How Much Should I Tip My Movers?
Do I have to tip my movers?
Like giving gratuity for any service worker, it’s a matter of discretion. Put another way, if your movers went above and beyond (like we know they will at Caddy Moving) then show your appreciation with a nice tip. On the contrary, if the movers you hired out treated your belongings unprofessionally, rushed, or otherwise made your moving experience a big headache, then there is absolutely no obligation to tip them at all.
Some moving companies don’t accept tips, and in turn pay their movers a bit more (and will likely pass those higher wages on to their customers). But when in doubt, just ask. Once you book your moving company, inquire about their tipping policy so you can know what to expect. If the movers handled your possessions like pros and they do in fact accept tips, show your movers that you’re grateful for their services!
When is it appropriate to tip my movers?
Just as it is with other services, your movers will want to do a great job and be recognized for it. Pay close attention to how the movers treat your belongings and interact with you / other friends and family members during moving day. At the end of it all, if you felt your movers did a fantastic job, then it’s appropriate to leave them a tip. You will want to consider tipping your movers if you notice:- Handling fragile/antique items carefully
- Moving large, heavy furniture
- Moving many items up a flight(s) of stairs
- Working with efficiency and safety
- Being extra friendly and personable to you and your family
- Helping with assembly and set-up of furniture
- Providing helpful advice for moving logistics
When should I NOT tip my movers?
Tipping your movers may be customary and polite, but remember, it is not mandatory. If you came across a bad experience with a team of movers, there’s nothing wrong with not tipping. You may want to consider adjusting your tip or not tipping your team at all if your movers:- Show up late
- Ding up your walls or flooring
- Don’t follow your directions on where to put items
- Spend a lot of time “on break” and not much time moving stuff
- Seem in a rush or lack safety
At the end of your move, it is really up to your discretion on whether or not you provide your movers a tip. An important thing to consider is how your team of movers reacts if any of the above incidents occurred during your move. Accidents happen, and it’s especially important how your team of movers dealt with those situations that should determine if you reduce your tip amount - or not tip at all. Caddy Moving makes a conscious effort to acknowledge when we make mistakes, discount your move when necessary, and provide the necessary solutions to make your overall experience a positive one. If you ever have a negative experience with us, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Care Team and we will gladly work with you to make sure you’re satisfied.
Should I tip my movers when they load or unload?
This will really depend on the overall nature of your move and what you’ve asked the movers to do. If you’ve hired out multiple teams for a long distance move for example, you should tip your movers at both ends of the trip or give your tip directly to the company with instructions on how you’d like to split it up.
How much should I tip my movers?
There’s no hard rules to how or how much you should tip your team of movers. As a general rule of thumb although, it’s best to always give each team member an equal amount of gratuity. You could always tip the crew leader the full amount and have them split it up evenly among the rest of the movers.
If we are talking averages, we have found that most of our customers at Caddy Moving will tip our movers between 15 - 20% of the final move total. For example: if your move costs $500, the average tip on this size of a move would be between $75 - $100 split between the movers.
What are some other ways I can treat my movers?
Not comfortable with doling out cash to your movers? Totally okay. In fact, you can always tip your movers in some fun and creative ways that will still show your appreciation for their hard work. If your move starts early in the morning for example, go ahead and offer your movers a cup of coffee or some breakfast food items to give them some energy for the day ahead! If your move ends up going later or longer than expected, consider providing your team of movers a meal like pizza, sub sandwiches, or burrito bowls.
We understand that tipping is one of those awkward things nobody ever really knows how to handle.. But don’t stress about it. A solid moving company never expects anything, but appreciates even the little things. If your team of movers does a great job and you want to know some other ways you can show your appreciation, consider the following incentives:
- A cold bottle of water or a cup of hot chocolate or coffee
- Cookies and snacks
- Buy the crew lunch or dinner
- Gift cards
Should I leave a review for my movers?
Yes, yes, and yes again! If you’ve received a tip-worthy service from your team of movers, always leave an online review. Positive online reviews go a long way for others searching for moving companies, and it’s a much-appreciated way to show your gratitude for outstanding service.
If you had a pleasant experience with Caddy, please do us a favor and leave us a review in your follow-up email so we can hear about your experience!