other than closing in on finito .......
the mechanic installing the cabinets had a busy day today as our house is anything but square or level anywhere. He'll be back tomorrow to finish installing cabinets, though doors and "extras" (trash etc.) will come later.
He was subtly campaigning for a tip today.

The appliances are being delivered in 2 shots also. 4 pieces tmrw and the fridge in a couple of weeks due to supply chain.

We live outside NYC on LI.
Would you; should I tip the mechanic and the truck driver?

If so, just once, or based on the work load?

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!#$@@$#!

never do yesterday or today what you can put off til tomorrow or next year.

Curious as to how he was "subtly campaigning". I think of tipping as making up for being otherwise under-compensated. Something tells me they're being paid fairly well as it is.

A tip?!! Heck, our contractor considered himself lucky to get paid for his work! Where in the world do you live?

I think this tipping thing is getting totally out of control. Your job was undoubtedly bid beforehand; if the guy needs more money, he needs to improve his bidding skills. No one should expect under the table incentives to do a job they're being paid to do. I realize there are some exceptions in the service industry, but a cabinet installer? He doesn't exactly fit my criteria for "service person", unless he's fixing lunch for everybody while he's having his own.

subtle, in that he was commenting on how much cutting had to be done to make things fit.
But of course that is part of the gig. However, our house is an 80 year old that was built as a cottage long before code.
the GC says $100 for the 3 of them (mechanic, helper, driver) would be fine.
I'm somewhat reluctant as I think that is part of the cabinet makers job in doing the install.

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!#$@@$#!

never do yesterday or today what you can put off til tomorrow or next year.

Exactly AlphaDog. Why tip? Are you going to use him again? If so does it matter?
Like AlphaDog mentioned, they are lucky to get paid. A few business owners I know get stiffed by arrogant homeowners who try to make any excuse they can to keep from paying.

One is in landscaping and another is a contractor. They seem to always be going to court to get paid.

EDIT: It is part of the cabinet installers job, each job unique. Some jobs are easy and others are harder. You paid for cabinets to be installed, not for a whiner to complain about getting paid more.


Carm



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/08/2007 08:11PM by Carm.

I suppose I shouldn't have been quite so flippant; I do pay!

I'm a little concerned that the GC (and I assume that means 'general contractor") supports this tipping. Why? I wouldn't think it's something he'd want to encourage. If he wants his subs tipped for their work, he can bury it in his bid and do it himself.

When I had people working around here on a job similar to yours, I did try to put out something for them as a snack occasionally - fresh cookies, stale cake, a bowl of candy out where they can find it, along with a note inviting them to have some.

As Carm said, jobs vary. A good contractor will adjust his bid in advance if a job looks as though it will be particularly challenging and take extra time and/or effort. I'm sure the guy isn't going to lose any money on this one; he'll get an easy one soon and more than make up for whatever he might feel he got shorted on yours.

Obviously you'll do what you think you must, but I wouldn't fork out more cash to reward someone just for doing their job.

I wish there were no tips and everyone would get paid by their employer for the job that they do, and not rely on tips.

space, that would be ideal, but some employers suck.
hmmmmmm, I'm inclined not to. As said, the price includes the install, whatever it takes.
The GC sees the "plight" but I know he wouldn't encourage or expect himself or his helper.

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!#$@@$#!

never do yesterday or today what you can put off til tomorrow or next year.

An experienced contractor would have realized that a house of your age/type would not be perfectly square or level and would have bid accordingly.
I believe it is normal to feel somewhat entitled after having exerted more effort than you normally do, but unless you actually did more than was required to complete the job you don't really deserve anything extra. If you feel that this person actually did more than was required to complete the task at hand or somehow exceeded your expectations I wouldn't tip.

Now being nice and offering snacks or something like that might be a better route to go. Show some appreciation for how difficult the job may be, but as long as they get paid they should be happy enough.

Heck, everyone in NYC expects a tip, including the panhandlers. But tipping the cabinet installers sounds like a unilateral price increase on your part. Why let the GC guilt you into paying him more? If he wants more money for the job, let him negotiate with you. Sounds like he underestimated the cost of installation, and if you give the installers $100, that's $100 he gets to keep on the profit side of the ledger.

I vote for no tip, for the reasons stated above. He bid a prfice for the job, and you accepted. That is a contrract.

Provide liquid refreshment, and perhaps offer to buy a pizza for their lunch, but that is it. The best thing you can do is make as easy as possible for them to work. Keep everything and everyone out of the work area as much as possible, including their trips out to the truck and back.

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Ed (modelamac)

I think I will just put an OUT OF ORDER
sticker on my head and call it a day.

no tip it is

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!#$@@$#!

never do yesterday or today what you can put off til tomorrow or next year.