"Gloria P" wrote in message
news
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.



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

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

"Janet Baraclough" wrote in message
...
The message
from "MareCat" contains these words:

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.

I never tip contractors; I pay on the nail (a welcome novelty to
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

Gloria P wrote:
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.

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.

These days especially I'm sure they would like cold hard cash.
You don't even know if they live locally.

nancy

Sheldon 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.

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.

Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:

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.

On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:52:07 -0400, Billy Hereiam@hotmaildotcom
wrote:

On Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:18:13 -0400, "MareCat"
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

"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.

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.

On Jul 14, 5:49*pm, "cshenk" 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

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"
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

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

On Jul 14, 7:51�pm, "Nancy Young" wrote:
Gloria P wrote:
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.
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.

These days especially I'm sure they would like cold hard cash.
You don't even know if they live locally.

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.

aem wrote:
"cshenk" 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. �

TIAD...

When someone is working at our place I always tell them to feel free to come
in and use the bathroom--since I know that is an issue sometimes--but they
almost never do.

In article ,
"MareCat" 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

On Jul 14, 2:18*pm, "MareCat" 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

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?

On Mon 14 Jul 2008 07:26:39p, Melba's Jammin' told us...

In article ,
"MareCat" 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
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Monday, 07(VII)/14(XIV)/08(MMVIII)
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Difficile est satura non scribere --
It is difficult not to write satire.
--Juvenal
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