Movers/Tips

We have moved 3 times in the last 3 years and used essentially the same crew. We always have given at least 15%, and in one case about 20% because they did the move much faster than anticipated. We tipped on the total amount bill (including hourly and truck charge, boxes, rental equipment, etc., but I think you can just do it on the hourly amount). Each time, we gave the money directly to the foreman and just hoped he distributed it evenly (can't now for sure though).

For a small job (done in just a few hours, you could probably give $20 per person.

I moved a few years ago and was told a "reccommended" tip by the foreman (who sat in the truck the ENTIRE time while the other guys worked their asses off). Of course he also collected the tip -- I still wonder to this day whether or not he shared it with the rest of the team . . . probably screwed the poor stiffs doing all the work because they couldn't speak english!

Thank you all for your help. Hopefully the foreman will be honest. 20% would be acceptable correct?

20% is more than enough.

I'd dispense with the niceties & the "norm" of giving the money to the foreman to distribute, particularly in the case of the asshole who sat in the truck & then surely kept all the money. If the movers worked hard & well just give them each the money directly & then you know who got what.

yup. if the foreman is not taking an active role, give it to the others directly!

"20% is more than enough"

I'm sure your overpaid at what you do too #6.

#6 here. Not even sure what #9's post means. If it means you think I am wrong and the more thn 20% is required, then you are in the minority on this. I also posted #2. We have given between 15-20% for three moves and that is on top of everything. That has worked out to over $800 in tips per move for a 4 person crew for between 6-8 hours of work. $200 per mover for a tip for the day is plenty in my book. And yes, I am overpaid, but so are half the people in this city.

15%-20% is fine!
and number 10 and 6 you paid too much $4000 move that takes less than 8 hours you got ripped off that means around $500 per hour??? I have never seen a rate so hight for 4 men, $200 is one of the most expensive companies in NYC

15%-20% is fine!
and number 10 and 6 you paid too much $4000 move that takes less than 8 hours you got ripped off that means around $500 per hour??? I have never seen a rate so high for 4 men, $200 is one of the most expensive companies in NYC

The $4000 move was actaully longer than 8 hours and included some rental equipment. But, yes, they did add on to the price unfortunately. They took advantage of the fact that my wife was there with our infant child and did not have time to sit around and add up the price. It did not actually work out to $500 for the time because the total was $4000 with the tip and we spent close to $1000 on packing supplies, etc. (which they overcharged us for also).

is $90 / hour expensive for movers in the city? 2 guys and a truck

$150 usually gets you 4 guys and a truck for what it's worth. Based on that, that price seems fair as the cost of the truck means you probably have to pay more than half the $150. If you have a lot of stuff you may consider going with a bigger crew, as they will get it done faster. You also usually need a guy to watch the truck, so not sure how efective 2 guys can be.

We moved the contents of a 1-bed for about $1200, including tips for the movers. An dI think we paid a little too much. There are a couple of firms that will give you a flat rate, so there are no nasty surprises.

Where is a good place to get moving supplies? Need lots of boxes. The last time, I got them from the office, because we had just switched locations. But thats not an option this time... thanks...