Do you tip your installer?

[dlarruso]

My installer is coming on July 14th to hook up my 625 and satellite, I want the job to be done nice- He may have to pull some cable (and lay new stuff)from the feedback I got from an earlier post.

Is it proper for me to give the guy/gal a tip? HOw much $10-$20? Should I give it to him or her upfront so as to motivate the individual to do a good job?
THanks

 

[Sapient]

I didn't tip for either installation I had. Maybe I should have. I am pretty clueless when it comes to such things.

But I would not tip before hand. My first installer was terrible, and would not have been any better if he had been given some money up front. The second one was great, and could not have been any better if I had given him money. If you want to get better service, be very polite and respectful. People want to be nice to people who are nice to them. And don't call the place I called the first time. Bunch of jerks, they were.

 

[Pils]

I don't believe they are allowed to accept a tip but I went ahead and tipped our guy. I don't see in tipping if they work directly for E*, but if a contractor I would depending on the result. My guy did a great job with very good attention to detail. I showed him where to install and we bounced questions off each other to make sure what I like before drilling holes where ever and to make sure it works for him too. The guys who don't work for E* could use the extra cash I believe because it doesn't sound like they get compensated too well.

 

[BFG]

I tipped my guy when he was leaving because he was there for a long time and I feel he did a great job and went beyond what a normal install would cover. He climbed in my attic, fished the cables down and was great.

 

[Need]

I always tip. The amount depends on how hard and how long the job is. I don't tip before hand though. I offer them sodas or drinks during the installation. I tip before they leave and ask for a phone number I could reach them at if I have any problem with it.

 

[Kaydigi]

I tipped my installer. I even tip waitresses on pickup orders if the restaurant is empty.

 

[CDH]

I tipped the guy who did my recent Dish install $25.

CDH.

 

[Mr Tony]

the last time I had a dish installation I tipped them

 

[dfergie]

The only time I ever had an installer was my first BUD... And we helped him put my 10' fiberglass dish togather and put on pole... don't remember if we tipped him or not...

 

[bhchan]

they made me fill out a questionaire that said "No, I did not give the installer any monetary compensation" or words to those effect.

So I bought the installer lunch. But since I was busy watching my new HD tv, I asked if he'd mind if he go pick up lunch himself and I just give him the $20.

 

[ShadowEKU]

My installer was a man and his very pregnant wife... they did a GREAT job (this was when i had Dish) so i gave them 20 bucks afterward and drinks while they were here. I offered lunch but they had eaten on the way out.

 

[Matt]

the last installer, who admitted that my receiption on my Super dish (110,119,121)was bad, not because of a tree, but because the reflector was bent from the beginning and exchanged it after nearly 3 months , received a very big smile from me. Since her didn't accept any tip, I think he found something in his pocket, after he got home.
Matt

 

[SimpleSimon]

Tips are appreciated - and should be given when the job is done well.

Everyone above has made some good points.

I always talk things over with the customer first, spend the time to teach them about their system, and leave cards - referrals are nice!

How much should you tip? That depends - custom work? Tall ladder? Other grief?
$20 is probably average.

Of course, if the installer is named Simon and hands you a card that's red white and blue, the tip should always be a Franklin or two.

 

[homthtr]

As an installer we always welcome tips. We take great pride in all of our installations and if you feel we have gone above and beyond your expectations we welcome your tips. Many installers are paid near minimum wage, running thier personal vechiles, using their own suppied tools etc. The price of gas alone is killing many of them. The Average tip we receive is anywhere from $20-$100, $20-50 being the norm depending on the difficulty of the installation, weather conditions, etc. But remember tips are not required by anyone, but it does filter down.. if an installer gets a tip for doing a good job he will most likely, first of all, did a better than expected job, has been doing so for some time, and will continue to his/her next installation with a positive attitude. I always tip any installation that happens at our home be it siding, windows, roof, furnace repair etc.. but again only with the tech has done the job 110%.

 

[hometheaterman]

I didn't but should have and now wish I had. My installer did a good job. He was very nice and answered any questions I had about installing them. He also was out there doing it in the freezing cold while it was snowing. I didn't think he would still come but he showed up and asked if I was ready to have it installed. Me being suprised asked if he still did it in the snow he told me it didn't matter it was up to me. It was a good install and I got great signal afterwards.

 

[Mark_AR]

I did when my installer was done. He did an excellent job. Since he is local to me, I have visited with him several times and when I need anything, I can go to him and he treats me very well.

I just had him make me some new RG6 cables because I wanted to move my 522 about 12 feet from the current location. He charged me a fair price for the cable and connectors and I gave him a few bucks extra for coffee or a burger.

It is surprising what a few dollars can do for repeat service.

I hope you get a good installer. Tip afterward *IF* you feel that the job was done right and all your questions were answered. If you get a brush off, then save the tip for yourself.

 

[kbohip]

Tips are appreciated - and should be given when the job is done well.

Everyone above has made some good points.

I always talk things over with the customer first, spend the time to teach them about their system, and leave cards - referrals are nice!

How much should you tip? That depends - custom work? Tall ladder? Other grief?
$20 is probably average.

Of course, if the installer is named Simon and hands you a card that's red white and blue, the tip should always be a Franklin or two.

Lol, I'd love to have you as an installer Simon. You're almost close enough too. You'd bet you'd get a good tip from me.

 

[Peter Parker]

Tips are appreciated - and should be given when the job is done well.

Everyone above has made some good points.

I always talk things over with the customer first, spend the time to teach them about their system, and leave cards - referrals are nice!

How much should you tip? That depends - custom work? Tall ladder? Other grief?
$20 is probably average.

Of course, if the installer is named Simon and hands you a card that's red white and blue, the tip should always be a Franklin or two.

I agree with everything you said-----well maybe not the last paragraph----but I don't balmea guy for trying.

 

[rhasselbaum]

The installer I had was fantastic, and although I practically tried shoving some extra cash into his hand, he would not take it. Amazing. I wish I had more business to send his way...

 

[SimpleSimon]

Lol, I'd love to have you as an installer Simon. You're almost close enough too. You'd bet you'd get a good tip from me.

I AM close enough.