really really off-topic: tipping movers

[blue_angel]

I'm guessing that some of you have undertaken long-distance moves before, and have maybe hired professional movers. The only ever movers I've hired were for an in-town move and the whole thing took less than 4 hours. This time I'm moving 1200 miles away, with a bunch of furniture, and hired full-service movers (they do the trucking too).

My question is: how much do I tip two guys who will load my stuff into the truck in MI, drive that truck non-stop down to FL, and then unload my stuff into the new house? That's almost 36 hours of non-stop work for them (they sleep in shifts in their trailer cabin). Normally I'd tip around 10% for something like this, but that would make it a $450 tip! But maybe that's just what it should be... Advice appreciated.

[indysteel]

I've always tipped my movers, but all my jobs have been local and, quite honestly, I can't remember how much I've given them. I did a google search and read that the industry standard is 5%. If you use that as a guide, then you'be be talking in the neighborhood of $225. It seems to me that if you have them each $100 bill, they'd be happy with that, but if you want to split the difference, give them $120 each. I tend to think that's pretty generous.

[Irulan]

I might tip someone I hired to help me for the day, but I've never tipped pros on a long distance move. And I've had a few.

[Jen12]

I've always tipped my movers, but all my jobs have been local and, quite honestly, I can't remember how much I've given them. I did a google search and read that the industry standard is 5%. If you use that as a guide, then you'be be talking in the neighborhood of $225. It seems to me that if you have them each $100 bill, they'd be happy with that, but if you want to split the difference, give them $120 each. I tend to think that's pretty generous.

I agree that $100 each seems very generous. I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that a tip is just that - a tip. It's a little extra "thank you" for the personal touch. The service industry in the US definitely underpays many of it's workers, and that's not right, but it's also not right that the customer is looked to to make up for the difference. So, yes, a 5% tip on an expensive service seems adequate and very kind.

[indysteel]

I agree that a tip is just a tip, but when it's for hard work and manual labor, I don't have a problem with a healthy tip. We are talking about 36 hours of work and all of her earthly possessions. My husband's a total cheapskate and even said that $100 seemed fair. I've used movers many a time. They work hard for sure.

[Crankin]

We gave a healthy tip and bought them pizza for lunch.

[bmccasland]

First off I've had government moves - which means I have no say in the contractors, nor do I see the cost of the move until months later.

One move will involve: packers, long haul trucker, destination unload crew.

So are you suggesting I tip the packers, the trucker, and the destination crew? On load and un-load I have offered to run for refreshments, and driven everyone to a fast-food restaurant for lunch.

If my Louisiana house ever sells, I'll finally get to buy something local. I do have the last crew's name and a cost estimate for the job when I'm ready for them to do a local move (I pack, they haul). I got the idea that the entire job would be under the table - although I'll be paying by check because I don't want the risk of having a large amount of cash around the house or in my purse for any length of time.

[indysteel]

I'm not suggesting you have to tip. A tip is appreciated, but it's not intended to be mandatory. But if it were me, I'd try to pay a small percentage of the cost to all involved.

[NbyNW]

I do have the last crew's name and a cost estimate for the job when I'm ready for them to do a local move (I pack, they haul). I got the idea that the entire job would be under the table - although I'll be paying by check because I don't the risk of having a large amount of cash around the house or in my purse for any length of time.

I'd be careful with an under-the-table arrangement, even if I felt comfortable with the crew. You just never know. What about insurance? You'd want the coverage if someone were to get hurt or any of your stuff went missing.

[blue_angel]

Thanks for all of your responses. I'm probably going to give them $100 each--that seems reasonable to me.