Tip a installer what is proper?

[stuart628]

okay I have an installer coming tommorow, I have a fresh new crisp bill waiting for him.....All of you installers should I tip before or after

Before-Might make him mad and seem like I am paying him off, but would it also make him do a better install?

After-I would be sure he did a good install before throwing my money around, but also what if he dosent and was just trying to hurry cause he dosent really make that much on a dish upgrade.

also as a side note, my HR20 is coming in tommorow around 4:30, my At9 install is for between 8-12, how can I make sure all my signal levels are proper before he leaves? is there a way, thanks everyone!

[davidrumm]

I would say watch how he aligns the dish. Make sure that he uses the fine tuning and centers the dish on the 101 sat. If the signal is good for the 101 and is tilted correctly then the signal should be fine for the rest.

[DCSholtis]

Agreed with what davidrumm says above. If its a warm day tomorrow might also slip him a bottled water at least thats what I do on such days.

[paulman182]

Bottled water is all my installers got.

According to my wife.

[Clemsole]

I am not about to tip anyone for doing their job. He is getting a good hourly pay as it is.

[bnm81002]

I am not about to tip anyone for doing their job. He is getting a good hourly pay as it is.





that may be true but the installer is providing a service to you as well, don't you tip for service like waiter/waitresses?

[Wolffpack]

If he does a good job I tip him and just saw grab a six-pack after work. If he throws in extras that would cost I tell him to grab a 12-pack.

[RobertE]

Absolutely after. Otherwise it be like tipping the waiter/waitress before hand, you could get better services, or still crap service, but they now have your money. Watch what is going on to make sure you are getting a quality job and go from there.

[carmangary]

I don't tip them. I assume they get paid well for what they do as opposed to waiters who don't even make minimum wage. I used to deliver copier supplies when in college and I never expected nor ever got a tip.

[stuart628]

the problem is, installers are not fairly compensated, especially in my area, he might have to dirve an hour to his next job, on his gas, at least let me pay for his gas.

[carl6]

For me it would depend on a number of factors, including how easy or difficult the install is, if the installer encounters any unique problems or issues associated with the specifics of my install, how professional his conduct and appearance is, etc.

I've only had one D* install done by an installer - all the rest I've done myself. He did a great job, ran an extra line at my request, and got a decent tip.

Carl

[stuart628]

guy is here now, he showed up, explained the whole process, showed me the dish, and the two monopoles...He is a senior tech for Bluegrass, he went over EVERY step that he is going to do...explained about KA/KU dish, how he seals it on the roof..so far so good!

[Bobman]

I dont tip installers, the mailman, garbage man, etc....

About all I tip are food delivery people and waiters/waitresses.

[ClubSteeler]

Tip an installer?
Never heard of that.
Who says services are tip worthy?
Waitresses make below minimum wage and depend on tips to earn a living.

I don't tip the lawn service, the jiffy lube guy, the chemlawn guy, the roto-rooter guy, the cable guy, the phoneline repair person, the paper carrier, the mail carrier, etc...... What makes a dish pointer tip worthy?

No maybe if he got into my attic on a 95 degree Florida afternoon and properly ran my lines and wall fished them and did all this under the free "standard installation" at no cost tome, well then, he would have gone above and beyond and I'd slip him a tip. But just for doing his job where he already gets full pay and probably benefits too.... nahh...

Whoever invented this tip for service idea is obviously in the service industry.

There are jobs that depend on tips, and there is service that is "above and beyond". Just doing your job is not above or beyond.

[Geronimo]

Actually people commonly tip repair persons, paper carriers etc.

In my case i have had installers do an excellent job (and in one case he was called in to replace another installer whose vehicle broke down) and i tipped. In other cases i have seen shoddy work and I have not tipped or even complained if that was appropriate.

[ClubSteeler]

Actually people commonly tip repair persons, paper carriers etc.

In my case i have had installers do an excellent job (and in one case he was called in to replace another installer whose vehicle broke down) and i tipped. In other cases i have seen shoddy work and I have not tipped or even complained if that was appropriate.

In the good ole days the paperboys were tipped. They were just boys, and they brought the paper right to your front door.

Now they are adults in a car and throw it in the driveway as they drive by. Once again, the days of above and beyond are long gone.

[stuart628]

In the good ole days the paperboys were tipped. They were just boys, and they brought the paper right to your front door.

Now they are adults in a car and throw it in the driveway as they drive by. Once again, the days of above and beyond are long gone.

This guy did go above and beyoned, free HDMI to DVi connector, sat me down explained the whole process, really great guy.

[hd4me]

I gave my installer (7/2002) a $40 tip(2 guys 20 each). Than he proceeded to drive out my driveway and knock over my mailbox. Had to take the tip back to pay for my labor. Most recent install 8/12 gave the guys gatorade. Long install 560' cable but i was charged for the footage over 250. No tip this time! Sorry guys.....

[stuart628]

I gave my installer (7/2002) a $40 tip(2 guys 20 each). Than he proceeded to drive out my driveway and knock over my mailbox. Had to take the tip back to pay for my labor. Most recent install 8/12 gave the guys gatorade. Long install 560' cable but i was charged for the footage over 250. No tip this time! Sorry guys.....

LOLOLOLOLOOL I would have loved to been there to see you hand them 2 crisp twentys, and them pull out hit mailbox, pull in, Hand money back, and then pull out again, seems like something from a John Candy movie.

[jpurkey]

Never thought about tipping an installer. Maybe if you asked them to do something above and beyond what they were required to do and they did it without complaining, then give them a tip.

Anyone know what the average installer gets paid for a job? My guess is that it depends on the number of installs needed vs the number of installers available in a given area? If an installer can come the next day or even the same day, then it probably means he doesn't get much work.

[ApK]

the problem is, installers are not fairly compensated, especially in my area, he might have to dirve an hour to his next job, on his gas, at least let me pay for his gas.

Then he should get a better job.

Tipping is a stupid, insulting model.

I tolerate it for food servers because for some reason it's so expected they are exempted from minimum wage.

Any other paid service, just charge me the correct price upfront.

When I take over...umm...I mean IF I ruled the world, tipping would be abolished.

[ApK]

Tip an installer?

No maybe if he got into my attic on a 95 degree Florida afternoon and properly ran my lines and wall fished them and did all this under the free "standard installation" at no cost tome, well then, he would have gone above and beyond and I'd slip him a tip. But just for doing his job where he already gets full pay and probably benefits too.... nahh...

Whoever invented this tip for service idea is obviously in the service industry.

There are jobs that depend on tips, and there is service that is "above and beyond". Just doing your job is not above or beyond.

Amen, bubba.

And speaking for myself, I've spent a fair portion of my life making service calls for computer, telecom and other technical work. If I'm out as a favor, free of charge, for a friend of a friend or something, and they insist on paying me something, I'll let them. But if I'm out as part of a paid job and, I end do something exceptional for them, I will NOT accept a tip and it HAS come up several times.

[restart88]

Tipping installers? :lol:

This tipping business is getting too over the top for me!

Next they'll be tipping the tax collector. lol

[johnzim63]

Next they'll be tipping the tax collector. lol Nah, they work on commission and get their own tips. TRUE.

[AppAlum2003]

During my original install, I was really disappointed. The installer tried to talk me into cementing a pole in my yard (for only $75) because he could not put the dish on the side of my house and putting it on the roof "would eventually cause some leaking." Except, my next door neighbor has the same dish... mounted to the brick on the side of his house. So I ask the installer, "why can't I have mine installed in that same spot, facing the same direction at no extra charge?" Dumbfounded, he says "Yeah, that's no problem." He was just out to make money off of me.

I'm getting my HR20/dish installed in 2 weeks and I have a feeling he's going to tell me that "well, this dish is way too heavy and you'll have to have a pole in your yard... for $100." Please Directv, don't send the same installer this time!

[matador]

that may be true but the installer is providing a service to you as well, don't you tip for service like waiter/waitresses?

Do you tip the plumber, the electrician, the carpenter, the newspaper delivery guy, the mailman, the cashier at the grocery store, the priest, the policeman. What do they have in common? They all provide services and do their job. Why tip them?

[Geronimo]

In the good ole days the paperboys were tipped. They were just boys, and they brought the paper right to your front door.

Now they are adults in a car and throw it in the driveway as they drive by. Once again, the days of above and beyond are long gone.



i have had both good and bad service. I don't tip bad service and I may even complain about it but when I get good service i do tip. In this case the client got a rather expensive connector. in one case of my own the guy actually pointed out some problems with my existing cable connection (it was pre DBS locals) and fixed it.

i ahve no problem with tipping for good service.

[bnm81002]

Do you tip the plumber, the electrician, the carpenter, the newspaper delivery guy, the mailman, the cashier at the grocery store, the priest, the policeman. What do they have in common? They all provide services and do their job. Why tip them?




if someone provides service to you then YES I DO TIP THEM, the mailman, the UPS man, the garbage man, the repairman for what I need fixed, etc. obviously if the job is not done right then I don't tip them but I do tip them if I feel they do a more than reliable job for the service provided

[carmangary]

If an installer does a good job then instead of tipping you should call his company and commend the job he did. That way he gets real recognition from his boss for the good job and may end up climbing the ladder faster or get a free day off or bonus or whatever.

[Wolffpack]

Do you tip the plumber, the electrician, the carpenter, the newspaper delivery guy, the mailman, the cashier at the grocery store, the priest, the policeman. What do they have in common? They all provide services and do their job. Why tip them?
I have tipped many that you mention when they go above and beyond what is expected. The mailman that remembers you and gets your mail right, the grocery store bag boy that helps run your groceries out to the car when it's pouring down rain.

[Steve Mehs]

.If an installer does a good job then instead of tipping you should call his company and commend the job he did.

Bingo! I believe that is the ideal solution. That's what I did for the cable guy when I went back to Time Warner this past winter. Best installer/tech I've ever had out here for any company. It wasn't a difficult or demanding install, not the least bit. But the guy was very thorough and I liked the way he carried himself. The next day I called up TW Customer Service and gave the CSR the installers name and ID#. I really hope that went towards something good for him.

I work in a service industry and when it comes to the delivery drivers, our Routemen of The Month honor is based a points matrix, that's difficult to explain, and whoever has the most points at the end of the month gets the award, but the drivers do get bonus points for positive testimonials from customers. From talking with the bosses, it’s very rare that customers call up and put in a good word about their driver, as it’s human nature to complain not give praise, but it occasionally does happen. All of 15 of our route drivers are decent guys, they do their jobs great and every month it’s real close, there’s 4 or 5 guys up there and one beats the other ones out by a hair. I see it all the time, any one of these guys get an extra one or two calls put in for them, they make Routemen of the Month. Each company is ran differently, especially when your talking about MSO installers and uniform delivery guys, but I see it first hand where positive customer feedback yields nice rewards.

A buddy of mine wanted to be a cable guy around here. Time Warner Rochester division starts out at $13.50/hour, the van/truck is pretty much yours to take home, gas is paid for and if you if you get all your morning service appointments done by lets say 10:30, the next hour and a half is yours, paid of course. And obviously all Time Warner services they receive at home are deeply discounted. So no I really don’t think a few extra bucks is appropriate, I’d rather put in a good word that with enough others may bring him much more and do more for him then a $20 bill ever would.

[ApK]

I have tipped many that you mention when they go above and beyond what is expected. The mailman that remembers you and gets your mail right.

Tip the mailman foir getting your mail right?!?!? That's his frickin' job!

When did minimal competence start being considered 'going above and beyond'?

[Wolffpack]

Tip the mailman foir getting your mail right?!?!? That's his frickin' job!

When did minimal competence start being considered 'going above and beyond'?
I'd guess by your statement you've never had a conversation with your mailman as he brought you mail to your door. There isn't any minimum competence level for mailmen. I have lived in places where I know the mailman by name. He would at times bring me the mail up the driveway so I didn't have to go out and get it. When he brought up the batch of oranges that my folks shipped my from FL I'd give him a bag full.

Now, where I'm at there's a different mailman every day. All driving their own vehicles. They don't get tips.

I've outlined my point above and I stand by it. I get good service for anything and I consider tipping folks.

[D-Bamatech]

I am not about to tip anyone for doing their job. He is getting a good hourly pay as it is.

Sorry but you ARE quite incorrect. Before you make such a comment do some research and then tell me you would do this mess for 6.40$ and hr(non met quota rate) for some of these HSp install racket that hold the NO BID contracts.

This tip talk here is almost hilarious.

I got a 20$ yesterday, Gormet(sp?) coffee, 2 beers and more hugs and hand shakes than can be allowed. Last week my largest tip was a 50$ bill.

no wonder i quit coming to this "TV watcher forum"... =Lost souls who speak with no direction and/ or reference to facts and/or truth concerning the install network..

Its the funnest place on the net concerning realness in this trade and or information concerning techs and what actual goes on in reality.

Boy this is the perfect place to understand that mis information or the lack of any truth concerned involving a trade that i have been in for 12 years. =Snow Balled with Dtv propaganda i see is the dominant mind set here. Its so funny its sad to be truthful at times.

BTW since ive been here(forum) last.. those HSP connected at the Hip racketeers are sinking !.. lol.. What you guys gonna do in the mid west for installs Now?.. LMAO. Altanta too? All over my state. AND AND AND ... a tidal wave is in process. Watch the wait times and the pissed off Cx's esculate in this forum. (why im back to be truthful). just to watch the "Tv watchers" go off.. he he.. while i smile and laugh.

Ps im glad i dont have to roll to you guys houses in this thread. No tips and a mind set of a good pay (good grief). Sure im not of "them" (typical dtv installer) and i dont fall under that pay mess of "them" either. But 85 percent of this country does and i guarentee there's not a soul here in "tv watcher" land that would do this mess for such rates either.

BTW HEY Earl.!. Yep Your DMA is HSP- LESS.. ha ha.. = the war continues! Apex is to be soon gone and is in conversion process as we speak= Chicago is in extreme disarry!
Mastec was served with" notice to cure" and the AFS ( dtv approved ambulance) is currently in scramble mode to save DMA's all over this country (especially in Bruister and Mastec areas in an overwelming capacity). Just watch this forum errupt with complaints of hell in the near future and climb in numbers. Any body wanna bet? lol

Tips... geeze... what a thread..

I cant list all mine(tips) here and yes they come every week and some are quite large. Heck it hasnt been long that i rec well over 400$ in new clothing apparrel as a fact. But then again usually im chasing after the DTv "approved install network" and the cust's have been waitng for an angel to come save them to start with... Those people that stuck the 50$ in my shoe were the worst case as victums to the DTv wanna be's ive seen in the whole 12 years as a fact.

I hope the guys that printed here.. that they dont tip... work in a faction of American society that doesnt appreciate your service .. and i hope that each and everyone of you think you get paid too much as it is.. Give me your names and ill call your boss for ya and tell them to drop your pay by over 50% as time goes on and see how the hell you like it! Then come back and post this outlandish uninformed mess i see here. Sit on this side of the fence and talk out your a**'s.. then.! (lmao). 1995 =199$ per hm.. 2006= anywhere from 6$ an hr to some other dirived racket of a pay scale with fines and pentalties and quotas. THOSE ARE FACTS! (only trade in this country to ever witness or circum to such in this nations history! and compared to the 1800's railroad saga)

Nevermind

you guys go watch DTV.. ok...I think that part you can handle with no problems.. The rest, (as in truth), ya have No clue!

[Clemsole]

Sorry but you ARE quite incorrect. Before you make such a comment do some research and then tell me you would do this mess for 6.40$ and hr(non met quota rate) for some of these HSp install racket that hold the NO BID contracts.

This tip talk here is almost hilarious.

I got a 20$ yesterday, Gormet(sp?) coffee, 2 beers and more hugs and hand shakes than can be allowed. Last week my largest tip was a 50$ bill.

no wonder i quit coming to this "TV watcher forum"... =Lost souls who speak with no direction and/ or reference to facts and/or truth concerning the install network..

Its the funnest place on the net concerning realness in this trade and or information concerning techs and what actual goes on in reality.

Boy this is the perfect place to understand that mis information or the lack of any truth concerned involving a trade that i have been in for 12 years. =Snow Balled with Dtv propaganda i see is the dominant mind set here. Its so funny its sad to be truthful at times.

BTW since ive been here(forum) last.. those HSP connected at the Hip racketeers are sinking !.. lol.. What you guys gonna do in the mid west for installs Now?.. LMAO. Altanta too? All over my state. AND AND AND ... a tidal wave is in process. Watch the wait times and the pissed off Cx's esculate in this forum. (why im back to be truthful). just to watch the "Tv watchers" go off.. he he.. while i smile and laugh.

Ps im glad i dont have to roll to you guys houses in this thread. No tips and a mind set of a good pay (good grief). Sure im not of "them" (typical dtv installer) and i dont fall under that pay mess of "them" either. But 85 percent of this country does and i guarentee there's not a soul here in "tv watcher" land that would do this mess for such rates either.

BTW HEY Earl.!. Yep Your DMA is HSP- LESS.. ha ha.. = the war continues! Apex is to be soon gone and is in conversion process as we speak= Chicago is in extreme disarry!
Mastec was served with" notice to cure" and the AFS ( dtv approved ambulance) is currently in scramble mode to save DMA's all over this country (especially in Bruister and Mastec areas in an overwelming capacity). Just watch this forum errupt with complaints of hell in the near future and climb in numbers. Any body wanna bet? lol

Tips... geeze... what a thread..

I cant list all mine(tips) here and yes they come every week and some are quite large. Heck it hasnt been long that i rec well over 400$ in new clothing apparrel as a fact. But then again usually im chasing after the DTv "approved install network" and the cust's have been waitng for an angel to come save them to start with... Those people that stuck the 50$ in my shoe were the worst case as victums to the DTv wanna be's ive seen in the whole 12 years as a fact.

I hope the guys that printed here.. that they dont tip... work in a faction of American society that doesnt appreciate your service .. and i hope that each and everyone of you think you get paid too much as it is.. Give me your names and ill call your boss for ya and tell them to drop your pay by over 50% as time goes on and see how the hell you like it! Then come back and post this outlandish uninformed mess i see here. Sit on this side of the fence and talk out your a**'s.. then.! (lmao). 1995 =199$ per hm.. 2006= anywhere from 6$ an hr to some other dirived racket of a pay scale with fines and pentalties and quotas. THOSE ARE FACTS! (only trade in this country to ever witness or circum to such in this nations history! and compared to the 1800's railroad saga)

Nevermind

you guys go watch DTV.. ok...I think that part you can handle with no problems.. The rest, (as in truth), ya have No clue!

If I did not think the pay was enough I would not take the job in the first place. If the job doesn't pay go look for a better one or go back to school and learn a trade that does pay what you think is enough. If you rely on tips you will go hungry. I do not now and will never tip anyone other then resturant workers, only then due to the stuped goverment we have thet think they don't deserve min. wages. I hope you clame your tips on your income tax.

[D-Bamatech]

If I did not think the pay was enough I would not take the job in the first place. If the job doesn't pay go look for a better one or go back to school and learn a trade that does pay what you think is enough. If you rely on tips you will go hungry. I do not now and will never tip anyone other then resturant workers, only then due to the stuped goverment we have thet think they don't deserve min. wages. I hope you clame your tips on your income tax.

WHAT?... dont get me confused. I dont work for that racket set up by DTv with NO BID contracts.. never have and never will. I get paid a very decent wage and like i said ive done this mess since 101 hit the sky. Im am NOT of "them" and have no desire to conform to such either.

Tips claimed on Income tax..? what?.. for somebody that made a anti govt statement in the same post.. that sure seems like the ole "kettle calling black thing to me".. (lol)

Survive on tips?.. how can ya plan on such no matter what ya do in this society for a living. Crestkin(sp?) cant predict that mess per the individual patron and if this forum is a symbol of DTV subscriber base (which really is THE ONLY reason i come here to be honest) every tech in America would starve based on the appreciation shown here.

funny when i come here.. i help fix the DTv and such.. BUT then the majority of the PM's i get come from techs in dire straights wanting advice and a better way or simply a way out of the racket. In fact the Pm box has those right now. So yeah ive got an Agenda and to most here it is No secret. I am about nothing but restoring this trade to what it once was and if takes exposure and federal investigations, unions, and everything known to this country for the working class.. then so be it and that is what i have and will continue to do.

I know one thing if i post my rates here the PM box would fill even more from techs and wondering HOW?... Backbone and pride.. thats how. Dont take it.. But damn well give it! SO man up techs and show face.. the time is ripe to overthrow this mess once and for ALL. 85 % of them circum to illegal Federal violations and plain simple tyranny as defined by websters anyway. DTv 's install network is ILLEGAL in most every faction/facit as defined per federal labor law with a pure simple syndicate at its helm. That is ALSO A FACT!

[Wolffpack]

BTW HEY Earl.!. Yep Your DMA is HSP- LESS.. ha ha.. = the war continues! Apex is to be soon gone and is in conversion process as we speak= Chicago is in extreme disarry!
Mastec was served with" notice to cure" and the AFS ( dtv approved ambulance) is currently in scramble mode to save DMA's all over this country (especially in Bruister and Mastec areas in an overwelming capacity). Just watch this forum errupt with complaints of hell in the near future and climb in numbers. Any body wanna bet? lol
There was a poster that mentioned they were scheduled out over a month for a service call and since DTV now seems to be rolling a truck before replacing all HR20s it seems that will only get worse.

[D-Bamatech]

There was a poster that mentioned they were scheduled out over a month for a service call and since DTV now seems to be rolling a truck before replacing all HR20s it seems that will only get worse.

Wolf you see so much better than most here (a true stand out btw in this place).. but yeah you are correct.

Apex (hsp ) is out! Mastec has been served.. and Brusister is upside down. D-tech is a joke.. it goes on and on.

The AFs's are out in full force trying to keep up.. Not gonna happen.. you are quite correct.. Ill be here from time to time laughing im sure.

Some of this is done by the hands themselves from the articulators and is the epitome of the word "Backfire" in their face(control freaks and connected at the Hip syndicate). (too funny btw). The rest is due to mass exodus by techs who are sick and tired. THEN some is done By hands of people like me that believe in an "eye for an eye" and then some. They under estimate "US" ya know .. wow what an advantage that is btw. (wink) Whats funny is that all the HSP techs are leaving the HSP's and going to work for the AFS who are there to save the DMA's for the HSP's to start with.. So yeah its working quite well. (another wink). I mean who wants to stay and work for the racket based syndicates when ya get a dramatic pay raise just by changing companies and the work orders are the same exact homes.. (its way funnier than you can imagine). Hmmm.

Its gonna get ALOT WORSE.. Ill watch it and wait on the phone to ring some more. lol i guess. while i laugh like crazy.

Heck you ought to visit the tech forums and read the help wanted sections.. LMAO.. want to see visible evidence.?

Oh yeah DTV went on their march around also the HSP crooks.. looks like they finally are doing something.. But yet the AFS's who they sent to help take all the techs from the HSP's now... ha ha... what a funny scene from this chair.. if ya could only imagine. Large Trucks are running up and down highways full of EQ like its bottled water for a hurricane coming.. and No kidding. Hotels are filled with comapnies and AFs' all over the place too.. In a 80 mile stretch on one single interstate here you can find "rescue rangers " everywhere here in most and many hotel chains. Need a job stop in your local hotel rms .. he he..:lol: and get a raise and escape the tyranny and lawlessness at the same time.= win win for any tech out there. How 'bout that forum .. your DTV installs and service comes from a Hotel currently in many southern and lowereast coast DMA's..

The forum will not see no where near as many 'pretty white vans" anymore come to their home either.. this i know to be a fact.

Just watch and ill be through a bit more to check the scene and lay my snide comments im sure.

PS: see ya wolf man / logical based inteligent man.. = KUDOS!

[Lantian]

i gave both my installers drinks.

[Wolffpack]

i gave both my installers drinks.
Happy Hour all ready??? :lol:

Water is a definite. Cripe out here in AZ I don't leave the house without at least one bottle and I make that minimum offer to anyone coming by to do work.

[JLucPicard]

I will admit that I sometimes don't make it all the way through D-Bamatech's posts, but I sometimes have a short attention span. :)

However, I do agree with him that the people that D* contracts out to are paid nowhere near what an independant installer gets (as well as a lot of other things that he brings to the table).

And maybe I'm one (of what I hope are many) who just hasn't posted my habits as far as tipping of installers goes. At a minimum, my refrigerator is stocked with bottled water and Mountain Dew. One of my first statements is if he gets thirsty, that's all available to him.

The rest is pretty much based on performance. I don't put an awful of stock in when he gets there (at least I don't put a lot of the blame in him if he's late) as I've heard about the schedule they put them on, and know that not a lot of "basic' installs turn out that way when the customer lays out what they really want done.

If he is respectful and understands what he's doing and does it well, he definitely rates a tip from me. I am certainly not rich, so a "standard" visit rates about $10 to buy lunch anyway. If there is something particularly difficult (not really the case with my set up) or he takes great care to do things in a way that doesn't look like a mess when he leaves (not just drilling willy-nilly wherever it suits him, etc) and he cleans up his droppings, he gets more. For the guy that swapped out my secondary dual LNB dish for a second Phase III off his truck (for no additional charge), he got $40 - he did a great job overall anyway.

I'm not saying that tipping should be required - that's up to the individual to decide. But for me, if someone comes out, does a great job - especially if it's raining or 120 degrees on the roof or what have you - he's going to know how much I appreciate it.

One thing I could do better, though, is to let his bosses know that I appreciate the good job he did as well. I need to get better at that.

My thoughts, if D* is basically including this at no charge to me, I know that the tech is not getting an awful lot for it - I'm going to do my part in trying to make it worth his while. That just seems fair to me. Your opinions may vary, so to each his own.

It would be interesting to get a feel for if there is a "silent faction" out there that does tip their instlallers, but we're just not hearing from them.

And D-Bamatech - I was getting a little worried that I didn't see you adding a little reason to this. You have restored my faith! Thanks for chiming in with another reasoned opinion.

PS - Boy this post doesn't look nearly that long when you're reading it in that little white box! :D

[cybok0]

why the hell should I tip someone whose doing there job that they are getting paid for.

they dont crawl under my house unless I pay them more money, and they expect a tip, yeah right:nono2:

nobody tips me for doing my job properly, Im suppose to do my job properly.

Its obvious people here in these forums have alot of money to blow ($400 for a dvr,countless thousands for a tv), so they can look impressive infront of a worker by tipping them.:sure:

I will however offer them a bottle of water, but thats the most they will get.:rolleyes:

[restart88]

I too am frustrated by the manditory expectation for tipping. It only encourages business owners to pay crappy wages with no benefits. I mean, just how much is it really worth to shag plates and fetch water anyway? Sometimes you're lucky to see the server even once after your order is served. If anthing perhaps the chef should get the bigger tips? And I've done both jobs in my youth. ;)

Now to be clear, I do tip. But I would far prefer a tip to be for exceptional service and not an expected extra tax, in effect.

I had a ride contracted with a shared van service from the airport. For reasons I won't go into now they decided to just spring for a cab just for me. I got exceptional service! so I asked the guy if the company had tipped him. He said not to worry about that and that he was well taken care of. But I tipped the guy a few bucks anyway because that's the kind of tipping I don't mind giving in the least.

[Jasen]

the installers here tell me that they dont like how my dish is mounted on my tripod and they dont like the mast that came with my dish or the way I alined my dish when I upgraded to my r15

[JLucPicard]

the installers here tell me that they dont like how my dish is mounted on my tripod and they dont like the mast that came with my dish or the way I alined my dish when I upgraded to my r15

Sorry to hear that??? :confused:

[nakedeye]

Hey D-Bamatech, You go on with your bad self. :eek2:


I will not tip for someone to do the job they are fairly being paid to do. By that I mean are they making what we as a sociaty establish as fair. 5.15 an hour. Somehow resturant workers are not included in this. They get a tip.

If the installer does not like they money he gets paid, LEAVE! Go somewhere else. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. There are other industry type jobs that pay much more.

I also don't know where all you tippers are at. I work for at&t as an install/repairman. I only get offerd a few tips a year. I only get offerd something to drink maybe once a week. My quality is what it is. I work for people as if it was my own home. I however wont ever take an sort of tip and VERY rarely a drink. Just not in line with my company's policies and against how I grew up.

Hell at 27 bucks an hour I shure would like more tips though... LOL

[Wolffpack]

If the installer does not like they money he gets paid, LEAVE! Go somewhere else. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. There are other industry type jobs that pay much more.
I believe that's Bama's point. They are leaving. And the installation companies are in short supply of installers. Notice the increase of ads on DTV to become an installer? How does that effect you nakedeye? How does that effect others that take the attitude that installers are paid what they deserve? Longer scheduling times for an install, longer response time for a repair visit and more inexperienced installers mucking up your precious home theater. Just what all of us love to complain about here.

Don't get me wrong, if you don't feel the need to tip, don't. But when you suggest the installers just LEAVE if they feel they're underpaid, then don't come back here and complain when your install date is a month out. Don't complain when on that date your installer doesn't show up (no call no show). After all, he may have picked that very day to exercise his right to quit. Also don't complain when DTV starts charging for installs. After all, we're all familiar with the term "you get what you pay for".

[JLucPicard]

Nicely said, Wolffpack.

[skierbri10]

I dont get tips at my job, but when I see guys working hard in the heat I will give him something. I dont have much but I give them what I can.

[restart88]

Should you tip business owners?

I went for a hair cut at my regular location but it turned out that my barber had sold to someone else. This guy raised his prices $2 and did a crappy job at that. I usually tip the barber but had to think twice about that one.

As a side note, a few months later he put up a banner that said new lower prices (back to where the previous owner charged) and later hours. I wonder why? lol

[ApK]

I'd guess by your statement you've never had a conversation with your mailman as he brought you mail to your door. There isn't any minimum competence level for mailmen. I have lived in places where I know the mailman by name. He would at times bring me the mail up the driveway so I didn't have to go out and get it. When he brought up the batch of oranges that my folks shipped my from FL I'd give him a bag full.

Now, where I'm at there's a different mailman every day. All driving their own vehicles. They don't get tips.

I've outlined my point above and I stand by it. I get good service for anything and I consider tipping folks.

What you're describing IS above and beyond. That's not just getting your mail right, he's going out of his way to do good by you. I'd tip service like that. And, btw, when we did have a regular mail man, he did get a tip at xmas, cuz, as you say, we DID often talk to him at the door and he was a good guy.

It seems like we're on the same page but I'll stand by my position, too. Except for the screwed up situation of food service, and unpaid favors, I think tipping is only appropriate for exceptional service. If you are expecting a tip for doing your job then, by definition, don't deserve one.

ApK

[ApK]

Also don't complain when DTV starts charging for installs. After all, we're all familiar with the term "you get what you pay for".

I'm all in favor of a paying fair price for fair work.

My fear would be that they'd up the charges and people would STILL expect tips.

[silk1234]

Look if you feel that your installer has done an exceptional job the by all means tip him. We are not looking for tips but it frequently occurs especially during the summer months. Tipping used to occur more frequently years ago in the industry but as the younger generation has aged the appreciation for good ole fashion hard work is just not there.

Bottled water or even cold tap water is extemely common and appreciated.

[Vid58]

Shish. If I tipped all these people you all say I should tip, I would have to give up D* just to make ends meet.

[lslutzky]

If he is curtious, prompt and does his job very well I usually tip $5-$10

[nevea2be]

that may be true but the installer is providing a service to you as well, don't you tip for service like waiter/waitresses?

Do you tip an electrician, plumber, or cable guy for the work they do in your house? My electrician just gave me a $3500 bill for rewiring my whole finished basement that I'm redoing over. Do I tip him 20%? Is that the going rate?

What about tipping the UPS man? He's delivering a service too. :confused:

[aim2pls]

I am not about to tip anyone for doing their job. He is getting a good hourly pay as it is.
probaby not ... but I do agree ..... water / soda / a sandwich works ok tho

[aim2pls]

Tipping installers? :lol:

This tipping business is getting too over the top for me!

Next they'll be tipping the tax collector. lol

Dunkin Donuts use to have a sign .....NO TIPPING ... now the tip cup is on the counter

[JonVig]

Maybe my installer should have tipped me?

I had a six receiver (3 HD) install on three floors. I had all of the coax run, all of them labeled as to which room each line went to.

The installer showed up expecting to spend six-to-seven hours on my job and he was gone in under two. He did not even have to get on the roof.

Don't get me wrong, I typically over-tip, but I think society has gotten carried away with their expectations and sense of entitlement!!

[JeffBowser]

Seems to be a lot of emotion on this subject. Here's my take: I tip anyone and everyone who provides a service to me. Amount varies. Sometimes it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth but I do it anyway. Why ? Because these are real human beings behind the job face, with bills, families, and problems of their own - if they are scrambling in a tough, low-paying job, I feel for them. Why does it leave me with a bad taste sometimes ? Because of the a**-wipe corporations behind the employee who are taking advantage of this (waitresses at below minimum wage anyone?). I hate greedy, lying, self-serving corporations, and I feel badly for the people stuck working for any of them. Those of you up here spouting off "so quit and go elsewhere", I don't think you have had enough real life experience to realize it is not always that simple.

Lest any of you get confused, I speak from the standpoint of having my own business, with (currently) 20 employees. I treat them fairly, and it just boils my blood to see what other companies do, for their own greed.

[axl]

I have given my installers drinks and bottled water when they have done a good job. If they haven't done a good job they get nothing. I have not considered money yet, because no one has done a professional job. There is always some sort of trash they leave lying around and don't like being asked to pick it up. Cable ties are the most frequent problem!

[ApK]

but as the younger generation has aged the appreciation for good ole fashion hard work is just not there.



Nonsense. Your PAYCHECK is what you get for 'good ole fashion hard work.' It's called doing your job. A tip is for exceptional service BEYOND what should be expected in all cases. Anything other perception is due to an overblown sense on entitlement, not any lack of appriciation by a 'younger generation.'

A drink is just common courtesy to thirsty person, that's a non issue in my book. I'd offer just about anyone a drink.

And I HATE those tip cups at D&D and delis and other counter service places. How insulting.....if you think you can charge me X dollars for a cup of coffee and then expect a tip for handing it to me, just put up and automat and go home, and I'll do it myself. Get real.

[JeffBowser]

Your attitude here is saddening. Those folks behind the counter don't just hand you a drink. Go walk a day in their shoes, and see what all they are expected to do for mimimum wage or lower. If you want to be angry at something, be angry at the corporation behind it, or at the people that refuse to work at all, costing us untold tax dollars to support.

And yes, I agree with previous poster - work ethic in the newer generation is nothing like it was in older generations, and the blame lies right at the parents feet for this new "sense of entitlement".

Nonsense. Your PAYCHECK is what you get for 'good ole fashion hard work.' It's called doing your job. A tip is for exceptional service BEYOND what should be expected in all cases. Anything other perception is due to an overblown sense on entitlement, not any lack of appriciation by a 'younger generation.'

A drink is just common courtesy to thirsty person, that's a non issue in my book. I'd offer just about anyone a drink.

And I HATE those tip cups at D&D and delis and other counter service places. How insulting.....if you think you can charge me X dollars for a cup of coffee and then expect a tip for handing it to me, just put up and automat and go home, and I'll do it myself. Get real.

[jimmymiko]

The only tip I have given installers is to "FIND A NEW JOB, one that you can do"!

[ApK]

Your attitude here is saddening.
You're certainly entitled to your opinion.
My opinion is that your position is greatly responsible for the overblown sense of entitlement, for the idea that people don't have to improve themselves to get skills and eduction worth more than the minimum wage and move to better paying jobs, that they do not even need to competently do the job they are hired to do, and that they should instead depend on the charity of tips. It undermines the economy, undermines the better parts of Capitalism, and reduces work ethic and sense of individual responsibility for one's own lot in life.
Your attitude is saddening.

ApK

[jimmymiko]

Your attitude here is saddening. Those folks behind the counter don't just hand you a drink. Go walk a day in their shoes, and see what all they are expected to do for mimimum wage or lower. If you want to be angry at something, be angry at the corporation behind it, or at the people that refuse to work at all, costing us untold tax dollars to support.

And yes, I agree with previous poster - work ethic in the newer generation is nothing like it was in older generations, and the blame lies right at the parents feet for this new "sense of entitlement".

Good reason to go to College so you don't have to work for minimum wage. Not that all people with a College education have great jobs but it does give you leverage to work above minimum wage. You have to work hard to get what you want in life and if all you want is to be the person behind the counter then a tip isn't going to help.

[randyk47]

I just had a private installer put up my Slimline. Paid him $250 plus parts for a difficult (very height, very steep roof location) install that D* refused to touch. I worked with him the whole time (about 2 hours) running cables, etc. He did a great job and I'm totally pleased with the install but the $250 seemed more than sufficient so tipping him never crossed my mind.

[DrZaiusATL]

A tip? R U Kidding.....From what I have read on here most of you needed someone out twice to get your signals where they should be.

Here is a Tip: Installer training by DirecTV.....Get the job done right the first time.

[Rob]

Tip? Where does it stop? Should I place an order at McD's and after receiving my order go into the back and start handing out quarters to the person who took my order, the person who cooked my hamburger, the person who was on the Fry machine, the shift supervisor for ensuring his people are performing up to standards. The Coke delivery person, the person who delivers the hamburger, frys, etc. The potato farmer, the person who slaughters the cow for the hamburger.

After the installer has left and my receiver is working flawlessly, should I send a tip to the 14 year old who assembled it in Malaysia?

IMO, this is nothing to tip over. If the installer went above and beyond like fishing a cable through the wall for you off the books, a tip would be in play than.

[RobertE]

Don't get me wrong, I typically over-tip, but I think society has gotten carried away with their expectations and sense of entitlement!!

That statement couldn't be more true. For both parties.

I don't know how many times people feel entitled to free wall fishes, move furniture, etc. Guess what people. That's not part the of the "free" standard installation.

[JeffBowser]

Symptomatic of the Me Myself and I generation. When I hire (or try to hire) 20-somethings, I am often stunned that some of the first words out of their mouths are variations of "how much vacation do I get", followed by "I'll have to take a week to <insert activity here>" within days of starting.
Ugh. This whole tip conversation here is a microcosm of much larger truths and changes in society as a whole.

That statement couldn't be more true. For both parties.

I don't know how many times people feel entitled to free wall fishes, move furniture, etc. Guess what people. That's not part the of the "free" standard installation.

[FHSPSU67]

Here's one a little different:
My original supposed-to-be installer failed to show for three consecutive appointments. His supervisor - a former navy submarine electronic tech called and asked if I was available for Saturday morning. I said sure and he did an excellent install - much better than I was expecting due to my previous experience with the former tech. I tipped him $100 and talked to him for quite awhile about the state of the industry . He told me that the original tech couldn't hack it and found a better paying job - not hard to do. He just wished he could pay enough to get better people and keep them!

[ApK]

Symptomatic of the Me Myself and I generation. When I hire (or try to hire) 20-somethings, I am often stunned that some of the first words out of their mouths are variations of "how much vacation do I get", followed by "I'll have to take a week to <insert activity here>" within days of starting.
Ugh. This whole tip conversation here is a microcosm of much larger truths and changes in society as a whole.

I see you and I are going to be diametrically opposed on a lot of stuff.

Why on Earth would those comments stun you? The days of putting loyalty to a company, which will show YOU loyalty for thrity years, give you health care, then give you pension , ahead of time with your family and the other aspects of your life are long gone and good riddance.

Vacation is an important benefit and is right up there with salary and health benefits when deciding to take a job.

And negotiating around a prior commitment when deciding on a start date is preferable to NOT mentioning it and then suddenly taking off 'sick', no?

It's interesting that you say you throw tip money to anyone who works for you whether they deserve it or not, but are stunned when someone looks to optimize their real compensation.

Wow...this is getting REALLY off topic for a DBS forum....interesting, though.

ApK

[dgsiiinc]

9 years ago I didn't tip my original installer. It was a very small operation that I paid to install my system since I was having trouble getting the job done. I felt like the installer received adequate compensation for it.

Almost one year ago, I finally upgraded to an HR20 from the single SD box. The installer came to my house, couldn't find a place with good LOS. He spent over an hour walking the property with me to look for good places. We found a great spot for a pole mounted Slimline which would only require removal of one tree.

Two weeks later I managed to get a tree service on my property to take care of that and some other trees that were in bad shape. I rescheduled the installation, but a different fellow showed up and was unwilling to install because it looked like it might rain. I rescheduled once again and on Sunday morning-- Christmas Eve, no less-- the helpful technician from the first upgrade attempt showed up and spent four hours doing a simply perfect installation. He removed the old single lnb dish from my chimney and mounted an antenna. He replaced that cable since it'd been exposed to the elements for 8 years. He cemented a pole and mounted the AU9. He trenched 40' of cables. He relocated the old SD received to my daughter's room and pulled a cable under my 100 year old farmhouse. All on Christmas Eve.

He got a $20 tip. I wish I could have given him more, but that was all the cash I had. In two weeks I've got a scheduled installation for an R15 for my daughter's room. If it's the same guy, it'd be a safe bet he's going to get a sizable tip.

[Sirshagg]

Nonsense. Your PAYCHECK is what you get for 'good ole fashion hard work.' It's called doing your job. A tip is for exceptional service BEYOND what should be expected in all cases. Anything other perception is due to an overblown sense on entitlement, not any lack of appriciation by a 'younger generation.'

A drink is just common courtesy to thirsty person, that's a non issue in my book. I'd offer just about anyone a drink.

And I HATE those tip cups at D&D and delis and other counter service places. How insulting.....if you think you can charge me X dollars for a cup of coffee and then expect a tip for handing it to me, just put up and automat and go home, and I'll do it myself. Get real.

You read my mind!

[mtlrgst]

This poll really needs to allow the choice "I don't tip installers"

It is common etiquette to tip in restaurants and hotels, for some deliveries (food, flowers, furniture), for personal hygiene services (barber, manicurist), cab drivers, porters and few other less common services If you Google "tipping" you'll find many references to this information.

Tipping beyond that is fine, but it's certainly not customary.

[Sirshagg]

I don't know how many times people feel entitled to free wall fishes, move furniture, etc. Guess what people. That's not part the of the "free" standard installation.

Agreed. If someone goes above and beyond they should be tipped. I just don't believe in tipping people simply for doing their job - I don't have a tip jar sitting on my desk. If you don't like the job then find something else. Don't expect me to subsidize your income while you do your job poorly just because you are unhappy.

[JeffBowser]

Don't put words in my mouth.

I see you could be one of those with the new generational outlook. This does not mean one needs to put work before family as you state below. The concept I am talking about is often so entirely foreign to the younger generation entering the workforce that there is barely any common basis to begin building an explanation on.

Interesting for sure, off-topic absolutley :lol:

I see you and I are going to be diametrically opposed on a lot of stuff.

It's interesting that you say you throw tip money to anyone who works for you whether they deserve it or not, but are stunned when someone looks to optimize their real compensation.

Wow...this is getting REALLY off topic for a DBS forum....interesting, though.

ApK

[msmith198025]

I only tip if i ask him to do something that isnt on the work order. And ive only done that once. Otherwise if its hot, i will give him a drink

[jahgreen]

I tipped the initial installer, because he ran the cable through the basement and fished it through the wall to my main TV. I think I gave him $60, because it was clearly beyond the standard installation and worth the money to me.

I did not tip the guy who installed the 5LNB dish and HR20, because he tried to get me to agree to install the dish on a lower roof that would have LOS problems. He finally did install it, right where the original dish was. All he had to do was connect the already-installed cables at the dish and at the HR20. A truly standard install, no reason to tip.

I tipped the guys who installed my plasma mount and TV (over an installation charge I had already paid) because they finished the installation, and one stepped back, looked at the TV for a minute, and said: "that's not level." They had to take the TV down, adjust the mounting brackets, and re-install it twice before it was perfect. I felt that deserved a tip.

[Sixto]

Think I've always tipped the D* install guy ...

Usually about $10 ... think I gave the most recent guy more when he got the 103 satellite signal perfect in the high 90's ...

Also tipped the kid who put the new HD LCD in the car at the electronics place ...

To each his own ...

[JLucPicard]

This is funny. silk1234 brings up a thread that's over a year old and I think, "Oh great another dead thread revived". Then it goes on for several dozen more posts and silk1234 is never heard from again! I'm just shaking my head. Seems to be a hot topic, though.

[SledDog]

My last installer (from MASTEC) did a great job. But I did not tip him. And here's the reason why.

I removed all of the old coax, installed conduit and j-boxes with a pull string. I pulled the coax into the house and routed it the rooms. The dish was mounted to a pole that previously had an E* dish on it. I prep'ed the grounding. It turned out the pole was a smaller diameter then the dish mount. So I got a sleeve from the installer and fab'ed it to work with the pole and the slimline.

The tech installed and aligned dish, added a ground block, made the connections and installed 2 receivers. He then made sure all my channels worked and gave us a quick run down on both receivers.

He was done in less than 45 minutes with my help.

So should I have tipped him. No, I did as much, if not more work, then he did. He got finished with my install in minimum time. He even called to see if he could do the install earlier then scheduled. It was a Saturday morning, so he was done for the day.

So should he have tipped me? No. I will always help an installer if I can. Even if it's just holding components, running to the van for tools, wrenching on something that needs to be assembled. If I'm helping them finish early or I make their job easier, why tip?

I always make sure I have water and food available. And if nothing else, they get done quickly (with my help), and leave with a full stomach and some water to go to their next job.

I know these guys don't get a lot for installs. So I try to make the install as easy and quick as possible. Hells bells, if I could have gotten the coax before hand and had it ran, that would have cut 10 minutes more off the job!

[joe diamond]

I am not about to tip anyone for doing their job. He is getting a good hourly pay as it is.

Actually......
The installation organization (read HSP) is pissing away a good hourly pay. The installer is offered spit.

As an installer I always show the list of FREE things for which I will be paid. Then I point out that some necessary things are not part of the basic installation and the customer can do them himself. hire someone else or hire me. My rate is $60.00 for the first hour and forty for each additional hour.

Most installations fall into the basic installation category and there are no additional charges. Materials are paid for by the installer so nothing is free.

Tips are nice but both parties must feel they are deserved; an acknowledgment of good work gratefully received.

Joe

[Snoofie]

I've never even considered tipping an installer. Maybe that is bad, but to me that is not a job that I would have even thought a tip would be deserving. I guess I'm just out of touch.

[nevea2be]

When I had my DirecTV installed I didn't tip him but I did offer him a couple of drinks. He was there for a little while and had to leave and go get some cement. Really all he did was dig a hole and cement the pole in the ground and then run the wire. I cut down five trees and got them out of his way and made the hole in the side of my house for the wire to run through in the cellar and the hole in the floor to the living room.