Quick help! Do you tip an electrician.?

Question

I have a residential electrician installing a ceiling fan and rewiring outlets for only $100. Should I add 20 since his price is so cheap and he came out and did it the day after I called him? I called my dad and he said he doesn't tip for things like that but I figure even so he's still doing it cheaper than anyone else.

Answer 1

Wait till you see the quality of the work first. Tradesmen aren't usually tipped.

Answer 2

No, you don't tip an electrician, a plumber, an HVAC guy or any tradesmen.

Answer 3

If he's doing it more cheaply than everyone else, that's his decision. YOU didn't make the price, did you? If you went into a store that charged a lot less for a certain item, would you tell them you want to pay more? Electricians generally work for themselves and make up their own pricing. They're not generally tipped for these reasons.

Oh, and be careful about hiring someone whose pricing is so much lower than everyone else's -- there may be a good reason for it.

Answer 4

I say tip him. If it is cheaper than most and you tip him, he is likely to do a better job every time he is there. If there is any problems he will be more likely to come back and fix it no questions asked. Staying on the good side of those who are doing you a favor is a great idea. I know it is his job, but coming out quickly and doing a great job is worth a tip. $20 will at least buy lunch and a bit of gas which is REALLY appreciated!

My husband is a large truck mechanic. He lays on the burning hot blacktop on the side of the road and has antifreeze pouring on him to help somebody out. He COULD have it towed and cost the owner 2X as much. But most of the times he will go out of his way to help someone out. He very seldom gets a tip. But when he does it makes his day. We are a single income family with two kids. So an extra twenty bucks that is unexpected is SUPER nice for him. It can mean he gets to eat lunch out or even get an extra few drinks.

So yes tipping someone that truly goes out of their way is VERY nice!

We tip people that do literally nothing for us but the people here are against tipping a 'tradesman' who is busting butt for us. Odd...

Answer 5

its a good way to keep a good electrician,i tip mine and he usually shows up the same day i need him now.

Answer 6

It's a nice gesture and I'm sure it will be appreciated.

Tips are meant for exceptional service, if you feel that's what you received, go ahead and tip him.

Answer 7

It probably wouldn't be expected, but if you like the service he provided - sure go ahead. It would make his day.

Answer 8

Since he did such a good job for you then you can slip him a few extra bucks.  You don't have to though.

Answer 9

NOPE lol

Answer 10

no. the will get uppity.

then it will become common.

I hate tipping.

Answer 11

The best tip you can give him is to recommend him to others.  The word of mouth is better than an add in the phone book.

Now if the fan has quit working and fallen on the floor you will see why tips at times can be foolish! lol

Answer 12

I wouldn't because it's unusual to tip a monetary amount.  But you can do other things such as offer him a drink or a snack to let him know you appreciate his work.

Edit:  And i'm not against tipping, but as it's not expected,  I would save it for something *truly* exceptional.

Answer 13

No, I wouldn't they dont usually get tips. but if you feel like you should go ahead. It depends if it is his business or if he is working for someone. Give him cash if anything so he can keep it.