How Much to Tip Movers?

Cost Tipping Long Distance Movers or Locally

 

1. Should You Tip Movers or Do You Think It's Included?

It has become a routine in our society to leave tips for people. Sometimes, we feel as though the people to whom we give tips haven't exactly earned their gratuity. Or, we call into question why we are tipping someone for doing something so simple. Many people often ask this question, particularly when it comes to tipping your movers. Some avoid tipping because they don't want to pay even more for something which has already cost so much. Yes, moves are rather pricey. Yet, think about how much the movers are actually doing for you (and in such a short amount of time). Doesn’t it make sense to give them a little something in return for their hard work?

2. Consider the Constant Heavy Labor

A mover's job is one of the most strenuous jobs to do day in and day out. The constant heavy lifting for many days in a row can take a serious toll on the body. The tips a mover collects are well-earned and are generally less than the wage they make to help people move. Do the right thing: tip a mover for a job well done. The amount doesn't have to be extravagant, but enough to show how much you appreciate their efforts, tipping professional movers is a good way to show gratitude for how much the movers have done for you. 

Should You Give A Tip To Your Movers? (Video)


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3. Labor and Hours are Crazy for Movers

A typical whole-house kind of local move may last upwards of eight hours. Sometimes, though, larger moves will last upwards of 24 hours.This is a crazy amount of time to be working, even if your moving team may have acclimated themselves to such conditions. Movers with these types of jobs may be working long hours for little pay. Because of this, tips for movers are an essential factor in how they make money. Moving crews in the service moving industry always appreciate a good tip every now and then. 

Larger moving service and storage companies may refuse a tip given to them. Movers from small companies, though, may linger around after the move in hopes of receiving a tip. Or, they may even ask for a tip. Tipping piano movers seem like a reasonable thing to do, considering what they did for you.The job may have included tasks like carrying heavy items up long driveways or flights of stairs, in the heat, for the entire day. Or, you may want to just show your appreciation for a mover who was courteous and helpful.

4. Studies on Tipping Movers

People who have analyzed movers have found that a fair amount to tip falls somewhere in the 5% range. This is actually reasonable tipping amount, provided what we have already talked about. Think about it: that is only $25 for a move which is $500 in total moving costs.A recent survey by Moving Authority found that people who use cross country moving service had mixed feelings about tipping. The survey deduced that about 75% of all participants tipped their movers. Even with this finding, the dollar amount which people preferred to tip varied. About 39% of people surveyed reported that they tipped their moves 10%. A smaller amount of people (about one-fourth of the people who tip) said that they leave about a 20% tip. Around 17% of the responders said that they prefer to tip by the hour. A very small fraction of people pays workers a flat rate for the entire move (per person).

5. Should I Tip in Cash?

It may seem to you that cash tipping is a little less than decent for movers. Tipping doesn't always have to refer to a monetary gift. People find it decent to offer cold drinks like water, sports drinks, or sodas on a hot day. On colder days or snowy days, people offer coffee or tea to the movers. People may also offer food instead of a cash tip. Ideal foods to offer movers include pizza, sandwiches, or other energizing meals.
 
It's recommended to reward the movers, considering they provided safe transport and no losses or damage to your fragile items. Their positive attitude may also be an incentive to tip, whether it be cash or refreshment.

 

Providing a reward to a professional mover is an instinctive form of etiquette for many consumers, though some may tip simply to avoid awkwardness, while still others ignore the practice altogether.

6. Tips Should Be Earned, Not Expected 

You should tip movers not only because it is customary, but it is also fair. Some people or companies may go as far as saying that tipping is mandatory. Although, if a mover was rude or underperformed, there are different circumstances. They deserve a penalty for such behavior. Sometimes, movers who are veterans of the service industry might value quantity over quality of service. Finishing a job quickly may be more important to them, as opposed to getting things done the right way.

7. Tipping Long Distance Movers

People who use movers for long distance moves have a different situation when it comes to tipping. Many people who wish to tip their movers by the hours that they worked, as opposed to percentages. Tipping in this way can do more to help out movers who need the money. This is especially true if they're spending their own money on food and supplies for the trip. It's also important to take the difficulty of a move into account when deciding how much to tip movers. If your move requires more heavy lifting than usual, you should consider increasing your tip rate. 

8. Tip Only Once the Move is Complete

A common misconception arises when people consider tipping their movers. Most people consider it wise to tip the movers before they begin working. Yet, this doesn't make much sense. Think about it: would you ever give a stranger money for doing nothing? Of course not. Before the move begins, the movers are essentially strangers to you, so giving them money is not smart. Tipping after the move is complete gives the movers an incentive to work hard during the move. But again, it's never a bad idea to give the guys some food and drinks during the move to keep their energy up. 

How Much To Tip Movers

9. Tips Aren't Exclusive 

How much do you tip movers? Many people seem to forget that tipping is not exclusive to restaurants and bars. Many people have tipped for all kinds of services and generally do so without hesitation. The upside of a quality tip is that you'll give your movers a positive attitude to your environment. By tipping your mover, you may also be making their day. What may seem like a small tip could actually make a big difference in their day. Everyone likes having hard work validated, and you never know when they need some extra cash. Do you tip movers at the end of the day as a reward for the hard work they have given you? 

10. Consider How They Might Feel

If you don't tip your mover, you may leave your movers feeling upset. This is especially true if they usually receive tips from customers after a move. Failing to tip can also affect their bottom line, as some movers rely on tips to be able to pay their bills each month. Some movers may be unable to cover their expenses, such as buying food during moving jobs. If you are unable to provide a tip, providing snacks and beverages while they work can make a difference. Not only is it a kind gesture, but it can sometimes mean the difference between lunch during a day of hard labor. It is important to note that not all movers who work in the industry make a proper wage. Some movers may earn money per job, or given limited hours to work. Not having a tip or more income may put them in a stressful situation.

11. Frequently Asked Questions 

  • Q: Is it customary tipping home movers?
A:   A proffesional moving company doesn't usually ask for a tip. Customers usually give out tips to their movers depending on how satisfied they are. When moving, tip movers if you are able to because they will greatly appreciate it. 

  • Q: How much should you tip your movers?
A: There is not a set percent or price that customers usually tip their moving help. A customer bases the tip on how much they think their movers deserve, or how much they are able to give their movers. Some follow the tipping etiquettes of restaurants or bars as guides to how they tip their movers. A certain percentage of the total cost to have the movers moving their stuff is used as the amount tip the customer will pay. Other customers like to tip based on what they think each move has helped out during a move. There is no one way to calculate the amount of tip you pay. To show appreciation for good services should I tip movers as much as I can.

  • Q: Does all of my tip only go to the employees that helped me move?
A:  The appropriate tip movers depends on the policy of the moving company. If you give a tip to a mover, they may be required to report the tip and hand it over to their management. If so, tips are often split between all employees who take part in helping customers move.

  • Q: What if I don't have much money how much do you tip movers?
A: Standard tip movers are not mandatory, so don't worry if you are unable to provide a tip to your mover. You can show your appreciation by giving other things such as snacks, food or beverages.  

  • Q: If I am receiving moving help from more than one person, who do I give the tip to?
A: If the company policy is to collect the tip first, then give the tip to the employee who is in charge of your move. If this isn't the case, split your tip between the employees who were helping you move.

  • Q: Do moving companies only accept cash for a tip?
A: Some are only able to accept cash but many are also able to charge a credit or debit card for a quick tip transaction. Another option is for your tipping moving services team to contact their management. You should then be able to provide your card information to give a tip to your movers.

  • Q: When should I tip during a move?
A: Customers how to tip your movers usually during the end of the move but it is not necessary to do so at the end. If you like, you may tip before or during the move.

  • Q: How much do I tip movers before or during a move?
An early tip may make them more efficient, effective and safe when packing moving your things. But, this could also erase the incentive to work hard during the job. You can tip after your things are packed at your old home and/or after your things are dropped off at your new home. If you are unsure when to how much to tip local movers, just tip at the end.