>Self-employed/owners of a business are not tipped Well, now, I was a musician for many years, and musicians, while they are self-employed, certainly appreciate a tip, if it is offered. I would imagine any other entertainer would appreciate one, too. However, we're not like your waiter who needs tip money to live. To us a tip is a welcome sort of extra thank you, and if you decide to give a tip the dollar amount is entirely up to you. I've received tips ranging from $20 to $500. They're all gratefully received, but we don't go around saying, "That lousy so-and-so didn't even tip me" if we don't get one. One thing--never give the tip to the agency if you hired through one. The performer will never see it. If you decide to tip a performer, tip him personally that day.

As an addendum, if you are really impressed with the job your GC does (or a particular sub, if you are the GC), then the best tip you can give them is a letter of appreciation that the can use along with your name to act as a reference for them. Also, positive reviews on any consumer websites is helpful for them as well. Add in a gift certificate to a home center or popular local restaurant with the letter, and you will have made their day. However, it's NOT "expected" that you do anything above just paying them on time. These days, that in and of itself goes a long way.

I moved much like you did when we moved here. I moved my kitchen, bathrooms, artwork, garage and shop things, clothing not in drawers and quite a bit of my office although not a heavy desk. 6 minute drive. I'd boxed books and hadn't put them in my SUV yet, the movers graciously offered to take them as they had room. I had brought my own lamps too I think. . All my living room furniture was new and delivered by the store as were the appliances. I tipped each of the three man crew, who brought the heavier pieces only, $40 each, Same with the movers I hired to move my mother to her retirement apartment an hour from her home. They moved three rooms of furniture and her clothing, I packed her kitchen myself, put those things into my SUV. It was a warm day, I had water which they accepted, soft drinks that they declined. Two men. They preferred to stop and buy their own lunch after they had packed and before they unpacked her things in her new city. I tipped them $40 each, although I think they were worth about 10 times that much for as helpful and good natured as they were that day last Fall ;-) Editing to add - I just remembered with the company hired to move mother, they brought us coffee! They called and asked how many were at the house that morning, and arrived with Starbucks, their treat ;-)

generally speaking guys in the trade dont get tipped, unless they did something thats not negotiated like come in on a weekend to finish or something similar. but either case, i've been tipped before for just doing my job nothing fancy, its always appreciated. If your dead set on tipping them, 20 bucks to buy them lunch goes a long way