One of the most commonly asked questions when booking a moving service is about whether are not movers should get a tip and how much. However, there isn’t really a clear-cut answer to this question. Tipping is a personal preference and there are multiple factors that should be taken into consideration when making this decision.

Do I have to tip?

Short answer? No. You should never feel required or obligated to tip your movers. This is an optional gesture to show your appreciation for good service, and it is completely up to you whether you choose to tip. If you find that the service is less than satisfactory than you absolutely should not offer a tip. If you believe the movers went above and beyond, providing exceptional customer service, you may want to consider the option.

How much to tip?

Once you’ve decided that you want to tip your movers you will need to determine the rate at which to do so. An industry standard is around 10% to 15% from your moving labor charges based on the difficulty and complexity of the job. Keep in mind that this is not a set in stone rate. You can choose to alter the tipping rates in whatever way suits your preference and budget.

How do I determine the difficulty of my move?

When deciding how much to tip your movers a variety of moving day factors can be considered. Is the move large or small? Is it a ground level move or are there stairs involved? Do you have any oversized or difficult to move items? Keeping all of this in mind, as well as the politeness and etiquette of your movers, can help you determine at which end of the flat rate tipping scale your move may have fallen.

The most important thing to consider when deciding whether or not to tip is your own personal satisfaction with the service. This should be the number one priority of your moving company. If you feel truly taken care of and impressed by the services provided, a kind handshake, a thank you and even a tip can go a long way in showing your appreciation.