![]() |
![]() |
|
Home | Forums | Gallery | Webcams | Blogs | YouTube Channel | Classifieds | Calendar | Register | FAQ | Donate | Members List | Today's Posts | Search |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]()
We are so grateful for the excellent job our construction crew managed to accomplish earlier this year, and we are looking for ideas for showing appreciation without going overboard or being a cheapskate. When you get older, sometimes it’s hard to be in the now, as opposed to the’70s, and it would be good to do this just right. Suggestions would be appreciated. There are four of them. Thanks.
Sue |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
Senior Member
|
![]()
A Subway gift card that comes in 25-35-50-65-75-dollar amounts is the gift that keeps you in meatball marinara subs for a couple weeks.
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]()
Thanks, FLL....that wasn’t quite what we had in mind! 😂
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton
Posts: 1,381
Thanks: 63
Thanked 253 Times in 172 Posts
|
![]()
If they're drinking men, some very good quality liquor, or whatever beverage they prefer; if that isn't enough add gift cards to a good local pizza joint.
__________________
basking in the benign indifference of the universe |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island
Posts: 6,192
Thanks: 2,368
Thanked 5,255 Times in 2,039 Posts
|
![]()
Sue,
I recently had a contractor build a garage with efficiency apartment above. I was extremely pleased with their work. I found out what the owner and his project manager liked to drink, both said Scotch. On the last day of the project I gave the owner his final payment check and presented each a very expensive bottle of Scotch that they both very much appreciated. Dan
__________________
It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!! ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to ishoot308 For This Useful Post: | ||
FlyingScot (12-06-2020), Sue Doe-Nym (12-05-2020) |
Sponsored Links |
|
![]() |
#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH
Posts: 4,059
Thanks: 2,184
Thanked 1,181 Times in 750 Posts
|
![]()
I'm sure FLL can get you a good deal on Marie Calender chicken pot pies.
![]() Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]()
I had no idea we had so many comedians on the forum! 🤨 At least I got a straight answer from ishoot. Thank you, Dan. Are there any other ideas out there? Thanks.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]()
The constructive suggestions might be helpful to others, so I am going to put one out there that was a PM. He suggested $250 for each worker, $500 for the foreman, and this seems reasonable, given the scope of the job. So far I have 2 great possibilities. Much appreciated.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,311
Thanks: 1,328
Thanked 1,615 Times in 1,048 Posts
|
![]()
After a two or three day job, I tip my landscaper's crew $20-$50 each depending on the size of the job. Nothing significant if they just blow leaves around or cut the grass for an hour.. The owner loves it because they rarely get tips, and it's easy to get a good crew to show up at my place. These are people who come routinely, but the tips are for one-time major jobs. Often, on routine stuff,they come and go while I'm not present.
If this is a major job and you can identify individuals, that's a little different than if you think they are coming back repeatedly, but your tip will travel around, and it wilt make a difference next time. Just be consistent. I'd look at the cost of the total job, figure a % and split over the number of identifiable workers. Don't know how to handle the subcontractors. If it's a $50,000 job and you give the GC $5000 will all the workers get their share? I prefer to give workers cash in hand on the job site. Then they know who it is coming from. |
![]() |
![]() |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Descant For This Useful Post: | ||
marinewife (12-06-2020), Sue Doe-Nym (12-05-2020) |
![]() |
#10 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 143
Thanks: 16
Thanked 48 Times in 29 Posts
|
![]()
Really?
When my basement was finished our GC gave US a $200 bottle of wine and a nice bottle of Scotch to thank US. I guess if you want to get them something I’d figure out their favorite booze or a $100 or more gift certificate to a local restaurant, that way you are helping 2 people out. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#12 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH
Posts: 4,059
Thanks: 2,184
Thanked 1,181 Times in 750 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
I guess times have changed when you have to give an extra reward for competent work. ![]() |
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to Biggd For This Useful Post: | ||
thinkxingu (12-05-2020) |
![]() |
#13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]()
Nobody has said that you have to give extra reward for competent work. Our contractor and his team bent over backwards to get our reconstruction done in a professional and timely fashion so that we could move back into our house. Trust me when I say that they didn’t need us, but we needed them, and they were incredible, so we WANT to reward them. They deserve to be rewarded!
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#14 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,186
Thanks: 1,165
Thanked 2,043 Times in 1,266 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
I don't ever see myself getting contractors a gift for doing a job, BUT I do take care of them during it. For example, I offer to buy lunch along the way, make sure they have cold drinks, etc. If I were gonna do something afterward, it would have to be personal to show it really mattered to me rather than just throwing cash out. The last gift I bought for someone who helped me was a GC to Twin Barns for someone who really enjoyed local craft beers. Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#15 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Ice in = CT / Ice out = Winnipesaukee
Posts: 479
Thanks: 132
Thanked 284 Times in 152 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
1. Include heartfelt handwritten letters that sincerely tell them what their efforts meant to you. Gifts are great but long after the booze is gone, they will remember and talk about that letter (and it might help them get some additional business too). 2. Sounds like these guys/gals recognized your predicament and did everything in their power to give you a great experience and reduce your stress. I suggest that you send their spouse/family/significant other a note as well, possibly with a small gift certificate, recognizing them for their understanding and patience when so much focus and time undoubtedly took the workers away from their families. Those workers will never forget you. Whatever you decide on, I think it's awesome that you are thinking this way. |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#16 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
Sue |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#17 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 18
Thanks: 18
Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts
|
![]()
As a builder with a crew, you can't go wrong with cash. My guys always acknowledge how nice it is to work for customers that appreciate them and their work.
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Beardude For This Useful Post: | ||
marinewife (12-06-2020), Sue Doe-Nym (12-06-2020) |
![]() |
#18 |
Senior Member
|
![]()
For $5.65-each you can give them a 60-lb bag of TUBE SAND from Lowe's which every pickup truck needs placed above a rear wheel to improve winter traction, so they'll need two bags, one for each rear wheel.
Plus, when the pickup gets really stuck in the snow, you have the sand for spreading under the tires, too ........ ![]() ![]() Come summer ....... a bag of sand goes good in the bow of a canoe as dead weight ...... to balance out the canoe that's paddled by one lonely, solitary canoe paddler. Plus, when you really get frustrated and annoyed ...... you can use the bag of sand ..... for a punching bag ..... and punch away on it! TUBE SAND - 60-lbs - $5.65 ....... wonderful multi-use item! ..... ![]() For psychological self-help therapy ...... you can take it for a good long walk ...... carry the bag of sand in both arms as you go for a two mile walk ..... if you can do that ...... you can do anything! ..... ![]()
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#19 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 118
Thanks: 0
Thanked 14 Times in 11 Posts
|
![]()
Coming from the construction field, a tip or pat on the back is never expected.
However, acknowledgment of a good job from a satisfied customer goes a long way and is very much appreciated. Cash and or food of any type or amount is a sure hit. None of the above will be forgotten. |
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to KDL For This Useful Post: | ||
Sue Doe-Nym (12-06-2020) |
![]() |
#20 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH
Posts: 4,059
Thanks: 2,184
Thanked 1,181 Times in 750 Posts
|
![]()
I didn't say you had too. I said "how times have changed". 10 years ago contractors were begging for work, now people are begging to get work done?
Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#21 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 2,891
Thanks: 334
Thanked 1,673 Times in 584 Posts
|
![]()
Don't know how big the job was but I would suggest cash for the four people who did the work. It's always appreciated.
For the contractor, I would post a great review on BBB or Angies list and forward him a copy. I can tell you first hand that kind words are very uplifting and will make any business persons day. He will not forget it |
![]() |
![]() |
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to SAMIAM For This Useful Post: | ||
![]() |
#22 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 281
Thanks: 53
Thanked 85 Times in 64 Posts
|
![]()
How about donating to a shelter, any shelter, on their behalf.
There are lots of unemployed people, veterans, animals. Name it. |
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to MotorHead For This Useful Post: | ||
dickiej (12-06-2020) |
![]() |
#23 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]()
That’s certainly a worthwhile idea, but we would rather make a gift to them, and let them decide what to do with it. If they choose to donate their bonus to a shelter, that’s fine.
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#24 |
Senior Member
|
![]()
Hey ..... a $5.65-bag of 60-lbs tube sand could have a hidden small piece or two of real gold flakes among the sandy sand ...... and gold has gone from about $1200/ounce in 2017 ..... up to about $1800 in 2020 ...... so's just give them a bag of sand and tell them to go through it and GO for the GOLD! ...
![]()
__________________
... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake! |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#25 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 272
Thanks: 68
Thanked 76 Times in 52 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to sky's For This Useful Post: | ||
Sue Doe-Nym (12-06-2020) |
![]() |
#26 | |
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 18
Thanks: 18
Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts
|
![]() Quote:
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Beardude For This Useful Post: | ||
SAMIAM (12-07-2020), Sue Doe-Nym (12-06-2020) |
![]() |
#27 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,425
Thanks: 743
Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts
|
![]()
There were some really interesting and positive ideas, with some comic relief thrown in for good measure. We really appreciate the positive ideas, and will certainly use them. These ideas should be helpful to others who might be “ on the fence” with what makes sense . Hearing it from construction forum members is probably the best approach. Thanks to you all for the guidance. 😎
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#28 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,983
Thanks: 246
Thanked 743 Times in 443 Posts
|
![]()
I can assure you that the best possible bonus you could ever give someone that does construction for a living is cash.
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Dave R For This Useful Post: | ||
Beardude (12-06-2020), Sue Doe-Nym (12-06-2020) |
![]() |
#29 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH
Posts: 4,059
Thanks: 2,184
Thanked 1,181 Times in 750 Posts
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#30 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Merrimack and Welch Island
Posts: 4,311
Thanks: 1,328
Thanked 1,615 Times in 1,048 Posts
|
![]()
Sometimes, it's hard to know how much cash, or how to thank the unseen people, like office staff, or family. Sending flowers to the office or home can cover that. They get displayed on the front counter as a thank you to the office, not to an individual, or to the family who supports the person you hired.
My Rotary Club runs a program called "Excellence in the Workplace" where we recognize people in town who have been nominated by a local citizen. It turns out this is a great way to recognize folks who are not in a position to accept gifts, like town or state employees. We recognize about 10 people a year, all at one ceremony that gets media publicity and is replayed on the town TV outlet. Your local Rotary Club may run a similar program. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|