Is It Necessary to Tip Service People? How Much?

Wow I've never heard of tipping service people (unless they realllly went above and beyond)... an offer of the bathroom, drinks, and maybe cookies/fruit/snacks would really make their day. I have family in various service industries and they've said just a few kind words and a drink/snack really makes their days.

I do not tip service men. I really don't think it is necessary.

The only people I have tipped are movers and the man who spent 4 months finishing my basement. He did such a wonderful job.

If you wanted to give a tip to someone who comes regularly, how about a gift card during the holidays?

Hope this helps.

I agree, and I tip a lot, and generously. Offer them a drink of water or a cup of coffee. It will probably be more courtesty than they recevie most days.

nope. a sincere thank you, and an offer of a cup of coffee (and the restroom!) are nice, but no tips necessary. save 'em for your waitstaff and personal grooming folks.
khairete
S.

That thought never even crossed my mind. I tip mainly only the people who do my hair and nails. Other than that, the people are getting paid to do a job, I don't think it's necessary to tip above and beyond their salary. Though I would love a tip jar on my desk! I agree that if it is someone you see on a regular basis, add them to your Christmas card list :).

It is not neccessary!! Great advice about being thoughtful and offering drinks and bathroom.

And I think it is great to tip the regulars like mailman, bug guy once a year at Christmas.
You have to do what you feel great about:)

I have never tipped them. If it is someone regular I gife them extra at Christmas time but that is all.

If the job was above and beyond I will tip, but otherwise not normally. One thing to consider is if they are an employee (I am more apt to tip) vs the owner. It is not ecxpeceted to tip if they own the business, they set the rates and normally do not expect tips. My Sears man who comes is not allowed to accept tips, but hte guy who cleans my couches (I paid for the warentte) goes above and beyond and cleans the whole thing if there is just one spot, so he gets a tip!
K.

No, their job is not dependent on tips, like a waiter or hair dresser. It's not necessary.

I don't tip but I always offer them something to drink/bathroom, etc. Whenever I offer them an ice water/gatorade, etc they seem shocked. I don't think I've ever had one turn me down. They always say how nice it is to be treated so kindly...I think in their profession they probably deal with a lot of grumpy people because they're usually coming out to fix something that's broken and the homeowners are annoyed. Sometimes it's not about the money, but just about remembering to be kind.

Hi! I feel the same way many times, especially when you watch someone doing something for a length of time. These occupations do get a regular pay and usually beneftis so is not a tipping service. I will say though that a word of thanks ofcourse is always appreciated. My husband is in the service industry. I will say though that he DOES occaisionally receive a tip, and he is very appreciative of it especially if it was a very dirty or out of the ordinary job. Sometimes a job intails more than a quick turn of a screwdriver. Consider the job done and conditions it was done in (extreame weather, middle of the night and with a smile, very involved, goes over & beyond) and if you have an extra $5 (I know it's hard today) and feel compeled - the tech will probably turn it down but regardless will feel lots of gratitude.