How Much Should I Tip an Appliance Delivery Person?

You shouldn't feel an obligation to tip the appliance delivery person who brings your new refrigerator, stove or washer and dryer set. It isn't customary to tip people who deliver items other than food, although in certain instances, a tip commends the delivery person for a job well done. Regardless of whether you tip or not, show courtesy to the person who's visiting your home.

In a U.S. News & World Report article, etiquette writer Judith Bowman said that you don't have to tip an appliance delivery person. You almost always pay for delivery. Part of this extra charge goes to pay the delivery person, so you shouldn't feel that your tip is an integral part of the person's income.

Bowman says that it's appropriate to tip a delivery person in certain cases. Tip if the nature of the delivery is overly difficult, such as the delivery person has to navigate an awkward set of stairs up to your house or inside your house. Another reason to tip is to acknowledge a delivery person's exemplary attitude, notes Bowman. Tip to recognize someone who's friendly and accommodating. Because tipping a delivery person isn't conventional, there's no set amount. However, a tip between $5 and $10 is often appropriate.

Convey proper etiquette by helping make the delivery person's job as easy as possible. Move your vehicle to allow him to park the delivery truck near your door, clear obstacles from his path and prepare the room in which he's taking the appliance. For example, if he's dropping off a new washer, drag the old washer out of the way.

Warmly thank the delivery person for his work. If the person went out of his way for you, send an email to the company to explain the situation. Be as specific as you can in describing the situation. For example, write, "We'd just painted our walls, and your delivery person was extremely careful to avoid bumping into anything." A positive letter may help the delivery person during a performance review.