Should You Tip at Home Depot? The Complete Guide for Customers - 33rd Square (2024)

As a Home Depot customer, you may find yourself wondering – should I tip the person who just helped load my truck or installed my new appliances? It‘s a common question, since tipping practices can be confusing.

The short answer is: it depends on the specific service!

While Home Depot employees like cashiers and sales associates cannot accept tips, third-party delivery drivers and installers often can. Tipping is customary for appliance delivery, carpet installation, and other specialized services.

This in-depth guide will walk you through when, who, and how much to tip at Home Depot. I‘ll also share insider tips from Home Depot workers themselves!

Home Depot‘s No Tipping Policy – And The Exceptions

As a general corporate policy, Home Depot does not allow its employees to accept tips from customers. This includes:

• Cashiers
• Sales associates
• Department supervisors
• Loading/unloading assistance
• In-store wood cutting service

Instead of tipping, Home Depot instructs customers to provide positive feedback to management or write online reviews when employees deliver great service. This allows the company to reward workers internally.

However, there are a few key exceptions where tipping is more common:

Third-Party Contractors

Many appliance installers, carpet installers, plumbers, and delivery drivers are not Home Depot employees – they work for third-party companies that contract with Home Depot. These contractors may accept tips at their own discretion.

The Holiday Season

Some Home Depot locations become more lax about enforcing the no tipping policy during busy seasons like Christmas. Store managers may allow employees to accept tips at their own discretion during this high-volume time.

Ask First!

The best practice is to always ask drivers, installers, and helpers before offering a tip. If they decline, follow up with positive reviews or feedback to management instead.

Now let‘s get into specific tipping advice for the most common Home Depot services:

Should You Tip Home Depot Delivery Drivers?

Home Depot uses a variety of delivery methods depending on your location and purchase:

• FedEx and UPS drivers are exempt from Home Depot‘s no tipping rule and will usually accept tips graciously, especially around the holidays.
• Roadie drivers who provide same-day delivery can be tipped through the Roadie app up to 14 days later.
• Appliance/furniture deliveries by third-party local contractors – ask if they can accept gratuity. 10-15% is typical.

If your Home Depot delivery driver refuses cash, reach out to management or write a glowing online review. This helps them get recognized for great work.

Do Home Depot Loaders & Curbside Pickup Accept Tips?

Loaders who bring purchases to your vehicle at Home Depot curbside pickup are employees. They are unable to accept tips under corporate policy.

If a loader goes above and beyond, let the store manager know or write a positive review online. This helps them receive internal bonuses and recognition.

Should You Tip Home Depot Installers?

Installation services like appliance setup and carpet installation are usually done by third-party local contractors, not direct Home Depot employees.

Many installers follow Home Depot’s no tipping policy. But some are allowed to accept tips at their discretion. Ask first before offering a gratuity.

If they decline, leave a 5-star review online and make sure their supervisor knows! This helps them indirectly.

How Much Should You Tip Home Depot Workers?

For installers, drivers and helpers who can accept tips, follow these general Home Depot tipping guidelines:

• Delivery Fees – Tip 10-15% of the total fee
• Appliance Install – 10-20% of the installation cost
• Carpet Install – 10% of the total install cost
• Furniture Assembly – $20 per assembler
• In-Home Services – 10-20% of the service cost

Consider tipping extra around the holidays or for exceptional service quality. Cash tips are preferred when possible.

Are There Home Depot Services You Should Never Tip For?

To recap, these are the services where tipping is prohibited under Home Depot policy:

• Cashiers
• In-store sales associates
• Department supervisors
• Home Depot truck delivery
• Curbside loaders
• In-store wood cutting

Do not tip these hourly Home Depot employees directly. Instead, let the manager know or write a positive online review. This allows Home Depot to reward great work internally.

Expert Tips for Tipping From Home Depot Employees

I spoke with some current and former Home Depot employees to get insider tips on how to best tip at Home Depot:

"Please don’t try to hand cashiers or sales associates tips – we will politely have to refuse it. But we really appreciate positive surveys and reviews!” – Jane S., Illinois

“Appliance techs and installers are usually third parties, so can accept tips. I’d say $20-50 cash is appropriate depending on service quality and cost. Reviews help too." – Bill D., Oregon

“If a loader goes above and beyond securing items or getting you set up, definitely let a manager know. We can add bonuses depending on feedback." – James P., Ohio

The key takeaway is that while direct Home Depot employees cannot take tips, they benefit hugely from positive reviews and feedback to management. Share the love for great service!

Conclusion: Who, When, and How Much to Tip at Home Depot

Hopefully this guide gave you clear tips on Home Depot tipping practices. Here are some key takeaways:

• Direct Home Depot employees cannot accept tips – give feedback instead
• Third-party drivers and installers often can accept tips – ask first!
• 10-20% is a customary tip amount for good service
• Cash tips are preferred when possible
• If they can‘t take tips, online reviews work wonders!

Tipping is meant to show extra appreciation for a job well done. By following these Home Depot tipping guidelines, you can properly reward great service.

Let me know if you have any other Home Depot tipping questions! I‘m always happy to help.

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