Getting a mattress delivered, and not sure whether you should tip the deliverers? I gotcha. I did some real research, and here's what I came up with.
Do you tip mattress delivery guys, and how much? You don't have to if you don't want to, but most people seem to tip for mattress delivery. Tips range from $5 - $25, averaging at about $10 per person. How much you'll tip depends on the service provided. A good rule of thumb is: the higher the building, the higher the tip.
But there are some exceptions to this rule. What to do if the guy is from UPS? Read on to find out the nitty-gritty.
So what about it? Should you actually tip your mattress deliverers? I've gone through dozens of forums. Most people agree that you should tip for mattress delivery.
But it really depends on the service they provide, and whether or not they do a good job.
Here are some examples of service you should consider tipping for:
I'll go over these points in more detail below.
Please note: in Europe, it is even less customary to tip the mattress delivery driver (or anyone for that matter). But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. Heck, I guess the unexpected gift is appreciated even more.
Again, it isn't mandatory to tip anyone (except for waiters and waitresses). Most people say they won't tip the regular postal services. It's their job, and they are getting paid for it.
That's true, but why not? I'd never had them deliver a mattress - but maybe they need it even more than a fulltime mattress driver.
Why? Well, they didn't sign up for this. So I'd say for them, picking up a huge mattress in the morning after their first cup of coffee, doesn't make them happy at all.
But then, after dreading this mattress delivery all day, looking over their shoulder in the back of the van, you give them a nice tip.
My guess is you've just made him or her especially happy.
What do mattress drivers make, and do they think they deserve a tip from you? Let's discuss some economics.
At Mattress Firm, mattress delivery drivers make on average $12.40 / hour.
(source Indeed.com)
According to indeed, mattress deliverers think they are compensated fairly for the work, scoring their pay 3.1 out of 5.
But the hours are long, and so it is stressful and hard work.
Also, it is good to know that in some cases, drivers are not actual employees of the mattress companies. They are instead subcontractors. This means most drivers are independent or small business owners. However, they do not have the freedom you'd expect. The large mattress firms are controlling the industry firmly.
(source Indeed.com reviews)
Ever wondered how it is to carry around someone else's stinking old mattress?
You guessed right: not fun.
A tip I got from a retired mover is to wrap up your old crabby mattress in mattress bags. It'll removes any odors and will be much appreciated by the delivery drivers. I can assure you!
If you're feeling particularly helpful, you could consider packing it in vacuum bags. It'll will reduce its size greatly and will make it easier to carry around. This trick works especially well with foam mattresses.
I really like this last one, because it can help someone have a good day just as well as giving money.
It's especially a good road to go down if the weather conditions are kind of harsh. Is it really hot outside? I offer them a cold bottle of water (or some beers - for after their shift!). Really cold? A cup of coffee or a sandwich or something (well, my girlfriend makes those).
Remember, you don't have to if you simply don't want to. Most of the time, a tip isn't expected at all.
But I do want to point out that even a small tip can make a big difference in somebody's day, especially if unexpected. A tip is a token of appreciation. With it, you show you value the work the driver is doing, and the driver him or herself.
I never tip if someone is rude to me. Tips are a way of rewarding good behavior, not bad.
If the drivers provide bad service, that's an easy decision on my part. I don't tip for someone that's doing a bad job. Again, tips are a way of appreciating someone going the extra mile. If you tip everybody unconditionally, it loses its value and it becomes mandatory quickly.
If you're planning on regular orders, maybe tip something extra - although my guess is you won't order mattress after mattress. If it's an all-round home decorating or furniture store doing the delivery, and you order regularly, I always tip. Especially if it's a local shop, it just makes any future deliveries a lot smoother.
My rule of thumb is: if someone spends a lot of energy on my behalf (which I now don't have to spend) or if I make more money then they do, I usually tip (a little).
To sum it up: you don't have to tip. Delivery drivers are being paid for their time. But ...
... I'd say: go for it!
And remember: the best tip of all is kindness.