tipping

Sorry, not another cow tipping thread. :(

I bought my son an Alpine HU at Circuit City tonight for his new pickemup truck. I figured we were going to install it ourselves this weekend at home, but they offered to install it free in about 20 minutes while we waited. I guess my son was more interested in starting work on enclosures for subs this weekend, for he was OK with them installing the HU for us. The install went well. When we were leaving it got a little awkward- the installers just kind of hung around. My son asked me if we were supposed to tip them. I had never thought about that before and had never read here about installers getting tips. Were we supposed to tip them?

-------------

You definately did NOT have to tip them, as no installers I know of rely on tips as part of their pay. With that said, it's not uncommon for customers to tip the installers ($5, $10, $20 are most common), although majority of the customers do not tip. Like I said that's fine as I don't think many installers expect tips, but it definately is appreciated.

Can't say for sure why the installers were "hanging around". When I finish a job the car gets pulled out of the bay into the parking lot and that's it. Did they demo the product for you on how to use it? Maybe they were expecting you to ask questions.. Maybe they broke something and were waiting to see if you noticed it? Who knows.. Anyway hope that answers your question maybe some other guys will respond as well.

Mike

It is nice, but not expected.

-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

I have never expected a tip in my life and generally dont accept them anyways. Doesnt seem right for just doing my job.

-------------
double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer

I am an installer for Circuit City. Company policy is to not accept any tips from customers, your fine not tipping.

In fact we had some lady come in this morning with an 04 BMW Z4 roadster wanting the delphi XM radio installed, after an hour of trying everything, from finding antenna adapters to where to mount the unit, i called her back and told her i wasnt comfortable doing the install..when she came back, she wanted to tip us for trying..sweet old lady


no we didnt take her tip :)

Thanks for the replies. I'm generally a good tipper in restaurants, hotels, etc. It didn't seem to be a situation where one would tip, but my son obviously felt a little uncomfortable. These guys did a good job and were very friendly. I guess they were just making sure everything went well. Actually I'd have to say they were excellent.

-------------

Don't get us wrong, Tips Rock!  But expected, never.  Most of the time, if I have a customer tip me, I'll send him across the street to get a 12-pack, and well enjoy a nice refreshment after work.  It just ain't right expecting to get tipped for what you already get paid to do.  And I can't speak for everyone, but I would probably do this for free if I could get away with it.

-------------
If it don't fit, Force it.
If it breaks, You needed a new one anyway!

I've worked for quite a few places and only one place I've ever worked for even allowed us to accept tips.  As far as I know, none of the chain stores (Circuit City, The Good Guys, Best Buy) are allowed to accept tips.  Some smaller shops allow it, but it's never expected.  When it happens, if it's allowed it is nice and appreciated though.

-------------
Never Let Those Who Say It Cant Be Done Stand In The Way While You Do It!