Handyman Tipping Protocol

Just how much of a tip do you give the handyman?

If you are not exactly handy with tools you may find yourself searching for, or asking friends for, the name of a good handyman. Even those people who possess the right skills may prefer the services of a handyman from time to time. Tipping may be part of the deal.

1 Tipping in General

According to "U.S. News and World Report," there are no hard and fast rules about tipping. Generally speaking, those who provide a service to you are entitled to be paid, but not necessarily tipped. If you want to reward good service, or encourage good service in the future, 18 percent to 20 percent of the bill is the going rate.

2 Sole Proprietor

In general, you should never tip the owner of the business, only the employee. So don't even consider tipping the handyman who works alone under his own business. Only employees sent by a company for whom they work should be tipped, and then, 18 percent to 20 percent of the total bill is acceptable.

3 Your Call

If you own your own home and have called in a handyman, you may want to tip him, but it is not necessary. However, if you live in a condo or apartment and pay a building fund or other fee that includes upkeep, tipping a handyman is not necessary.

Michelle A. Rivera is the author of many books and articles. She attended the University of Missouri Animal Cruelty School and is certified with the Florida Animal Control Association. She is the executive director of her own nonprofit, Animals 101, Inc. Rivera is an animal-assisted therapist, humane educator, former shelter manager, rescue volunteer coordinator, dog trainer and veterinary technician.

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