‘Am I the weird one?’: Aussie tradie etiquette leaves UK expat stunned
- Replies 1
Tradie etiquette can vary greatly from country to country, leaving some wondering if they’re doing things all wrong.
What one UK expat thought was a common courtesy turned into a puzzling experience when Aussie tradies kept turning down her offer.
Was she being too polite or is there something more to the way Aussies handle these situations?
Tradies have a way of popping by every now and then—whether it’s fixing plumbing, handling some outdoor work, or sprucing up the home.
But when they’re there, what’s the proper etiquette?
A social media user from the UK, now living in Brisbane, took to the platform seeking advice.
Their offers for a hot drink were repeatedly turned down.
This opened up the floodgates for opinions from locals, who were more than willing to weigh in.
The social media user shared: ‘Hello! I’m from the UK and back home if we have a plumber, electrician, builder etc come into our homes for work the majority of us would offer them a brew or coffee, even a biscuit if we’ve got them in.’
However, they went on to explain that, in Australia: ‘I’ve only had 5, maybe 6 tradespeople come to do work on the house and every time I’ve asked they’ve said ‘no we’re working?’ or just looked at me like I’m crazy.’
This left them wondering: ‘Is this not the norm here? Am I being the weird one?’
Aussies quickly assured the social media user that they weren’t in the wrong, though they suggested some small adjustments in how to word things.
‘I always ask if they want a tea/coffee/water or anything. Only one in about 10 ever accept. But I’ll always offer,’ one local wrote.
‘Same. I also offer a can of coke or similar if I have it in the fridge,’ another commented.
‘Look, it’ll always be appreciated if you offer. You might have to ask twice, though–in case they feel like they’re obliged to say no. I think they might just be a bit taken aback at the generosity more than creeped out,’ said a third.
Aussie comments revealed that, often, tradies come prepared with their own supplies.
‘Most tradies have an esky, thermos, cold water esky in the ute, packed with whatever they need for the day. Gone are the days of heading to the servo for a pie and coke, and eating cake supplied by the customer with a cup of tea. I’ve had guys bring a gourmet salad, noodles, fruit, and wash it down with water because healthy,’ one person explained.
‘Almost every tradie I’ve had at my place has had a water bottle or cooler with them, or a giant bottle of Gatorade etc,’ another said.
Others pointed out that some tradies simply don’t have the time to stop for a drink.
‘They’re at yours to do a job, get in, fix it, get out. Having a tea or coffee takes time, and they just want to get on with it and move on to their next job or finish up for the day. You can continue to offer, but you will get turned down more often than not,’ a commenter shared.
‘They are probably just trying to cram as many jobs together that day as they can or otherwise have a busy schedule. So totally normal, respectable and polite to offer such things
’ another agreed.
However, many locals noted that offering water might be the best bet, especially in the Australian heat.
‘Always cold water, it’s so hot often here. Coffee and tea, and toilet! A few use the bathroom, one or two have said yes to coffee when we are making it from the machine anyway. Lots of yeses to water,’ someone commented.
‘I always appreciate it when people offer me a drink. I don’t drink tea or coffee but knowing I can get a water or use the dunny makes my day a bit nicer. It feels like they see me as a person not a service when they offer. As for the biscuits, only the best customers ever offer biscuits, keep it up mate,’ said another.
‘Particularly on hot days, I always offer cold water. Not everyone accepts, but it’s definitely nice to offer and I don’t think it’s weird at all,’ someone else added.
While some tradies might not take up the offer, it seems that Aussies still appreciate the gesture, especially when it’s a cold drink on a scorching day.
In a previous story, we explored why a British expat is questioning Australia’s parking laws after receiving a hefty $272 fine.
Curious to know more about their experience? Read it here.
With so many tradies turning down offers, do you think it’s a cultural difference or just the busy nature of the job?
We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and join the conversation!
What one UK expat thought was a common courtesy turned into a puzzling experience when Aussie tradies kept turning down her offer.
Was she being too polite or is there something more to the way Aussies handle these situations?
Tradies have a way of popping by every now and then—whether it’s fixing plumbing, handling some outdoor work, or sprucing up the home.
But when they’re there, what’s the proper etiquette?
A social media user from the UK, now living in Brisbane, took to the platform seeking advice.
Their offers for a hot drink were repeatedly turned down.
This opened up the floodgates for opinions from locals, who were more than willing to weigh in.
The social media user shared: ‘Hello! I’m from the UK and back home if we have a plumber, electrician, builder etc come into our homes for work the majority of us would offer them a brew or coffee, even a biscuit if we’ve got them in.’
However, they went on to explain that, in Australia: ‘I’ve only had 5, maybe 6 tradespeople come to do work on the house and every time I’ve asked they’ve said ‘no we’re working?’ or just looked at me like I’m crazy.’
This left them wondering: ‘Is this not the norm here? Am I being the weird one?’
Aussies quickly assured the social media user that they weren’t in the wrong, though they suggested some small adjustments in how to word things.
‘I always ask if they want a tea/coffee/water or anything. Only one in about 10 ever accept. But I’ll always offer,’ one local wrote.
‘Same. I also offer a can of coke or similar if I have it in the fridge,’ another commented.
‘Look, it’ll always be appreciated if you offer. You might have to ask twice, though–in case they feel like they’re obliged to say no. I think they might just be a bit taken aback at the generosity more than creeped out,’ said a third.
Aussie comments revealed that, often, tradies come prepared with their own supplies.
‘Most tradies have an esky, thermos, cold water esky in the ute, packed with whatever they need for the day. Gone are the days of heading to the servo for a pie and coke, and eating cake supplied by the customer with a cup of tea. I’ve had guys bring a gourmet salad, noodles, fruit, and wash it down with water because healthy,’ one person explained.
‘Almost every tradie I’ve had at my place has had a water bottle or cooler with them, or a giant bottle of Gatorade etc,’ another said.
Others pointed out that some tradies simply don’t have the time to stop for a drink.
‘They’re at yours to do a job, get in, fix it, get out. Having a tea or coffee takes time, and they just want to get on with it and move on to their next job or finish up for the day. You can continue to offer, but you will get turned down more often than not,’ a commenter shared.
‘They are probably just trying to cram as many jobs together that day as they can or otherwise have a busy schedule. So totally normal, respectable and polite to offer such things
’ another agreed.However, many locals noted that offering water might be the best bet, especially in the Australian heat.
‘Always cold water, it’s so hot often here. Coffee and tea, and toilet! A few use the bathroom, one or two have said yes to coffee when we are making it from the machine anyway. Lots of yeses to water,’ someone commented.
‘I always appreciate it when people offer me a drink. I don’t drink tea or coffee but knowing I can get a water or use the dunny makes my day a bit nicer. It feels like they see me as a person not a service when they offer. As for the biscuits, only the best customers ever offer biscuits, keep it up mate,’ said another.
‘Particularly on hot days, I always offer cold water. Not everyone accepts, but it’s definitely nice to offer and I don’t think it’s weird at all,’ someone else added.
While some tradies might not take up the offer, it seems that Aussies still appreciate the gesture, especially when it’s a cold drink on a scorching day.
Curious to know more about their experience? Read it here.
With so many tradies turning down offers, do you think it’s a cultural difference or just the busy nature of the job?
We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and join the conversation!
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