Odd etiquette question Post Reply

[abbeville2]

Hi All,

Looking for some NVN advice. We are having some building work done at the moment. Are we expected to give our builders a christmas present? Cash, food, etc? Not sure what is expected or appropriate or if I am just overthinking the matter....

Thanks!

[erinisle22]

You're a nicer person than me! We were mid loft conversion last year and that never crossed my mind! I was more concerned about what was going to get done before Christmas and what would be left for 2 weeks while they were all away on holiday.

[abbeville2]

Well, its not entirely altruistic. Hoping to have them happy to come back to work after the break!

[mummyof1]

We had fantastic builders a few years ago and every friday or so - i would buy a box of bottled beer for them to have at the end of the day - the cost was totally off set by the goodwill i got.

[abbeville2]

Thanks! Will definitely get them something.

[Jen66]

we gave ours a bottle of whiskey each.

[SENTeacherTutor]

My experience both working in a service industry and giving back to those working for me is that giving a tip gives back to you threefold, at least.

Booze, a gift card to a food store to buy some bits for Christmas dinner, a gift card to the local pub for a lunch is all good. I always offer coffee, tea etc as well. It's amazing what little things do for someone. I always go out of my way for people who go out of my way for me.

[Stan the tileman]

It has got to be booze but you must find out what they drink first - as a case of beer maybe more appropriate than whisky.

[twice_as_nice]

I got mine a crate of beer each, but might be an idea to speak to the head builder first about what they might appreciate, it turned out one didn't drink so beer wasn't an appropriate gift, I gave him chocs instead