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paulany_gw

Tipping HVAC installers?

19 years ago

Do people generally do this, and if so, what might be a reasonable figure, especially given that an HVAC system is already a multi-thousand-dollar purchase... thanks in advance for any advice.

Comments (16)

  • 19 years ago

    Never heard of tipping an HVAC install guy. I'd offer him a cold Snapple iced tea. You could offer them a sandwhich for lunch to go with the Snapple.

  • 19 years ago

    If anyone ever tipped me I'd probably have to run and use their bathroom!

  • 19 years ago

    I have being offered tips several times and refused them all except one.

    It was a warranty change out of a primary heat exchanger.

    In order to make the job easier on myself, I had called a temporary help service for some grunt labor.

    When the job was done and tested the homeowner offered me a $40.00 tip even though the job was paid for by the furnace manufacturer.

    I thanked the homeowner and said I do not accept tips because even though the reimbursement was nowhere near my hourly rate at the time it didn't feel right to me. I told the homeowner he could tip my helper whatever he wanted to and he gave the guy working with me $40.00.

    I would, as a matter of course give temporary helpers that worked well $10.00 per hour over and above what their agency paid them. With the homeowner giving my helper the $40.00, I didn't give the helper anything out of my pocket.

    So, in a roundabout way, I did get an extra benefit out of the tip, the homeowner felt good about himself and about me, and the helper had $40.00 to go home with.

    Fairyprincess

  • 19 years ago

    I have been offered a tip several times. I do not consider myself a waiter, so do not expect tips. I do not accept tips. If I worked at a hotel or hirise condo, maybe yes. The people living in those settings expect to tip just about everyone.

  • 19 years ago

    I have been offered tips many times but never accepted them. I have also been offered the opportunity to go on first day hunts in deer season, dozens of homemade Tamales, quarts of hot sauce and a lot of hugs from the elderly. I did however work on a guys condenser fan once and he asked me if i would like to trade my services for a motorcycle. I came home that day with a 1986 Kawasaki ZL900 in the back of my truck. ;)

  • 19 years ago

    Eighteen percent, of course.

  • 19 years ago

    "I came home that day with a 1986 Kawasaki ZL900 in the back of my truck. ;)"
    It was probably stolen! LOL

  • 19 years ago

    From a service persons point of view, I will accept tips. Primarily because over the years I have found that most people are offended if I refuse to accept them. I thank them and usually tell them I will use it to buy something for my family or sons. (which I then do and they appreciate this from me and the tipper feels good also). A preteen or pre working young person does not want to always ask for money. Plus, I think it showed them that if you do something properly or go the extra mile there are people who appreciate it and want to reward you.

    Now the above does not apply to chocolate cookies, chocolate of any kind, cakes, doughnuts unless they provide a lot of them. I try but only the empty containers make it into the house. OK, sometimes I save them some.

  • 19 years ago

    Naw.... he gave me the title. It was clear & the bike didnt run at all. I have since started a restoration on it.

  • 19 years ago

    I don't think I would tip. its not a job were I feel tipping is expected like in dining out and hotels. HVAC installers are well trained trades people that get paid more than minium wage. I would be kind and treat them a bit like a guest, offer them a drink or something to eat if I was making lunch or something while they were there working. To me it would me rude not to be friendly and polite to anyone working in your home.

  • 19 years ago

    "If anyone ever tipped me I'd probably have to run and use their bathroom!"
    Now that's funny! :):)
    _____________________________________________________

    Nothing wrong with someone wanting to show appreciation in such a way, but a better way is to call or send a letter to the company with a good word on the man who you think has done a great job.
    Since I own the company, I ask the folks, if they don't mind, send the money to someone like the salvation army.

  • 5 years ago

    If you can make someone’s day for a job we’ll fine and you are blessed to be able to afford to tip, tip! We just tipped our technicians $100 each. 4 day job. They were great!

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    "I don't think I would tip. its not a job were I feel tipping is expected like in dining out and hotels. HVAC installers are well trained trades people that get paid (edit: WAY) more than minimum wage."

    Don't encourage this practice - pretty soon everyone will carry around a "Tip Glass" on their workbelt with a couple of seed dollars inside it!

  • 5 years ago

    13 year old thread. RIP

  • 5 years ago

    Do You Tip HVAC Installers - and How Much?


    https://www.ductless-mini-split-air-conditioner.org/


    I've read dozens of forums and hundreds of people's opinions on the matter. Almost everyone agrees: you really don't need to tip tradesmen in general. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't. In some cases, it might be a great idea to tip someone for extraordinary work.


    Most people consider tipping when:


    the installer has to work at odd hours (at night, early in the morning)

    the installer has to work in extreme heat or cold for a long period of time

    the installer does his/her utmost best to wrap up the project quickly

    the installer leaves the job site cleaner than he/she found it