If you’re one of the thousands of Americans that plan to move this year, you may be wondering what the proper tipping etiquette is when hiring a professional moving company. Do movers expect a tip? Is the tip included in the cost of the move? Do pizza and beer count as a tip?
This month, E-Z Move answers all of these unavoidable tipping questions and more.
Should I Tip My Movers?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is customary in the moving industry. As with most other service-related industries, tipping is ultimately up to the individual customer. However, it is important to understand that like most service workers, professional movers depend largely on the tips they receive from customers.
Tipping is a way to show appreciation for a job well done. And while movers don’t normally expect a tip, it is definitely appreciated when given. We recommend that customers base their tip on job performance, customer service, as well as their own personal satisfaction with the job. If your movers went above and beyond their call of duty, for example, it would be appropriate to compensate the workers accordingly.
How Much Should I Tip My Movers?
When it comes to tipping your movers, the amount typically depends on the total cost of the move as well as the quality of the move. While there is no single “average tip” in the moving industry, it is widely accepted that tipping amounts for movers range from 5% of the total bill to $20 per individual.
If you’re asking movers to go out of their way for you or help you with any additional work, like last minute packing, or disassembling and assembling furniture, for example, you should consider increasing your tip amount.
Do food and drinks count as a tip? Some people prefer to buy their moving crew lunch instead of handing them cash directly. While this is certainly acceptable, we advise against giving your movers beer or other alcoholic beverages while on the job. Not only do most professional moving companies have strict rules about drinking on the job, but drinking can open up an array of liability issues.
When Should I Tip the Movers?
Like most other services, tipping should take place after the service is performed. We recommend that you tip your movers just as they are done moving you in. Your tip will serve as a satisfying reward after a long and physically demanding day.
Should you tip each mover individually or give the lump sum to the foreman or supervisor? This ultimately depends on your personal preference and preference of the moving company that you are working with. Some movers may view separate tips as a more personal way to recognize their individual efforts, while other movers prefer that tips are given to the lead mover to distribute among the team.
We recommend calling the moving company of your choice beforehand, and inquiring about their individual tipping policies. They should be able to answer all of your specific questions and concerns.
Professional Moving Services in Tucson, AZ
Moving? E-Z move can take you wherever you need to go. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you can rest easy knowing you’ll be in good hands from start to finish.
For more information on our packing and moving services, call us today at (520) 808-0347.