Do You Tip One Time Gardening Service

Should you tip landscapers?

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prairieman: Posts: 439; Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2018 3:17 pm

Should you tip landscapers?

Post by prairieman » Wed May 06, 2020 4:45 pm

We are having major landscaping done - rock retaining wall, new patio, fixing a major drainage issue. We selected a fairly big company with bull-dozers and excavators. They have seemingly unlimited ability to replace clay with gravel and sand. The foreman assigned to our project works hard for long hours and has earned my respect - and also the respect of his crew who is always right there with him. Even my neighbors comment on how hard they work and how courteous and respectful they are to neighbors and onlookers.
I want to tip them but my wife (who is also impressed) wonders if that's "even a thing people do". Just looking for opinions and experiences. Have you tipped landscapers? Do you think one should?

"As long as the roots are not severed, all is well." Chauncey Gardner

ClevrChico: Posts: 2273; Joined: Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:24 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by ClevrChico » Wed May 06, 2020 4:53 pm

It's definitely not customary. I have received an iced tea, but never a tip when I mowed lawns.

Someone asked me the other day if they should tip their plumber. Independent master plumbers here charge $200+/hour for some projects. I said no. Save the tips for wait staff and bartenders.

Silk McCue: Posts: 6063; Joined: Thu Feb 25, 2016 7:11 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Silk McCue » Wed May 06, 2020 4:58 pm

It's not customary but if I were that impressed with them I certainly wouldn't hesitate, once the job was done, to thank them with cash while specifically recognizing their hard work and professionalism. Everyone can use cash.

Cheers

celia: Posts: 13569; Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2008 6:32 am; Location: SoCal

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by celia » Wed May 06, 2020 4:58 pm

You can always give them a 'bonus' but don't call it a 'tip'. How would you even ensure that everyone gets their share?

mptness: Posts: 189; Joined: Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:54 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by mptness » Wed May 06, 2020 5:08 pm

This may or not answer your question, but tipping can be an act of generosity which I find is always appreciated (especially by those not as fortunate as you).

Mr. Rumples: Posts: 1622; Joined: Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:16 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Mr. Rumples » Wed May 06, 2020 5:11 pm

If it was through a company which it sounds like, I would say no; unless one also tips roofers and so on. I do tip my yard guy every time; he does it as a weekend side job, does great work and charges about half of what others charge so even with the tip, I pay less and he's happy. (He now has 13 yards most weekends and don't want to lose him.)

If the crew is working hard, buy them all a pizza lunch with all the fixings.

If none of these ideas sound good, write a letter commending him (a letter not an email).

(We have energy lines running in the back of the neighborhood. When there was a huge storm a few years ago and crews came in from NC for a few days - we were without power for 5 days -, the neighbors bought them beer (hopefully drunk in their hotel), cookies and so on. They were most appreciative of the gestures.

"To be a Virginian either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Country, and a Benediction from Above."—Anonymous

tim1999: Posts: 3999; Joined: Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:16 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by tim1999 » Wed May 06, 2020 5:19 pm

If they did an exceptional job, I would have no problem tipping them. I'm usually pretty cheap but I have a soft spot for difficult manual labor done well. To have hard workers who are careful and courteous on a project like this can be somewhat of a rarity today. I'd probably hand it to the foreman at the end of the job in the presence of the other crew members, thank them for the great job and ask him to split it up among the crew.

This is a different situation than tipping a guy mowing your lawn every week; I would not tip for that type of thing.

Trader Joe: Posts: 2697; Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2014 6:38 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Trader Joe » Wed May 06, 2020 5:58 pm

prairieman wrote: ↑Wed May 06, 2020 4:45 pm We are having major landscaping done - rock retaining wall, new patio, fixing a major drainage issue. We selected a fairly big company with bull-dozers and excavators. They have seemingly unlimited ability to replace clay with gravel and sand. The foreman assigned to our project works hard for long hours and has earned my respect - and also the respect of his crew who is always right there with him. Even my neighbors comment on how hard they work and how courteous and respectful they are to neighbors and onlookers.
I want to tip them but my wife (who is also impressed) wonders if that's "even a thing people do". Just looking for opinions and experiences. Have you tipped landscapers? Do you think one should?

No. I never, ever tipped landscapers.

rjbraun: Posts: 1882; Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 8:22 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by rjbraun » Wed May 06, 2020 5:59 pm

Another option, either in lieu of or in addition to a tip, might be to provide a glowing online review, if that's an option. Of course, word-of-mouth referral(s) should also be highly appreciated, especially in the case of an independently-owned operation. If the team works for a company, maybe put in a good word with the boss / owner, etc.

Eta: I've never hired a landscaper so don't really know whether I would tip. I guess my gut is that I might not be inclined, as a general matter.

Last edited by rjbraun on Wed May 06, 2020 6:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.

mlcolorado: Posts: 41; Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2015 4:23 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by mlcolorado » Wed May 06, 2020 6:08 pm

We had $30,000 plus worth of landscaping work done last summer/fall. I was also very impressed with the crew that did the work. Took them about 3 weeks to complete the job. I worked on my own outside projects while they worked on the "big" project, so I was available to answer questions, make decisions, and observed them all day each day. I left them to do what they know how to do best, and only engaged when they asked. I gave the team leader $100, and each of the workers ( four of them) $50 on the last day as my expression of satisfaction with a job well done. Is it "normal", I have no idea, but it made me happy. They were surprised, and stated that this was not necessary, but they each accepted the "bonus" and I suspect they were pleased with my token expression of satisfaction. It was a nice experience all around.

Do what you want. It's your project and funds.

Nowizard: Posts: 3663; Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2007 5:33 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Nowizard » Wed May 06, 2020 6:13 pm

My view is that I know I am "odd" in terms of what is typically done. I'd like to think that means generally being more rather than less considerate. The one thing I do know is that the workers are typically less financially comfortable than I am, and they will always be appreciative of tips. I am discerning, but if workers have done a good job, I feel good about tipping and couldn't care less what is typical. I write letters to bosses quite often when service is atypical whether on the positive or negative side.

Tim

obgraham: Posts: 1345; Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 7:30 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by obgraham » Wed May 06, 2020 7:29 pm

I agree with "Tim" just below me. I recently had the landscape rock replaced in my Arizona condo. Hard and dirty work, and not something I'm able to do any more. Three guys shifted the full 2 truckloads in one long day's work. $100 wasn't a lot to me, but those guys certainly were appreciative.

Slowtraveler: Posts: 209; Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:21 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Slowtraveler » Wed May 06, 2020 7:37 pm

I've never heard of it. You could give a bonus if the job is well done and ahead of schedule. Far more common is to bring them some cold drink or food like lemonade or pizza.

Saving$: Posts: 2246; Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2011 8:33 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Saving$ » Wed May 06, 2020 7:41 pm

I was not sure a tip would actually get to each of the guys. So on the last day I took orders for a local burger/steak joint for lunch for each of them, so I know they each got a great lunch. Throughout I offered gatorade (their company supplied water). They were very appreciative and I got the impression most people they work for don't do this.

bottlecap: Posts: 6738; Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:21 pm; Location: Tennessee

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by bottlecap » Wed May 06, 2020 9:09 pm

You have absolutely no obligation to tip.

But you could, I suppose.

Or you could write a letter to their boss/company.

I usually got "tips" in lemonade and baked goods.

I'm sure the workers would appreciate it. I would make it a point of telling them that you were so impressed with their courteous demeanor and professional work ethic that you felt compelled to give them a little extra.

But telling their boss and providing glowing reviews and potential referrals would probably provide the most lasting help. What gives you more job security? A one-time tip or a great review and a recommendation for future business?

Sage16: Posts: 189; Joined: Sun Mar 27, 2016 11:06 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Sage16 » Wed May 06, 2020 9:19 pm

We normally put out a cooler each day filled with bottled water and an assortment of soft drinks for house painters, window installers, sprinkler installers, etc. We have brought in subway and McDonalds for lunch a few times for the crew. On a rare occasion we have tipped a small crew if they are the workers and we felt they worked hard and made a connection with us. But we never would tip the business owners.

Bogle on investing: Diversify, focus on low costs, invest for the long term. Don't speculate and don't be distracted by volatility.

unclescrooge: Posts: 5803; Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2012 7:00 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by unclescrooge » Wed May 06, 2020 10:45 pm

prairieman wrote: ↑Wed May 06, 2020 4:45 pm We are having major landscaping done - rock retaining wall, new patio, fixing a major drainage issue. We selected a fairly big company with bull-dozers and excavators. They have seemingly unlimited ability to replace clay with gravel and sand. The foreman assigned to our project works hard for long hours and has earned my respect - and also the respect of his crew who is always right there with him. Even my neighbors comment on how hard they work and how courteous and respectful they are to neighbors and onlookers.
I want to tip them but my wife (who is also impressed) wonders if that's "even a thing people do". Just looking for opinions and experiences. Have you tipped landscapers? Do you think one should?

They probably get paid $15-20/hour.

Today I had 4 guys spend an hour planting a 12ft tree in my backyard. They got a Gatorade and $5 each.

If they had spent more time I might have tipped but more. But tipping is a new thing for me. I figured I'm now at the point in my life where i can afford to tip and should start doing so more often.

I assume I will get more generous with age.

Nicolas: Posts: 3260; Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 7:41 am; Location: Ashtabula, 56th and Wabasha; Contact:

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Nicolas » Wed May 06, 2020 10:46 pm

I don't hire landscapers. But if I did, I wouldn't.

Last edited by Nicolas on Fri Jul 09, 2021 7:39 am, edited 3 times in total.

RustyShackleford: Posts: 1537; Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2007 12:32 pm; Location: NC

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by RustyShackleford » Wed May 06, 2020 11:34 pm

Nicolas wrote: ↑Wed May 06, 2020 10:46 pm I'm opposed to tipping.

Must be nice to be you.

I would consider it if it's grunts working for an employer that probably exploits, or at least underrpays, them; but not if it's a sole proprietor outfit like many around here.

P.S. Landscaping is a more dangerous job than being a police officer (which doesn't even make the top 10, contrary to popular belief).

phxjcc: Posts: 1091; Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2018 3:47 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by phxjcc » Thu May 07, 2020 2:03 am

Data point.
I just did a mid five figures re-landscaping, lighting, irrigation, turf, gravel, dozens of plants.
Complete lot scrape and start over.

The owner of the landscaping company was the foreman, supervisor.

I gave each of his 3 guys $20 bucks + we had pizza and cokes on the last day.
You would have thought I gave them $500.

I don't understand the "I got it--and you ain't gettin' any" approach of some here.

Really?

For $60, I feel like Rockefeller, AND they feel a little less like grunts.

I swear, some here have never really worked for a living.

Work:
"N, a unit of measure for moving an object over a distance. If the object does not move, no work is done."

Mr.BB: Posts: 1803; Joined: Sun May 08, 2016 10:10 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Mr.BB » Thu May 07, 2020 6:29 am

You could buy them lunch for the day instead of a direct tip.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

bottlecap: Posts: 6738; Joined: Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:21 pm; Location: Tennessee

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by bottlecap » Thu May 07, 2020 6:46 am

phxjcc wrote: ↑Thu May 07, 2020 2:03 am
I don't understand the "I got it--and you ain't gettin' any" approach of some here.

Really?

For $60, I feel like Rockefeller, AND they feel a little less like grunts.

No one said that. It just that that's not the type of "service" people tip for, nor are they expected to.

I've worked that type of work. I don't recall ever getting a tip. I did get a piece of homemade pie once. I remember that lady.

If I was ever unexpectedly offered money, I'd have probably refused out of loyalty and respect for my employer.

Maybe even out of respect for myself.

qball98: Posts: 3; Joined: Mon Mar 30, 2020 3:53 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by qball98 » Thu May 07, 2020 7:04 am

phxjcc wrote: ↑Thu May 07, 2020 2:03 am Data point.
I just did a mid five figures re-landscaping, lighting, irrigation, turf, gravel, dozens of plants.
Complete lot scrape and start over.

The owner of the landscaping company was the foreman, supervisor.

I gave each of his 3 guys $20 bucks + we had pizza and cokes on the last day.
You would have thought I gave them $500.

I don't understand the "I got it--and you ain't gettin' any" approach of some here.

Really?

For $60, I feel like Rockefeller, AND they feel a little less like grunts.

I swear, some here have never really worked for a living.

Work:
"N, a unit of measure for moving an object over a distance. If the object does not move, no work is done."

Excellent response! Been running a landscape business for 20+years and one thing I can tell you is some of you would be getting the additional PITA tax as I like to call it.

Topic Author prairieman: Posts: 439; Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2018 3:17 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by prairieman » Thu May 07, 2020 7:53 pm

I read all of the responses and still feel the need to go with my heart on this one. The foreman is not the owner of the company but is definitely a perfectionist. I believe the owner of the company gets the low bids partly because he has this crew working for him.
I will give the foreman a thank you card with $200 in it telling him to treat himself and the crew to something fun or nice. This is a small percentage of the cost of the project and, before posting this question, had been thinking of giving him something more.

"As long as the roots are not severed, all is well." Chauncey Gardner

SQRT: Posts: 1792; Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2011 9:44 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by SQRT » Fri May 08, 2020 1:35 pm

I often tip people who come into my home to do certain manual tasks (movers, repair men, etc). I give Christmas gifts (tips really) for regular workers (pest guy, Gardiners, pool guy, property manager, etc). They are always grateful and I feel good about it. I can easily afford it so why not? Definitely not required or expected. That's what makes it worth doing to me.

Last edited by SQRT on Fri May 08, 2020 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.

stoptothink: Posts: 10459; Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:53 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by stoptothink » Fri May 08, 2020 1:42 pm

bottlecap wrote: ↑Thu May 07, 2020 6:46 am

phxjcc wrote: ↑Thu May 07, 2020 2:03 am
I don't understand the "I got it--and you ain't gettin' any" approach of some here.

Really?

For $60, I feel like Rockefeller, AND they feel a little less like grunts.

No one said that. It just that that's not the type of "service" people tip for, nor are they expected to.

I've worked that type of work. I don't recall ever getting a tip. I did get a piece of homemade pie once. I remember that lady.

If I was ever unexpectedly offered money, I'd have probably refused out of loyalty and respect for my employer.

Maybe even out of respect for myself.

JT

I've worked in food service (Baskin Robbins), landscaping, loading heavy construction materials, putting up Xmas lights, and other low-paying "service jobs" within the last 25yrs and don't recall ever receiving (or expecting) a tip. This "tip everyone who you make more than" concept appears to be a very new cultural phenomenon, and it just entices me more to totally avoid service industries as a whole.

Pomegranate: Posts: 396; Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 4:42 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Pomegranate » Fri May 08, 2020 1:56 pm

Had a grocery delivery last week. A guy arrived in a nice shiny mini cooper (I drive 9 years old Mazda). We both stared at each other like 'Who should tip whom?' Ended as 0-0 tie

Silk McCue: Posts: 6063; Joined: Thu Feb 25, 2016 7:11 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Silk McCue » Fri May 08, 2020 2:15 pm

Pomegranate wrote: ↑Fri May 08, 2020 1:56 pm Had a grocery delivery last week. A guy arrived in a nice shiny mini cooper (I drive 9 years old Mazda). We both stared at each other like 'Who should tip whom?' Ended as 0-0 tie

Funny story but those folks rely on tips to make a decent wage.

Cheers

PatrickA5: Posts: 603; Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2014 1:55 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by PatrickA5 » Fri May 08, 2020 2:15 pm

I tip the yard guys every once in a while if it's a special project and involved a lot of hard work. I usually give gift cards. They remember it and I "think" my yard gets special treatment due to this. Besides, I want my yard guy to "be available" when I need special projects done and I think tipping helps.

Pomegranate: Posts: 396; Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 4:42 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Pomegranate » Fri May 08, 2020 4:52 pm

Silk McCue wrote: ↑Fri May 08, 2020 2:15 pm

Pomegranate wrote: ↑Fri May 08, 2020 1:56 pm Had a grocery delivery last week. A guy arrived in a nice shiny mini cooper (I drive 9 years old Mazda). We both stared at each other like 'Who should tip whom?' Ended as 0-0 tie

Funny story but those folks rely on tips to make a decent wage.

Cheers

Well, looks like they make VERY decent wage

Absolute: Posts: 12; Joined: Sat Apr 18, 2020 9:03 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Absolute » Fri May 08, 2020 5:36 pm

Some of the replies resonate with me. I only tip when I feel the service is above and beyond my own expectations, whether or not the job is completed within a reasonable time. As long as it is done correctly in a professional manner with great communication, I generally tip and it's usually on special "one time" projects. I have a lawn service that I don't tip.

Cheers

Kiter: Posts: 160; Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:21 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Kiter » Fri May 08, 2020 6:03 pm

Landscaper/caretaker here. I don't get tips per se. Pears in the winter, a bottle of wine here and there (Malbec), even aged steaks. My crew does ,some times drinks,food ,and cash . Helped someone the Sunday before virus shutdown empty his basement to storage , he gave each (5)man $100.00 . Among trades I give restaurant gift coupons to those who work with me . A messy plumbing job I gave the worker a 6 of Stella . I have worked 13-14 hour days and appreciate what that takes,so I tip good work . Covering the break at the coffee truck is always nice as is a $20

tomd37: Posts: 3714; Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2007 10:39 pm; Location: Middle Tennessee

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by tomd37 » Fri May 08, 2020 8:35 pm

I take the opposite view of many responses above. For the past seventeen years after retirement I have volunteered in free tax preparation services for both lower income people and the elderly. Early on in this community service I had my 'eyes opened' as to how little some service type individuals actually make in a year, whether they be a server in a fast food or lower class restaurant or a garbage collector or a team member mowing my lawn every week from April to November. Or in the case mentioned a laborer on a landscaping team doing heavy grunt work!

I distinctly remember my garbage collector asking me one time years ago how I kept busy now that I was retired. I mentioned my volunteer tax preparation service that I do each year and his eyes lit up! He had just received a letter from the IRS about six years worth of delinquent tax returns that they were after him for and wanted to know if there was any way I could help him. He had to work every day but I told him to bring the info he had from the IRS and I would personally prepare all six years for him. His annual pay was so low that in every instance he had a refund coming, but I am sure his penalties for not filing and filing late ate up a good portion of the refund he had coming for the last three of those years. Unfortunately because he was late for the other three years he did not get a refund for them, but at least the IRS was off his back!

Now I make it a point to share my income to a much greater extent with those deserving people who really can use more help. And this extends to my annual qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) each year. I am very happy to do so.

Tom D.

Random Musings: Posts: 6071; Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 4:24 pm; Location: Pennsylvania

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Random Musings » Fri May 08, 2020 9:10 pm

stoptothink wrote: ↑Fri May 08, 2020 1:42 pm

bottlecap wrote: ↑Thu May 07, 2020 6:46 am

phxjcc wrote: ↑Thu May 07, 2020 2:03 am
I don't understand the "I got it--and you ain't gettin' any" approach of some here.

Really?

For $60, I feel like Rockefeller, AND they feel a little less like grunts.

No one said that. It just that that's not the type of "service" people tip for, nor are they expected to.

I've worked that type of work. I don't recall ever getting a tip. I did get a piece of homemade pie once. I remember that lady.

If I was ever unexpectedly offered money, I'd have probably refused out of loyalty and respect for my employer.

Maybe even out of respect for myself.

JT

I've worked in food service (Baskin Robbins), landscaping, loading heavy construction materials, putting up Xmas lights, and other low-paying "service jobs" within the last 25yrs and don't recall ever receiving (or expecting) a tip. This "tip everyone who you make more than" concept appears to be a very new cultural phenomenon, and it just entices me more to totally avoid service industries as a whole.

This. All my jobs in my youth (except when I bussed tables) were non tips jobs. Getting a cold drink now and then or a snack was appreciated when it happened, but never expected it. I do offer drinks or a snack when people come in to perform work around the house, but never offer money. It will be interesting with this economic downturn how people in general will tip for various services. With more people struggling, they may be tipping less because they have to take care of themselves first.

I figure the odds be fifty-fifty I just might have something to say. FZ

stan1: Posts: 10863; Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 4:35 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by stan1 » Fri May 08, 2020 9:26 pm

Pomegranate wrote: ↑Fri May 08, 2020 1:56 pm Had a grocery delivery last week. A guy arrived in a nice shiny mini cooper (I drive 9 years old Mazda). We both stared at each other like 'Who should tip whom?' Ended as 0-0 tie

No the guy wasn't wondering "who should tip whom", he was thinking "uh oh this guy drives an older car, maybe he's not going to tip".

Hopefully a "0-0 tie" doesn't mean you tipped $0.

Gooch1226: Posts: 48; Joined: Sat Mar 28, 2020 3:55 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Gooch1226 » Sat May 09, 2020 5:59 am

dmk395 wrote: ↑Sat May 09, 2020 1:04 am I own a landscape company. Trust me handing guys $20 every so often that take care of your yard goes a LONG way

So you don't do a great job unless your tipped? Imagine a doctor said this to you . I mean I'll do the surgery but if you tip me , I will do a better job . This is why I have trust issues .

Pomegranate: Posts: 396; Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2018 4:42 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Pomegranate » Sat May 09, 2020 6:03 am

stan1 wrote: ↑Fri May 08, 2020 9:26 pm

Pomegranate wrote: ↑Fri May 08, 2020 1:56 pm Had a grocery delivery last week. A guy arrived in a nice shiny mini cooper (I drive 9 years old Mazda). We both stared at each other like 'Who should tip whom?' Ended as 0-0 tie

No the guy wasn't wondering "who should tip whom", he was thinking "uh oh this guy drives an older car, maybe he's not going to tip".

Hopefully a "0-0 tie" doesn't mean you tipped $0.

Well, maybe he was thinking 'uh this guy drives an old car, maybe he has been saving for years to give me unbelievable tips'. I don't know - I'd rather use my crystal ball for market timing than reading delivery guy mind
BTW he messed up with some items so had to cut tips to 5%

makingmistakes: Posts: 200; Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:59 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by makingmistakes » Sat May 09, 2020 6:09 am

Gooch1226 wrote: ↑Sat May 09, 2020 5:59 am

dmk395 wrote: ↑Sat May 09, 2020 1:04 am I own a landscape company. Trust me handing guys $20 every so often that take care of your yard goes a LONG way

So you don't do a great job unless your tipped? Imagine a doctor said this to you . I mean I'll do the surgery but if you tip me , I will do a better job . This is why I have trust issues .

Most attitudes on this board reflect what I've suspected based on my experiences — upper middle and upper class folks tend to be the tightest and most self-righteous and most judgmental.

My guess is because many have never had to do some of these jobs and have no idea what it's like to work your butt off for wages that barely keep you afloat.

stoptothink: Posts: 10459; Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:53 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by stoptothink » Sat May 09, 2020 8:52 am

makingmistakes wrote: ↑Sat May 09, 2020 6:09 am

Gooch1226 wrote: ↑Sat May 09, 2020 5:59 am

dmk395 wrote: ↑Sat May 09, 2020 1:04 am I own a landscape company. Trust me handing guys $20 every so often that take care of your yard goes a LONG way

So you don't do a great job unless your tipped? Imagine a doctor said this to you . I mean I'll do the surgery but if you tip me , I will do a better job . This is why I have trust issues .

Most attitudes on this board reflect what I've suspected based on my experiences — upper middle and upper class folks tend to be the tightest and most self-righteous and most judgmental.

My guess is because many have never had to do some of these jobs and have no idea what it's like to work your butt off for wages that barely keep you afloat.

As you should have seen, several of the responses are about having worked these jobs when we were younger and never receiving (or expecting) tips ourselves. I personally worked a similar job less than a decade ago, my wife was 7yrs ago when we met. The growing cultural expectation that one is supposed to tip someone just because they are "low paid" in a low/no skill job just entices me to avoid services completely. If it makes you feel better, than by all means tip whomever you want, but IMO nobody should be guilted into it.

TxAg: Posts: 1819; Joined: Sat Oct 17, 2009 11:09 am

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by TxAg » Sat May 09, 2020 9:58 am

I think this is the type of scenario tips were meant for. I have tipped or bought lunch/drinks for similar.

The kind of tipping I don't care for is the "expected" tips for basic level service...especially as it creeps up from 10-15% to 20-25%.

phxjcc: Posts: 1091; Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2018 3:47 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by phxjcc » Sat May 09, 2020 5:54 pm

qball98 wrote: ↑Thu May 07, 2020 7:04 am

phxjcc wrote: ↑Thu May 07, 2020 2:03 am Data point.
I just did a mid five figures re-landscaping, lighting, irrigation, turf, gravel, dozens of plants.
Complete lot scrape and start over.

The owner of the landscaping company was the foreman, supervisor.

I gave each of his 3 guys $20 bucks + we had pizza and cokes on the last day.
You would have thought I gave them $500.

I don't understand the "I got it--and you ain't gettin' any" approach of some here.

Really?

For $60, I feel like Rockefeller, AND they feel a little less like grunts.

I swear, some here have never really worked for a living.

Work:
"N, a unit of measure for moving an object over a distance. If the object does not move, no work is done."

Excellent response! Been running a landscape business for 20+years and one thing I can tell you is some of you would be getting the additional PITA tax as I like to call it.

Familiar with that tax, as an assessor.

Thank you for your support.

Jags4186: Posts: 6247; Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2014 7:12 pm

Re: Should you tip landscapers?

Post by Jags4186 » Sat May 09, 2020 5:58 pm

On a related note, should you tip your CPA? And if he finds a way to get a credible deduction for that tip, should you tip him for that as well?

The services I hire out, I always ask people (especially if it's hot out) if they want a drink. I always have loads of snacks around (I work for a food company that makes snacks) and I try to send workers home with a "care package". I only tip customarily tipped professions; waiters, hair stylists, movers (including folks who deliver heavy equipment into the home), hotel service, and parking attendants. Might be missing a few here or there, but thats pretty much all I can think of off the top of my head.