While tipping Abt delivery personnel is not mandatory, it is a common practice and a thoughtful gesture, especially when the delivery involves heavy lifting, complex installation, or exceptional service. It's generally advised to consider tipping the same amount as you would for furniture delivery.
Understanding Tipping for Appliance Delivery
Delivery professionals, including those from Abt, often go above and beyond simple drop-offs. Their work can involve:
- Navigating challenging access points (stairs, narrow doorways).
- Carefully moving heavy and bulky appliances.
- Protecting your home during the delivery process.
- Installing new appliances and ensuring they function correctly.
- Hauling away old appliances.
Recognizing these efforts through a tip is a way to show appreciation for their hard work and professionalism.
How Much Should You Tip?
Guidelines suggest that you consider tipping anywhere from $5 to $20 per person for appliance or furniture delivery. The exact amount can depend on several factors, including the complexity of the delivery, the number of items, and the level of service provided.
Here's a general guideline for tipping appliance delivery teams:
| Service Complexity | Suggested Tip Per Person |
|---|---|
| Standard Curbside Drop-off | $5 - $10 |
| In-Home Delivery | $10 - $15 |
| Delivery & Installation | $15 - $20 |
| Challenging Deliveries | $20+ |
Factors to Consider When Tipping
When deciding on the amount, you might want to consider the following:
- Number of Items: Delivering multiple large appliances (e.g., refrigerator, washer, dryer) might warrant a higher tip than a single item.
- Difficulty of Delivery: If your home has many stairs, a long driveway, or tight spaces that make delivery particularly challenging, a more generous tip is appropriate.
- Installation Services: If the delivery team also installs your new appliance (connecting water lines, gas lines, testing functionality), this added service often justifies a higher tip.
- Haul-Away Service: If they remove and dispose of your old appliance, this extra labor is worth acknowledging.
- Customer Service: Exceptional politeness, care for your property, and efficiency should be rewarded.
Practical Tips for Tipping
- Prepare Cash: It's helpful to have a range of bill denominations ($5, $10, $20) in your wallet before the delivery team arrives. This allows you to tip each person individually and adjust the amount based on the service received.
- Tip Each Person: If there are two or more delivery people, it's customary to tip each individual on the team.
- Tip After Service: Wait until the delivery and any installation are complete and you're satisfied with the service.
- It's Optional: While widely appreciated, tipping is always at your discretion and should reflect your satisfaction with the service.
By considering these guidelines, you can make an informed decision about tipping your Abt delivery professionals, showing appreciation for their effort in bringing your new appliances safely into your home.
