Do You Need To Tip House Painters?
If you are having your home painted, you have probably thought “do you tip painters” at least once. While restaurant staff and those that work in service industries usually accept tips, most professional house painters do not expect extra cash for their work. That said, whether you decide to tip painters is up to you. Here are the basics about tipping painters and how much you should tip a painter if you decide to do so.
Do You Tip Painters?
Tipping your painter is a great way to show your appreciation for a job well done, but they usually do not expect a tip. Ultimately, tipping your painter comes down to personal preference.
Some factors to consider might include the quality of the work, the amount of time and effort the painters put into the job, and your overall satisfaction with the finished product.
Here are some common reasons you may want to tip your painter:
- They went the extra mile to do a great job
- The painting was more difficult or required unexpected work to complete
- They offered professional advice that saved your money
- The final product was better than expected
- They completed the project ahead of schedule or came in under budget
Undoubtedly, any painter would appreciate something extra, but it’s unlikely they expect anything. While the decision is entirely yours, here are a few factors to consider when it comes to tipping a painter:
You Are Contracting Their Services
The most important thing to remember is that you are hiring this person or company to perform a service. Their price quote should cover the cost of paint and materials, as well as a fair wage for labor.
Their hourly wages will usually vary depending on their skill level, with master painters costing more than apprentice painters. Junior-level painters working under master painters are more likely to appreciate a tip.
Think About Who You Are Hiring
Another consideration when tipping painters are who you are hiring. Did you hire a professional painter or just a painting company? While those may sound like the same thing, there is a difference in the skill level of the workers.
Professional painters are experienced tradesmen while painting companies can hire any laborer to do the job. You might also hire a handyperson to do the actual paint, even though you bought all the supplies yourself.
While all of these people can do a great job painting, their labor costs can vary widely. Generally, unskilled painters or handypersons will appreciate a tip more since they usually have a lower hourly rate.
Accepting Tips May Go Against Company Policy
Some companies might not allow employees to accept tips. This is most common with large brands or corporations. The reasons for prohibiting tips vary, but one common rationale is the company doesn’t want you to feel obligated to do so. If you want to tip painters for their service, ask your project manager in advance.
How Much Should You Tip Painters?
If you decide to tip your house painter, there is no standard amount. What you tip is entirely up to your discretion. However, a good rule of thumb is to tip a small percentage of the total cost of the job.
Five to ten percent is a good amount, but you could go as high as twenty percent for exceptional service. For example, a $50 to $100 tip on a $1,000 painting job is a good range.
Some other factors to consider when deciding how much to tip might include the quality of the work, the amount of time and effort the painters put into the job, and your overall satisfaction with the finished product.
Consider These Alternatives to Cash Tips for Painters
While most painters will accept a tip, there are many other ways to show your appreciation for their services.
- Leave a positive review – Online reviews are extremely important for businesses. They improve visibility in search results and lead to more jobs. Google and Facebook are usually best, but ask your painter what services they use and leave reviews where they are most likely to see them.
- Recommend them to friends – Another alternative to tipping is to recommend the painter to your friends, family, and neighbors. If they do hire the painter, make sure they tell them that it was you that recommended them.
- Offer snacks and beverages – Lastly, consider offering snacks or cold drinks while they work. Small backs of chips, candy bars, and bottled water or sports drinks are a great way to show your appreciation for their work, especially if there is a large painting crew.
