I don't tip contractors. If they do a good job, I tell them thank you and
the next time I need work I'll call them.
Stan Horwitz
> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so far
> (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with us
> every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost a
> week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> weeks--from start to finish).
>
> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each of
> the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
> contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
> have done.
My dad was a contractor and so was his brother. They are retired now,
but they easily had 100 years of experience between them. I literally
worked for them (mostly my dad) from age five to about 20 when I
graduated college and I pursued my own career.
No one ever gave my dad a monetary tip as far as I remember. Believe me,
my dad worked for well above minimum wage. I don't know how much my dad
earned (prevailing opinion is that no one does except him and the IRS).
Back in the 70's when minimum wage was just three dollars an hour, my
dad paid me and an occasional friend $15/hour. We were paid a lot more
then your average restaurant worker, where tips are expected.
A few of my dad's projects were featured in local magazines and one of
them was even featured in a national magazine. My dad used to charge
fairly high rates for major projects such as an addition. I know that
because some customers had the nerve to complain to me that my dad was
expensive. He was also a pain in the neck to work for (very demanding).
Once in a while, a happy customer would bring a bottle of wine to our
house to thank my dad for all his hard work. When I was a kid, some of
the customers would also treat my dad and me to lunch while we were on
the job (such as send out for pizza or sandwiches) and they almost
always offered us cold drinks (which was much appreciated). That was it
though.
So, I suggest to you that instead of a tip, make sure you have plenty of
cold drinks. Ask your contractors what kind of drinks they prefer and
maybe offer to treat them to lunch or have some snacks on hand.
Goomba
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:18:13 -0400, "MareCat"
> <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
>> countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
>> removing two walls).
>
> invite the helpers for a "nice" lunch. Show off what you just had
> installed including your cooking talents.
>
get the hell outta there. I doubt they have time to hang around for you
to clean up the new space and then cook for them? And would they want to
come back on another day when they're probably moving on to the next job?
George Shirley
when the service sucks. I've had people throw the penny at me on my way
out. didn't hurt my feelings and maybe their next customer will be
served properly and not ignored while they chat with their friends, etc.
Wayne Boatwright
George, I have done exactly the same thing on a few occasions. There are
times when they deserve an insult, and I wouldn't want them to think that I
"forgot" the tip. If there was also a manager handy, I usually voiced my
opinion to them, as well.
--
Wayne Boatwright
-------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 07(VII)/15(XV)/08(MMVIII)
-------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
It would be nice if entropy could be
used for something constructive.
-------------------------------------------
Melba's Jammin'
"Edwin Pawlowski" <e...@snet.net> wrote:
> "Melba's Jammin'" <barbsc...@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> >
> > Color me Cheap, but I wouldn't be tipping anybody. It's a job they are
> > paid to do and last I knew, construction workers were well paid. I'd
> > probably give them a jar of jam and my deep thanks with appreciation.
> >
> > I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
> > Shoot me.
>
> I bet you don't tip your doctor after a really good physical either.
You are correct, Sir! I do, however, bring in a batch of brownies for
the staff's enjoyment.
> Having worked as and for contractors in the past, I was well paid but never
> received or expected a tip.
Steve Pope
>spo...@speedymail.org (Steve Pope) news:g5gciu$23b$1...@blue.rahul.net:
>> So far as I know tipping is not expected. I have tipped movers,
>> but not home/construction contractors.
>>
>> Is that wrong? Dunno.
>I have not and will not tip my contractor. He is awesome. I couldn't ask
>for better but I pay him enough.
I will add that the expectation may be regional. In New York
City, you tip just about everybody. In California, not so much.
Steve
Zeppo
"MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:F9qdnUCOuJEVKebV...@comcast.com...
> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so far
> (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with
> us every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost
> a week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> weeks--from start to finish).
>
> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each
> of the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for
> tipping contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what
> others here have done.
Mary
I tipped the contractors workers that did my kitchen last year. The workers
showed extraordinary care with our house and property, way beyond what we'd
normally expect from guys doing a major construction project. Outside of the
area being constructed our house stayed neat and clean. They were sensitive
about noise and tracking dirt in and out of the house. They also kept an eye
on our pets to make sure they didn't get hurt during the project.
I gave the workers $50 each (in a nice card) and the contractor a $100 gift
certificate to a restaurant. I was tipping the contractor for the nice work
he did and that he had our kitchen 'ready to use' a week earlier that his
estimate (5 instead of. 6 weeks).
Jon
Lou Decruss
<moskaunac...@interflug.su> wrote:
>
>Lou Decruss wrote:
>
>> On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:52:07 -0400, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:18:13 -0400, "MareCat"
>> ><m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote:
>> >
>> >>We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
>> >>countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
>> >>removing two walls).
>> >
>> >Since you are remodeling.....with a new kitchen.....why don't you
>> >invite the helpers for a "nice" lunch. Show off what you just had
>> >installed including your cooking talents.
>>
>> Some of the shit I read here amazes me.
>
>
>Lol...
>
>If you aren't careful I may kype that as a sig line...
Go for it. Just don't put my name on it.
Lou
Janet
> paid to do and last I knew, construction workers were well paid. I'd
> probably give them a jar of jam and my deep thanks with appreciation.
Me too.
> I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
I tip coffee house people because I'm assuming they are making food service
wages.
I have a small business, and I hired some seasonal help last year. (A young
couple in financial straits that I knew in another context.) The first day,
I discovered that they hadn't brought lunch, so I offered the makings for
wraps or sandwiches and let them serve themselves.
They proceeded to assume that I was going to provide lunch for them every
day. My income isn't any higher than theirs. That's the last time I serve
lunch to anyone. (The other seasonal workers I hired--the really good
ones--always brought their own lunches as a matter of course.)
Nancy2
> On Jul 14, 5:24�pm, Nancy2 <nancy-doo...@uiowa.edu> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Jul 14, 3:18�pm, "MareCat" <m_gormanNOS...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > > We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> > > countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> > > (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> > > updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with us
> > > every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost a
> > > week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> > > weeks--from start to finish).
>
> > > If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each of
> > > the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
> > > contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
> > > have done.
>
> > > Mary
>
> > My son and his wife "tipped" their contractor and his wife with a
> > great dinner in their new home.
>
> > I have "tipped" subs with gift cards at the local Lowe's, Menard's or
> > WalMart.
>
> > I have given cash to carpet layers.
>
> > I have also not tipped at all.
>
> > It's all in what you think about tipping, if it's appropriate or not,
> > if you got more than your money's worth, what the local custom is,
> > etc., and especially, whether you might need them again in the
> > future. �Do whatever your gut says. �Sometimes a six-pack of ice cold
> > beer at the end of the day is enough. ;-)
>
> Sheesh... what cheap bastards! A kitchen that took two solid weeks to
> complete must have cost many, many thousands of dollars, required a
> lot of back breaking and careful work to turn out without incident.
> Offering the workers a meal with a beer is like spending $40,000 on a
> bathroom makeover and tipping the workers with a shit, shower, and a
> shave.
>
> RFC sure got some CHEAP motherfuckers.
It's all in the local custom, Shel - as others have said - and how you
feel about what you got for the money and if you're talking about the
contractor, or the subs....
My kitchen remodel cost less than $15,000 and took about 3 weeks.
Believe me, the contractor and his sole helper got plenty for the
hours they put in.
My current contractor (finish carpenter) makes about $500 a day for 6
hours - I don't think I need to tip him at all ---
N.
Nancy2
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:52:07 -0400, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom>
> wrote:
>
> ><m_gormanNOS...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> >>We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> >>countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> >>removing two walls).
>
> >invite the helpers for a "nice" lunch. Show off what you just had
> >installed including your cooking talents.
>
> Some of the shit I read here amazes me.
>
> really could care less about the kitchen once it's done. They're off
> to the next one. Unless they need to return for a trouble call you
> and your job are yesterdays news. They're not there for fun or to
> enjoy your company. They're there to make money. Actually most of
> the time the workers bees despise the homeowner. Give them a case of
> beer or some cash if you can, but don't expect them to come back for a
> meal for you to show off what they built.
>
I agree, also. My son's contractor was a friend in addition to being
his contractor.
N.
Nancy2
> told me that he appreciated how well we treated his crew on the first
> job, and was going to give me the "trade" price for the exterior. So,
> I saved almost $500.00 on the exterior job, all because I was nice to
> his guys the first time around. Got an excellent job this time too,
> and took good care of that crew as well.
>
> This fall we're refinishing the hardwood floors. Guess who's getting
> the job?
(If I were you, I'd find the best floor guy, not the best painter ;-)
I think one of the best things you can do, if you really like the job
someone did, is to ask for business cards and give them to your
friends. I know that I have personally made recommendations that got
my roofer 3 additional roof jobs (and counting), my cabinet-maker 2
other nice jobs, and my upholsterer at least 1 more job. In addition,
I have recommended my sump pump installer, my electrician (my son),
and my new gutter installers to various friends.
I always offer ice water but I never buy soda - mostly, the guys bring
their own. They can always use a bathroom in the house if they need
to, but 100% of the workers so far in my whole-house redo have gone
somewhere else for lunch.
N.
Dave Smith
>
>
> > I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
>
> I tip coffee house people because I'm assuming they are making food service
> wages.
I tip servers who take my order and bring me food. Counter service is self
service.
Steve Pope
>Janet wrote:
>> [attribution lost] wrote,
Do you not tip bartenders either?
If you do, how are barristas any different?
Steve
Dave Smith
>
>
> It's all in the local custom, Shel - as others have said - and how you
> feel about what you got for the money and if you're talking about the
> contractor, or the subs....
>
> My kitchen remodel cost less than $15,000 and took about 3 weeks.
> Believe me, the contractor and his sole helper got plenty for the
> hours they put in.
>
> My current contractor (finish carpenter) makes about $500 a day for 6
> hours - I don't think I need to tip him at all ---
>
I thought the whole idea of contracting someone was to order and agree upon the work
to be done, the materials to be used and the price and terms of payment. I do not tip
store clerks, doctors, dentists or gas station attendants. Why should I be expected to
tip a contractor or his workers. As I suggested before, if the workers do a good job
and finish it quickly the contractor can give them a bonus. Finishing up quickly and
not having to go back to repair problems frees them up to do another job.
Steve Pope
> I do not tip store clerks, doctors, dentists or gas station
> attendants. Why should I be expected to tip a contractor or
> his workers.
Protection?
S.
Melba's Jammin'
"Janet" <box...@maine.rr.com> wrote:
> > I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
>
> I tip coffee house people because I'm assuming they are making food service
> wages.
I don't tip the people at McDonald's. Isn't that the same thing?
Sheldon
> �"MareCat" wrote:
> > We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> > countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> > (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> > updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with us
> > every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost a
> > week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> > weeks--from start to finish).
>
> > If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each of
> > the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
> > contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
> > have done.
For an ongoing job I usually tip laborers $10 per day, that is not out
of bounds for sweat labor. I'd tip each of the workers on your job no
less than $100 cash.... over two weeks that comes to less than $1/hour
for their efforts... to give less is insulting and a sick joke, like
tipping the diner waitess two pennies when it was the cook who screwed
up... if you have a bitch about the cost of the job take it up with
the boss, don't punish the workers. Whenever in doubt tip on the side
of excess, it will more than pay you back the next time you need work
done, even if from a different contractor because next you may need a
new roof, or you want a wood deck, or new concrete driveway, or four
season sun room or whatever... and very often the same laborers work
for other contractors, and of course they all communicate with each
other... you can't escape your own miserliness,
> Color me Cheap, but I wouldn't be tipping anybody. �
Hiya Rainbow Cheapskate! <G> So you're telling us you've never been
to the same restaurant or hairdresser twice.
> It's a job they are paid to do and last I knew,
> construction workers were well paid. �
Barb, you're wrong, very wrong. The contractor (company owner) and
subs (various professional tradesmen) are well paid and shouldn't be
tipped, but their helpers, the guys who do all the loading, unloading,
heaving, hammering, and general schlepping are not well paid, but they
are the ones who make or break the job. Generally the contractor
isn't even on the job site very much, they are out making the rounds
of other works in progress. And the subs (licenced plumbers,
electricians, etc.) are in their own right bosses who are there just
for their part of the job, they don't get tipped either, but their
helpers who do all the physical work do not get paid well and should
be tipped. Just like at a restaurant you don't tip the owner, but a
proclaimed cheapster as yourself (hopefully) at least tips the service
people, or best you never return... and so should the contractor's
employees get tipped too.
Just as restaurant staff discuss the various customer's behavior and
tipping habits so do all the local building trades people. After a
day's labor they all meet at their favorite watering hole (workers and
bosses alike) where they discuss in minute detail the various
homeowners they are doing jobs for in the community, they compare
notes and word gets around about who is a PITA and who is a cheap
bastard... watch out the next time you need a job done, you will
definitely be quoted higher prices and they will rip you off every
which way they can, with inferior materials and slipshod workmanship.
And you'll never know you're being singled out to charge more and give
less, because every contractor and construction worker, from
landscaper to roofer, within a hundred mile radius will know you're
cheap. The contractors have to keep their workers, so they'll charge
the cheapskates more and give the workers the extra bonus you should
have given, the workers need the contractors to succeed too... and so
the workers and contractors develop even more of a bond to screw the
cheapsters. And in fact the contractors will add onto the price three
times the tip you should have given, so by not tipping you screw
yourself in more ways than you can imagine... the contractor will have
no qualms about pulling his workers off a cheapskate's job to expedite
a job where the customer is generous.
> I'd probably give them a jar of jam.
Puhlezzze! Construction workers don't want your little jar of jam...
why don't you give each a little bouquet of petunias too... just
because they work with their backs doesn't mean they have no brain
cells, and they know very well that with your picture on the label
that you are doing it more to stroke your own ego than as a show of
appreciation... just like those who want to fix them a meal are really
saying "look at me", not thank you... soon as they're out of earshot
they will look at each other and say the daft old gal can shove it,
she needs it more... most won't even bring it home, they'll toss it in
the dumpster as they leave because they'll be too embarrassed to show
their wives that's what they got for a tip for busting their hump for
two weeks. In fact construction workers don't bring gifts of a
personal nature home, their wives will suspect they're banging the
lady of the house, her sister, daughter, someone... cash talks,
bullshit walks... giving someone a gift of something you got for free
or obviously didn't pay full price is worse than no gift at all.
It's not customary to tip a service person who comes to your home for
an hour or two to service your boiler, your AC system, your well or
some such, but for a major construction project lasting many days and
even weeks (as is the case here) it's customary to tip the workers and
tip them well... not the bosses. If you don't tip the workers because
you feel you're being charged too much for the job then that was
between you and the boss when you contracted the job, don't punish the
workers with your skinflintedness because you were a wuss when
negotiating the price.
You'll get a much nicer recommendation around town if you tip the
workers cash enough to at least pay an evening's tab at the watering
hole. Anyone thinks the local trades people don't discuss their
customers is very ignorant... and when I say discuss I mean DISCUSS,
from the size of your tits to the size of your tips.
Where I lived previously I had a lawn service. The same crew arrived
every Thursday all season and did a fabulous job, all for $30/week.
At the end of the season each worker (there were three) got a $50 tip,
I didn't tip the owner... this wasn't a lot of money considering they
groomed my entire yard perfectly every week for like 8 months, you do
the math. This went on for 12 years, the owner (Fabian) never raised
the price... compared to what some of my cheapster neighbors were
charged I was way ahead... they did a nicer job in my yard too, and
did a lot of little extras gratis. Of course I did them favors too,
at least once a month a piece of their equipment needed some minor
repair and they knew I would loan them tools so they didn't have to
drive their rig all the way home and be out of work for the entire
day. It's beneficial (to both sides) to have a good relationship with
the people you hire, and in US society tipping is a very important
part of a business relationship... you don't like tipping, move to
Italy... no tipping there but they'll pick your pocket without your
knowing. People who are cheap about tipping and are obssessed about
squeezing pennies in general generally have several more serious
personality flaws.
Barb, you probably never held a job where tipping was customary.
Steve Pope
> "Janet" <box...@maine.rr.com> wrote:
>> I tip coffee house people because I'm assuming they are making food service
>> wages.
>I don't tip the people at McDonald's. Isn't that the same thing?
Encouraging them to stay at McDonalds is doing them a disservice.
They should know that if they graduate to Starbucks they
will start getting tips. That's incentive.
Steve
ChattyCathy
>
> Sheesh... what cheap bastards! A kitchen that took two solid weeks to
> complete must have cost many, many thousands of dollars, required a
> lot of back breaking and careful work to turn out without incident.
> Offering the workers a meal with a beer is like spending $40,000 on a
> bathroom makeover and tipping the workers with a shit, shower, and a
> shave.
>
> RFC sure got some CHEAP motherfuckers.
Lockheed Martin engineers are highly paid 'contractors'. Would you tip them?
--
Cheers
Chatty Cathy
Egg tastes better when it's not on your face...
Sheldon
> Sheldon wrote:
>
> > Sheesh... what cheap bastards! �A kitchen that took two solid weeks to
> > complete must have cost many, many thousands of dollars, required a
> > lot of back breaking and careful work to turn out without incident.
> > Offering the workers a meal with a beer is like spending $40,000 on a
> > bathroom makeover and tipping the workers with a shit, shower, and a
> > shave.
>
> > RFC sure got some CHEAP motherfuckers.
>
> Lockheed Martin engineers are highly paid 'contractors'. Would you tip them?
Lockhead Martin engineers aren't kitchen contractor's workers... now
we all know you readily admit that you're a cheap motherfucker.
ChattyCathy
> ChattyCathy wrote:
>> Sheldon wrote:
>>
>> > Sheesh... what cheap bastards! �A kitchen that took two solid weeks to
>> > complete must have cost many, many thousands of dollars, required a
>> > lot of back breaking and careful work to turn out without incident.
>> > Offering the workers a meal with a beer is like spending $40,000 on a
>> > bathroom makeover and tipping the workers with a shit, shower, and a
>> > shave.
>>
>> > RFC sure got some CHEAP motherfuckers.
>>
>> Lockheed Martin engineers are highly paid 'contractors'. Would you tip
>> them?
>
> Lockhead Martin engineers aren't kitchen contractor's workers...
Well, for what some of them charge, you'd think they were..
> now
> we all know you readily admit that you're a cheap motherfucker.
If you say so, Shel.
BTW, it's Lockheed, not Lockhead.
Sheldon
I specfically said *not* to tip contractors and subs, only their
workers.
And a kitchen remodel that cost less than $15,000 but took some three
weeks says there's something not being told... $15,000 doesn't even
cover the cost of materials for a very basic small kitchen... and no
contractor is going to tie up his crew for three whole weeks for that
kind of money.
TFM®
"Sheldon" <PENM...@aol.com> wrote
I've been a carpenter in various forms all my working life. (I'm 41 now)
Every word Sheldon said above is true.
>
>> I'd probably give them a jar of jam.
>
> Puhlezzze! Construction workers don't want your little jar of jam...
> why don't you give each a little bouquet of petunias too... just
> because they work with their backs doesn't mean they have no brain
> cells, and they know very well that with your picture on the label
> that you are doing it more to stroke your own ego than as a show of
> appreciation... just like those who want to fix them a meal are really
> saying "look at me", not thank you... soon as they're out of earshot
> they will look at each other and say the daft old gal can shove it,
> she needs it more... most won't even bring it home, they'll toss it in
> the dumpster as they leave because they'll be too embarrassed to show
> their wives that's what they got for a tip for busting their hump for
> two weeks. In fact construction workers don't bring gifts of a
> personal nature home, their wives will suspect they're banging the
> lady of the house, her sister, daughter, someone... cash talks,
> bullshit walks... giving someone a gift of something you got for free
> or obviously didn't pay full price is worse than no gift at all.
I'll have to disagree with that. In the condition I come home from work, my
wife couldn't suspect me of banging anything above a mule.
> You'll get a much nicer recommendation around town if you tip the
> workers cash enough to at least pay an evening's tab at the watering
> hole. Anyone thinks the local trades people don't discuss their
> customers is very ignorant... and when I say discuss I mean DISCUSS,
> from the size of your tits to the size of your tips.
Those details are discussed on the job as well. Out of earshot of said
homeowner.
TFM®
Gregory Morrow
TFM® wrote:
> "Sheldon" <PENM...@aol.com> wrote
>
>
>
> >> It's a job they are paid to do and last I knew,
> >> construction workers were well paid. ?
Yup, Sheldon's post should be ratified by the Congress and amended to the US
Consitution...what he sez is spot - on. It's just common sense, but MANY
folks lack common sense...especially when it comes to "greasing" the
"goose", so to speak...
;-)
--
Best
Greg
Sheldon
>
> I have a small business, and I hired some seasonal help last year. (A young
> couple in financial straits that I knew in another context.) The first day,
> I discovered that they hadn't brought lunch, so I offered the makings for
> wraps or sandwiches and let them serve themselves.
>
> They proceeded to assume that I was going to provide lunch for them every
> day.
Obviously *your* miscommunication or lack thereof... yours is a food
business where sandwiches are served, how can you not assume without
saying anything to the contrary that your feeding them sandwiches for
lunch was not construed to be a job perk... besides, it's traditional
for food service employees to eat for free. Food service workers
handle your food... for you to not feed them would be gross stupidity
on your part. Food service businesses traditionally permit their
employees to take their meals for free, just not to bring product
home. Surveys prove that within a week of handling the same foods all
day every day the employees would rather eat elsewhere... when people
work in a deli slicing cold cuts hour after hour the last thing they
want for lunch is a ham sandwhich. One way to ensure employees won't
mess with the food is to permit them to eat all they want, no
guarantees of course but prohibiting their indulgence guarantees
absolutely that they will sabotage your product at every opportunity
just to spite you.
Many years ago I worked for Bartons Bonbonnaire (for those who don't
know, they were thee chocolatiers extraordinaire). Their company
policy was that employees could eat all they want on the job, just
don't get caught stealing. I loved chocolate so for the first few
days I stuffed myself to the gills with every kind of chocolate
confection imaginable. And than all of a sudden the thought of eating
that stuff made me gack, the smell alone nauseated me... for the next
three years I worked there I never ate any chocolate. Even after
leaving that job it was about five years before I began to enjoy
chocolate again. Even though they could eat all they wanted none of
their employees that I knew of ate chocolate. Employees were not
permitted to bring any foods into the premises either lest the
chocolate aroma would be compromised.
Gregory Morrow
Stan Horwitz wrote:
> In article <F9qdnUCOuJEVKebV...@comcast.com>,
> "MareCat" <m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> > countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> > removing two walls). The contractor and workers have been *awesome* so
far
> > (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> > updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet
with us
> > every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost
a
> > week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> > weeks--from start to finish).
> >
> > If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each
of
> > the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for
tipping
> > contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others
here
> > have done.
>
> My dad was a contractor and so was his brother. They are retired now,
> but they easily had 100 years of experience between them. I literally
> worked for them (mostly my dad) from age five to about 20 when I
> graduated college and I pursued my own career.
>
> No one ever gave my dad a monetary tip as far as I remember. Believe me,
> my dad worked for well above minimum wage. I don't know how much my dad
> earned (prevailing opinion is that no one does except him and the IRS).
> Back in the 70's when minimum wage was just three dollars an hour, my
> dad paid me and an occasional friend $15/hour. We were paid a lot more
> then your average restaurant worker, where tips are expected.
>
> A few of my dad's projects were featured in local magazines and one of
> them was even featured in a national magazine. My dad used to charge
> fairly high rates for major projects such as an addition. I know that
> because some customers had the nerve to complain to me that my dad was
> expensive. He was also a pain in the neck to work for (very demanding).
>
> Once in a while, a happy customer would bring a bottle of wine to our
> house to thank my dad for all his hard work. When I was a kid, some of
> the customers would also treat my dad and me to lunch while we were on
> the job (such as send out for pizza or sandwiches) and they almost
> always offered us cold drinks (which was much appreciated). That was it
> though.
Things have changed a *lot* since the 70's in regards to tipping some
categories of service people...and you were just a kid doing summer labor,
it was not yer livelihood...you can't pay the light bill with a bottle 'o
wine.
> So, I suggest to you that instead of a tip, make sure you have plenty of
> cold drinks. Ask your contractors what kind of drinks they prefer and
> maybe offer to treat them to lunch or have some snacks on hand.
They'll most probably bring all that stuff along with them in a cooler
anyways, Stan...they are not going to put up with the vagaries of a customer
providing them with drinx 'n snax.
--
Best
Greg
Becca
Are you in Texas? Were your seasonal workers Hispanic? Been there, done
that, got the t-shirt.
Becca
TammyM
"cshenk" <csh...@cox.net> wrote in message
news:4tSek.20427$oY2....@newsfe21.lga...
> "MareCat" wrote
>
>> If all ends up well (as we fully expect it will), we'd like to give each
>> of the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for
>> tipping contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what
>> others here have done.
>
> them though I've not have a kitchen remodel where I couldnt cook.
>
> Examples:
>
> Chimney repair guys, here 6 hours. Decent weather and a bit hot actually.
> Iceies, fresh bread, sliced cheeses, chicken homemade soup (really more of
> a brunswick stew), and sliced tomatoes plus sides of peeled oranges. Fixed
> several small cosmetic issues for free (stuff we do not know bricklaying
> enough to do)
<snippage of similar stories>
> My wallet is slim due to many repairs (renters did a lot of damage) but I
> always feed the workers and i think to make sure the meal suits all or
> make up a little something for the one it doesnt.
This is one of the best stories I've heard on rfc. You are both smart AND
have a kind and generous heart.
TammyM
Sheldon
I don't see any way that counter service is self service, in fact a
server behind a busy counter exerts far more effort than a table
server and the job requires more expertise, often their constant
motion is a blur. People typically choose counter service because
they are in a hurry and so expect expediency... a good counter person
works very hard to move the food so the customers can get on with
it... those counter servers hustle, they definitely deserve a tip. I
like counter service and whenever possible seat myself in front of
where ice cream is hand dipped by the Dairy Queens, because those
servers are typically working bent over and the spectacular views
alone are certainly worth the tip... and I ain't just talkin' rocky
road, I'm tawkin' Grand Teatons! hehe
In my town there is a pizzeria type restaurant, with a large dining
area up front (like 75 tables seating a few hundred), an open kitchen
area at the back wall with a "U" shaped counter surronding, and in a
back room is a smallish sports bar type affair where the local
riffraff hang... ever so often if I'm in town about meal time rather
than eat alone up front I head for the bar filled with grundgy Low
Rider types for a few beers and a pasta dish... of course I tip the
barmaid. And more often than not the bar hounds will exchange rounds
and send a drink over and how can I not reciprocate, after all I knew
the possiblity existed when I entered and deposited my ass on a bar
stool rather than in one of the booths along the wall, so it's
definitely not an atmosphere for cheapo pricks.
These kind of threads never cease to reinforce what has always been my
premise, that the vast majority of folks will manufacture any excuse
to butress their cheap bastardness. Now I heard a new one... HTF is
counter service self service?!?!?
blake murphy
wrote:
>On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:52:07 -0400, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom>
>wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:18:13 -0400, "MareCat"
>><m_gorma...@comcast.net> wrote:
>>
>>>We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
>>>countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
>>>removing two walls).
>>
>>Since you are remodeling.....with a new kitchen.....why don't you
>>invite the helpers for a "nice" lunch. Show off what you just had
>>installed including your cooking talents.
>
>Some of the shit I read here amazes me.
>
>The last thing the workers want to do is return for a "tip." They
>really could care less about the kitchen once it's done. They're off
>to the next one. Unless they need to return for a trouble call you
>and your job are yesterdays news. They're not there for fun or to
>enjoy your company. They're there to make money. Actually most of
>the time the workers bees despise the homeowner. Give them a case of
>beer or some cash if you can, but don't expect them to come back for a
>meal for you to show off what they built.
>
>Lou
i'm with lou. cash or something equally liquid.
your pal,
blake
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **
Dave Smith
>
> These kind of threads never cease to reinforce what has always been my
> premise, that the vast majority of folks will manufacture any excuse
> to butress their cheap bastardness. Now I heard a new one... HTF is
> counter service self service?!?!?
OTOH, the expectation of tips is just another way of weaselling more money out of
customers. We are expected to pay extra for food and services because we don't want
to pay high prices for things and there is sometimes not enough profit margin for
owners to pay their staff well, or the owners just stuff their own pockets and stiff
their staff.
When it comes to the topic of tipping contractors, you have the option of signing on
with someone who pays their staff well and then passes on the labour costs to the
customer, or you can go with the one who undercuts the competition by paying his
workers less and then we can tip the workers so that we can feel better about
ourselves.
kilikini
I always prefer sitting at a bar/counter, too. TFM® and I always choose
that first, if it's an option. You tend to get decent conversation, more
efficient service and a better feel of the place - if it's your first time
in there. Why wait for a table if there's an open seat at the bar? Oh, and
we always tip.
kili
John Kane
> We're currently in the middle of a kitchen remodeling job (new cabinets,
> countertops, backsplash, sink, island, flooring, lighting, painting, and
> (making excellent progress, very easy to work with, constantly giving us
> updates, company owner comes to the work site to check work and meet with us
> every day, etc.). They're even expecting to complete the project almost a
> week earlier than planned (just over two weeks--rather than three
> weeks--from start to finish).
>
> the two workers some sort of tip. What is the proper etiquette for tipping
> contractors/workers for projects like this? Just wondering what others here
> have done.
>
> Mary
I've never heard of tipping in this case but a gift ( Booze. Food ,
Keepsakes) might be appropriate.
John Kane Kingston ON Canada
Goomba
>> I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
>
> I tip coffee house people because I'm assuming they are making food service
> wages.
Why would you assume food service wages are that bad and they should be
tipped? We're not talking wait-person wages here. They expect tips,
hence they're paid a different wage scale than hourly employees who work
at places like Burger King or your local coffee shop. They make at least
minimum wage, and often much more.
Sheldon
> Sheldon wrote:
> > ChattyCathy wrote:
> >> Sheldon wrote:
>
> >> > Sheesh... what cheap bastards! �A kitchen that took two solid weeks to
> >> > complete must have cost many, many thousands of dollars, required a
> >> > lot of back breaking and careful work to turn out without incident.
> >> > Offering the workers a meal with a beer is like spending $40,000 on a
> >> > bathroom makeover and tipping the workers with a shit, shower, and a
> >> > shave.
>
> >> > RFC sure got some CHEAP motherfuckers.
>
> >> Lockheed Martin engineers are highly paid 'contractors'. Would you tip
> >> them?
>
> > Lockhead Martin engineers aren't kitchen contractor's workers...
>
> Well, for what some of them charge, you'd think they were..
Huh... which... building trades contractor's workers are typically
paid a rather low hourly wage relative to their efforts, usually work
under some awful conditions, and often don't get steady work unless
they are willing to relocate. Aeronautical engineering is something
totally different, they typically work in scrupulously clean and
comfortable air conditioned surroundings, are paid exceptionally well
for sitting on their butts all day, but also don't work regularly
unless willing to relocate... most are job shoppers (essentially temps
under short term contract).
> > now
> > we all know you readily admit that you're a cheap motherfucker.
>
> If you say so, Shel.
>
> BTW, it's Lockheed, not Lockhead.
In 1964 I was a Lockhead Martin Marrietta engineer, it was well known
throughout the industry that we refered to ourselves as Lockheads, as
in stubbornly argumentitive... we certainly weren't heedful types..
ever you encounter an engineer who is heedful they're unqualified.
MareCat
news:6e3qukF...@mid.individual.net...
>
> Mary
> I tipped the contractors workers that did my kitchen last year. The
> workers showed extraordinary care with our house and property, way beyond
> what we'd normally expect from guys doing a major construction project.
> Outside of the area being constructed our house stayed neat and clean.
> They were sensitive about noise and tracking dirt in and out of the house.
> They also kept an eye on our pets to make sure they didn't get hurt during
> the project.
These guys have been extremely considerate about keeping our home clean,
too--laying down cloths over the stairs and carpet from the front door up to
the kitchen and meticulously cleaning up at the end of each day before
leaving (one of the guys even asked me for some Windex and paper towels one
evening so he could clean the front door before he left).
The lead guy on the project even moved some items in the attic to make room
for the support brace they put up there for the load-bearing wall they
removed between our kitchen and our living room. (The walls were originally
supposed to come down early this week, and my husband was planning on moving
those things himself before that happened. The plans changed midway through
last week, though, and they decided to go ahead and take down the walls
then. Hubby was out of town at that time, though, so the worker went ahead
and moved the items in the attic.)
> I gave the workers $50 each (in a nice card) and the contractor a $100
> gift certificate to a restaurant. I was tipping the contractor for the
> nice work he did and that he had our kitchen 'ready to use' a week earlier
> that his estimate (5 instead of. 6 weeks).
We're leaning toward giving each of the workers at least $100 (haven't
decided exactly how much at this point). I'll also ask for some business
cards from the contractor to hand out to people.
Very interesting to hear everyone's opinions in this thread!
Mary
Goomba
> We're leaning toward giving each of the workers at least $100 (haven't
> decided exactly how much at this point). I'll also ask for some business
> cards from the contractor to hand out to people.
>
> Very interesting to hear everyone's opinions in this thread!
>
> Mary
I am also tuned into this thread, as we're in the midst of our kitchen
re-do. Our cabinets and the granite are ordered but not in yet, we
ordered the flooring this morning, as well as had the electrician over
to give us an estimate on his work. So much done, so much more to do. It
seems doing one thing makes everything else look shabby and in need of
updating....
Have you chosen under cabinet lighting? If so, what type of light?
TFM®
"Dave Smith" <adavid...@sympatico.ca> wrote
... or the owners just stuff their own pockets and stiff
> their staff.
I thought that's what Viagra was for?
TFM®
TFM®
"Sheldon" <PENM...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:65b6fae0-f12e-4752...@34g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
It appears I'm an engineer.
TFM®
ChattyCathy
>
> Yup, Sheldon's post should be ratified by the Congress and amended to the
> US
> Consitution...what he sez is spot - on. It's just common sense, but MANY
> folks lack common sense...especially when it comes to "greasing" the
> "goose", so to speak...
>
> ;-)
I have never tipped contractors 'helpers' for the simple reason that they've
never deserved it. IME, unless there's been a contractor/supervisor on
site, they did a little as possible and took as long as possible to do it.
In my opinion, being 'expected' to tip every Tom, Dick and Harriet over and
above what they get paid for doing their jobs is getting a tad out of hand.
Heh. I am waiting for the day that they install a 'tip-slot' in the ATMs
for the the guys that do all the work behind the scenes, or in Sheldon's
case - when they put a 'tip jar' on the counter for the tellers at the
bank? Oh, wait, I am sure he tips the tellers already...
--
Cheers
Chatty (Cheapskate) Cathy
ChattyCathy
>
> In 1964 I was a Lockhead Martin Marrietta engineer, it was well known
> throughout the industry that we refered to ourselves as Lockheads, as
> in stubbornly argumentitive... we certainly weren't heedful types..
> ever you encounter an engineer who is heedful they're unqualified.
And all this time I thought you were a Rocket Scientist and of course a Chef
in your spare time. Who knew?
Nancy2
> Nancy2 wrote:
>
> > It's all in the local custom, Shel - as others have said - and how you
> > feel about what you got for the money and if you're talking about the
> > contractor, or the subs....
>
> > My kitchen remodel cost less than $15,000 and took about 3 weeks.
> > Believe me, the contractor and his sole helper got plenty for the
> > hours they put in.
>
> > My current contractor (finish carpenter) makes about $500 a day for 6
> > hours - I don't think I need to tip him at all ---
>
> to be done, the materials to be used and the price and terms of payment. I do not tip
> store clerks, doctors, dentists or gas station attendants. Why should I be expected to
> tip a contractor or his workers. As I suggested before, if the workers do a good job
> and finish it quickly the contractor can give them a bonus. Finishing up quickly and
> not having to go back to repair problems frees them up to do another job.
My kitchen contractor quoted me a firm price. My floor guy (new
carpet or inlaid vinyl or Dura-ceramic tile on all the floors) quoted
me a firm price, including labor.
My other contractors since then (2 of them), both finish carpenters,
to replace all the woodwork, trim and windows, have not quoted me
labor (they charge for time, not by the job), and I don't mind. I
know they aren't about to waste their time, I know/knew them both
well, and their work was the best I've ever seen. If they don't tell
me up front how much it will cost for labor to replace a window, I
don't really care, because I can estimate it pretty well. I already
know what the materials will cost (and have paid for them
separately).
But that's here, in a smallish city in the midwest. I can't speak for
any other location.
N.
Nancy2
>
> - Show quoted text -
I'll send you pics, Shel - it included all new appliances (GE and
Whirlpool, I didn't skimp, either), new floor, new windows, new walls,
brand-new top of the line cabinets (maple) that go to the ceiling, new
lights (compliments of my electrician son) in addition to a new dormer
over the kitchen double window because of a load-bearing beam that was
in the way. The addition of the dormer, it's insulation and roof, and
outside siding, and the installation of a new beam is part of the 3-
week duration - it was unforeseen and extra. My guy owned his own
contracting business and had one helper for part of the time. Period.
My kitchen is only 10 x 13, and there is no room for an island or
anything extra. I have cabinets on two walls, plus a small pantry
closet. Oh, and a pocket door between it and dining room.
It's very easy for you to sit out there in New York and pass judgment
on things you know nothing about and make sweeping generalizations
that have nothing to do with reality here in Iowa. In this case, you
are very wrong about your assumptions, but you go ahead and think what
you like.
N.
Nancy2
> "Sheldon" <PENMAR...@aol.com> wrote
>
> - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
One thing that is important is to ALWAYS pay the bills as soon as you
get them.
I know I'm doing things right (for the last 2 years) with my projects,
because the contractors (who aren't "bosses" in the true big-company
sense of the word, but rather work right alongside their respective
helpers) take my calls with no hesitation and want to know what's next
on the list and what work schedule did I have in mind, so they could
fit my projects into their schedules. (Even if they made that up to
make me feel important, it turned out to be the way they worked, so I
was pleased.)
The original kitchen contractor has continued to help me buy other
case goods directly from the manufacturer, so I don't have to pay
showroom prices to go through a particular shop. And, in fact, the
owner of the local flooring shop where I picked out all my floor
coverings, and who arranged the labor (same two guys every time) sent
ME a gift card for a local landscape/plant nursery, thanking me for
the business. That's the first time I've ever had that happen.
N.
Nancy Young
> I'll send you pics, Shel - it included all new appliances (GE and
> Whirlpool, I didn't skimp, either), new floor, new windows, new walls,
> brand-new top of the line cabinets (maple) that go to the ceiling, new
> lights (compliments of my electrician son) in addition to a new dormer
> over the kitchen double window
Okay, forget him, what about me?? I love kitchen pictures.
rjyn...@comcast.net if you don't mind.
nancy
Sheldon
I won't even respond to such inane nonsense other than to say you've
again reinforced my point: "the vast majority of folks will
TFM®
"ChattyCathy" <cath...@mailinator.com> wrote in message
news:dR7fk.89335$7v1....@newsfe30.ams2...
> Gregory Morrow wrote:
>
>>
>> Yup, Sheldon's post should be ratified by the Congress and amended to the
>> US
>> Consitution...what he sez is spot - on. It's just common sense, but MANY
>> folks lack common sense...especially when it comes to "greasing" the
>> "goose", so to speak...
>>
>> ;-)
>
> I have never tipped contractors 'helpers' for the simple reason that
> they've
> never deserved it. IME, unless there's been a contractor/supervisor on
> site, they did a little as possible and took as long as possible to do it.
I guess you've never had a job done well then.
As a hired hand working for a contractor I appreciate the shit out of
anything extra in the way of a tip the homeowner decides to give out.
I work closely with the homeowners on all remodels and I generally have
their phone number and they have mine.
You can bet your ass I'll answer the phone a lot quicker and come running if
there's a problem if they're not skinflint, demanding bastards.
You would most likely get my voicemail.
TFM®
TFM®
"Nancy Young" <rjy...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:tbednZBbCtImieDV...@comcast.com...
> Nancy2 wrote:
>
>> I'll send you pics, Shel - it included all new appliances (GE and
>> Whirlpool, I didn't skimp, either), new floor, new windows, new walls,
>> brand-new top of the line cabinets (maple) that go to the ceiling, new
>> lights (compliments of my electrician son) in addition to a new dormer
>> over the kitchen double window
>
> Okay, forget him, what about me?? I love kitchen pictures.
May I see as well?
TFM®
Dave Smith
>
> > OTOH, the expectation of tips is just another way of weaselling more money out of
> > customers. �We are expected to pay extra for food and services because we don't want
> > to pay high prices for things and there is sometimes not enough profit margin for
> > owners to pay their staff well, or the owners just stuff their own pockets and stiff
> > their staff.
> >
> > When it comes to the topic of tipping contractors, you have the option of signing on
> > with someone who pays their staff well and then passes on the labour costs to the
> > customer, or you can go with the one who undercuts the competition by paying his
> > workers less and then �we can tip the workers so that we can feel better about
> > ourselves.
>
> I won't even respond to such inane nonsense other than to say you've
> again reinforced my point: "the vast majority of folks will
> manufacture any excuse to butress their cheap bastardness".
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Most people will also get multiple quotes and then go with the cheapest
bidder. Rather than pay a grand or two more for a quality contractor who will pay a decent
wage they will go with the guy who uses the cheap labour and pat yourselves on the back for
giving a tip that is a fraction of the extra they would have had to pay the other
contractor. It's just like the people who don't want to have service charges included in
restaurant bills because they delude themselves into thinking that they are getting a better
deal because they don't see the service charge on the bill, and the servers have to throw
themselves at the mercy of their customers to supplement their meagre wages.
BTW.... we are talking *contractors* here.... people /companies who *contract* to do
specific work for a specific price. They stand to gain a lot more from a good recommendation
than they do from a tip. They will make more on the next job that they are referred to than
from a tip.
Dave Smith
> > never deserved it. IME, unless there's been a contractor/supervisor on
> > site, they did a little as possible and took as long as possible to do it.
>
> I guess you've never had a job done well then.
>
> As a hired hand working for a contractor I appreciate the shit out of
> anything extra in the way of a tip the homeowner decides to give out.
Would you not also appreciate a bonus from the boss for a job well done?
> I work closely with the homeowners on all remodels and I generally have
> their phone number and they have mine.
>
> You can bet your ass I'll answer the phone a lot quicker and come running if
> there's a problem if they're not skinflint, demanding bastards.
>
> You would most likely get my voicemail.
>
LOL sounds like the landscaper that my brother had to fire. He was never able to
get hold of him to find out why they never showed up the next day, or the 3 days
after.... until he got fired. All of a sudden he was over there in a flash to
try to finish the job. The person who made the mistake of recommending him got
on the phone to others who she had given his name to and warned them not to
hire him.
Janet
"TFM®" <hillbi...@tampabay.rr.com> wrote in message
news:487cde11$0$15568$ec3e...@news.usenetmonster.com...
>
>> Just as restaurant staff discuss the various customer's behavior and
>> tipping habits so do all the local building trades people. After a
>> day's labor they all meet at their favorite watering hole (workers and
>> bosses alike) where they discuss in minute detail the various
>> homeowners they are doing jobs for in the community, they compare
>> notes and word gets around about who is a PITA and who is a cheap
>> bastard... watch out the next time you need a job done, you will
>> definitely be quoted higher prices and they will rip you off every
>> which way they can, with inferior materials and slipshod workmanship.
>> And you'll never know you're being singled out to charge more and give
>> less, because every contractor and construction worker, from
>> landscaper to roofer, within a hundred mile radius will know you're
>> cheap. The contractors have to keep their workers, so they'll charge
>> the cheapskates more and give the workers the extra bonus you should
>> have given, the workers need the contractors to succeed too... and so
>> the workers and contractors develop even more of a bond to screw the
>> cheapsters. And in fact the contractors will add onto the price three
>> times the tip you should have given, so by not tipping you screw
>> yourself in more ways than you can imagine... the contractor will have
>> no qualms about pulling his workers off a cheapskate's job to expedite
>> a job where the customer is generous.
>
> I've been a carpenter in various forms all my working life. (I'm 41 now)
> Every word Sheldon said above is true.
<snip>
>> You'll get a much nicer recommendation around town if you tip the
>> workers cash enough to at least pay an evening's tab at the watering
>> hole. Anyone thinks the local trades people don't discuss their
>> customers is very ignorant... and when I say discuss I mean DISCUSS,
>> from the size of your tits to the size of your tips.
>
> Those details are discussed on the job as well. Out of earshot of said
> homeowner.
>
>
>
> TFM®
Charging a fair price and getting paid promptly should be adequate
recompense for anyone with any self respect.
Luckily, we deal with mostly self-employed people whom we treat with
respect. They give us a price, we don't haggle, they show up and do the work
well and we pay them right away. End of story. Somehow we don't have any
trouble getting them to come back, despite the fact that we aren't "tipping"
them or their occasional helpers.
Janet
So the only people whom you treat decently are those who offer you bribes?
Janet
> "Janet" wrote:
>>
>> I have a small business, and I hired some seasonal help last year. (A
>> young
>> couple in financial straits that I knew in another context.) The first
>> day,
>> I discovered that they hadn't brought lunch, so I offered the makings for
>> wraps or sandwiches and let them serve themselves.
>>
>> They proceeded to assume that I was going to provide lunch for them every
>> day.
>
> Obviously *your* miscommunication or lack thereof... yours is a food
> business where sandwiches are served,
> how can you not assume without
> saying anything to the contrary that your feeding them sandwiches for
> lunch was not construed to be a job perk... besides, it's traditional
> for food service employees to eat for free.
How did you come up with that idea? My business is in my house, so I was
offering them food from my family refrigerator.
Janet
"Becca" <becca...@hal-pc.organ> wrote in message
news:6e48v4F...@mid.individual.net...
> Janet wrote:
>>> Color me Cheap, but I wouldn't be tipping anybody. It's a job they are
>>> paid to do and last I knew, construction workers were well paid. I'd
>>> probably give them a jar of jam and my deep thanks with appreciation.
>>
>> Me too.
>>
>>> I don't tip the people at the local Caribou (coffee house), either.
>>
>> I tip coffee house people because I'm assuming they are making food
>> service wages.
>>
>> young couple in financial straits that I knew in another context.) The
>> first day, I discovered that they hadn't brought lunch, so I offered the
>> makings for wraps or sandwiches and let them serve themselves.
>>
>> They proceeded to assume that I was going to provide lunch for them every
>> lunch to anyone. (The other seasonal workers I hired--the really good
>> ones--always brought their own lunches as a matter of course.)
>
> Are you in Texas? Were your seasonal workers Hispanic? Been there, done
> that, got the t-shirt.
>
> Becca
No, I'm in Maine and none of them were Hispanic.