To tip or not to tip?

[Lori63]

My sister recently used the services of a long arm quilter for the first time. As she was on her way to meet to pick up her quilts, she called me and asked if she should tip the lady. I had no idea and had never thought about it. I googled it and got conflicting opinions, so I suggested she wait and see if she really liked the way they turned out, to tip, if not then don't. I've forgotten to ask her what she decided to do. I do know she was happy with the quilting.


What do you all think/do?

[snippet]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

oh my gosh. I never thought about tipping a longarmer. I feel bad now for not thinking about it. Now you have me wondering too. I hope the answer is no, then I won't feel like a such a cheapskate.

[Hulamoon]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

I would say no. If it's a private business why would you give extra money after the quote on the job. Unless it was so outstanding that you want to give extra.

Would you tip a plumber, or an interior decorator?

[quiltingaway]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

I would say no. If it's a private business why would you give extra money after the quote on the job. Unless it was so outstanding that you want to give extra.

Would you tip a plumber, or an interior decorator?

I totally agree with this. I wouldn't tip and have not heard of this practice.

[Caroline T.]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

I agree with Hulamoon. While I don't tip, I do always pay my LA lady in cash, trying to bring enough denominations so that she doesn't have to make change, and usually end up saying "not to worry about the change (it's always under $5).

So the way I see it, she's getting a few bucks more than the contracted amount, and since I'm paying cash - well the rest is between her and the IRS, so that's potentially a 15 to 25% tip there in itself. My lips are sealed and the receipt is destroyed.

[mamo69]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

The lady (when I use her) I normally "up" the amount. Example-- $147.00 will become $150. Not alot but, some. If I use a business-- only the amount charged.

[kensington]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

No... I wouldn't tip. The acceptable way to tip or acknowledge someone who gives you a private service would be to do it at Christmas. If you use them often. I use my quilter 10 to 15 times a year. She makes a lot of money off of me. If I were to tip, I would send her a gift certificate at Christmas in her card.

Her fees should be ample enough that she makes good with me. I think the fact that I have returned my business to her year after year for more than 20 years is plenty. Another way to look at it is... she is selling something I am buying it. I don't tip the grocery store when I buy bread and milk either. LOL.

[bubba]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

I think of it as the owner of the business, so no, I would not tip them. I will say, two women have tipped me for bags and it made my day!!

[JCY]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

I've never heard of tipping a LA quilter. They set their prices, charge for batting & thread, etc. I always pay with a check, so I have a record of it.

[Patty J]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

If you are happy with your LA Quilter don't you tell your friends about her/him?? That could be extra money above and beyond any tip you would give. Just a thought.

[Bubby]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

I don't tip my quilter. Even if she wasn't one of my best friends, I still wouldn't tip. In the same way, I don't tip Dottie & Olive's groomer, but I give her a nice gift from them for Christmas every year....and also to my quilter.

[Eisy]

Re: To tip or not to tip?

I usually round up the amount as some of the others do.