By Stephen Davis
Special to Relocation.com
Determining the right tip for a mover is a difficult question for someone who is moving for the first time. How much is too much? This question cannot be answered right away. Although it is completely up to you to choose the ceiling amount, but you should know when you are paying less.
In the moving business, a tip is considered to be something extra. Professional movers do not expect everyone to give a tip. They already have their commission settled on other terms with their employer. However, tips are regarding as a token of appreciation for the hard work the crew puts in for your move. It is also helpful for the company itself as it helps them analyze the performance of their staff.
Good moving companies spend considerable money and effort on training their staff. A good tip indicates that the management did a good job in training their team.
So how do you determine if the crew who helped you move is worthy of a tip?
Here are a few guidelines to help you out:
• How hard is the work?
The first thing that you need to realize is how hard your particular job is. This includes factors like the location of your apartment, the amount of items you have, the weight or complexity of the items being moved and any special handling items that you may have. The movers may have to tackle a lot of stairs, or have to carry heavy boxes, or take time in moving sensitive and fragile items. Rate it on a scale of 5.
• The crew and their working condition.
The next factor is the working condition of the crew. What time is it? Is the crew working early in the morning? Is it late at night? Or is it another regular day move?
Working at odd hours is difficult and needs extra effort.
Also is any member of the crew ill or working under some special circumstances?
Make sure that you take these factors in account by rating on a scale of 5.
• Are they working extra?
Some crews are really helpful and will go the extra mile to make things easy for you. They might help you clean the place before you lock it up or help you decorate and arrange your new home. Any extra effort needs to be awarded.
• How happy are you with their work?
If you were to rate their work, what would you rate them on a scale of 5? Were they exemplary or were they careless and totally unacceptable? On average, a crew will just get the work done, which is 3 out of 5.
So now to the numbers. A typical tip should be around $20 per person for work done satisfactorily, which will be a score of 3 in each of the 4 categories. The proper way to give the tip is to give the money to the supervisor who will then distribute it among the crew.
For really exemplary work on a very hard move, the tip can be up to $100 per person, but again that is up to you to decide.
The most important thing is to treat the crew in a dignified and respectable way. Keep them supplied with drinks and water at all times and offer them snacks at intervals. Take charge of their meals as well. Keeping the crew happy will give you the best results. In the end, it is your work that will get done properly.