Debate flares up over tradie’s unexpected request
- Replies 23
In recent years, many have observed the rise of the tipping culture from the US within Australia’s borders.
In other countries, tipping is seen as a form of showing appreciation for great service.
In the past, the general sentiment in the country has been against tipping.
However, a shift might be on the horizon as the tipping debate unexpectedly resurfaced following a story of an electrician requesting a tip, causing a stir online.
One baffled Aussie posted about the peculiar occurrence on social media, writing: ‘Just had the most charismatic electrician over. He fixes the issue in no time, and then he hits me with, “How about a tip for that quick fix, mate?”’
He brushed off the incident with a laugh, but he said sparked a thought: when did tradespeople start seeking tips?
This anecdote, not surprisingly, led to a fiery debate with a lot of confusion about the wages of electricians and other service professionals.
One comment read: ‘Sparkies have drop sheets made of $50 notes. What a cheeky bugger!’
Another replied: ‘I wish. Usually, the employees don't make that much. My old boss charged $110 an hour, the staff made about $38 an hour and he made 5 bucks an hour off each person after business expenses insurance etc came out.’
The talk swiftly changed from confusion to discontent about tipping tradies, with some firmly against adopting the practice.
Someone commented, ‘We don't tip here. If he wants one, tell him to move to the States.’
However many users argued that tipping was trivial.
‘I'm sure almost every profession could ask for tips I'd they did a good job. This guy obviously has the balls for it. So no biggie if people say no and a win if someone [says] yes,’ another pointed out.
In a comparable situation, the same sentiment was echoed in the responses to Louve Collection, a mobile phone accessory store.
They recently suggested customers add a ‘gratuity’ to their purchases, with options of 5, 10, or 15 per cent.
‘Yeah nah... YOU support the team by paying living wages. There is no way the grateful staff are seeing any of that,’ one user said upon seeing proof of the tip request online.
‘Leave that c**p in America. Don't buy from any site that asks for tips. Abandoned baskets send a clear message, and the practice should die out,’ another user expressed in frustration.
As the discussion rages on about the controversial practice, others say tipping might just be on its way to becoming part and parcel of Aussie life.
Sydney Electrician and Business Owner Adrian Faull shared his opinions on the matter, and he said that while it's not common for tradies to seek tips, it doesn't rule out the possibility of this becoming the ‘new norm’.
‘We’ve been given beer and some customers ask if we would like a coke or cup of tea,’ he said,
‘I've never thought about it before but maybe tips are a creative way of evolving the service industry for tradesmen?’
Faull also mentioned that if any of his staff were to receive tips in the future, they would rightfully keep them as a recognition of their excellent work.
As per the Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Contracting Award 2020, an apprentice over 21 in their first year is entitled to a minimum rate of $23.05 per hour.
This base rate doesn't account for overtime, penalty rates, or travel time.
Australian online employment marketplace Seek reports that the average yearly salary for Electrician roles in Australia falls within the $85,000 to $105,000 range.
This range aligns with the average annual salary for all Australian Tradesperson jobs.
Members, how do you feel about tipping becoming a norm? What scenarios do you believe warrant a tip? And on the flip side, would you appreciate a tip for a job well done?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
In other countries, tipping is seen as a form of showing appreciation for great service.
In the past, the general sentiment in the country has been against tipping.
However, a shift might be on the horizon as the tipping debate unexpectedly resurfaced following a story of an electrician requesting a tip, causing a stir online.
One baffled Aussie posted about the peculiar occurrence on social media, writing: ‘Just had the most charismatic electrician over. He fixes the issue in no time, and then he hits me with, “How about a tip for that quick fix, mate?”’
He brushed off the incident with a laugh, but he said sparked a thought: when did tradespeople start seeking tips?
An electrician sparked debate among Aussies after a ‘cheeky’ tip request. Image source: Pixabay
This anecdote, not surprisingly, led to a fiery debate with a lot of confusion about the wages of electricians and other service professionals.
One comment read: ‘Sparkies have drop sheets made of $50 notes. What a cheeky bugger!’
Another replied: ‘I wish. Usually, the employees don't make that much. My old boss charged $110 an hour, the staff made about $38 an hour and he made 5 bucks an hour off each person after business expenses insurance etc came out.’
The talk swiftly changed from confusion to discontent about tipping tradies, with some firmly against adopting the practice.
Someone commented, ‘We don't tip here. If he wants one, tell him to move to the States.’
However many users argued that tipping was trivial.
‘I'm sure almost every profession could ask for tips I'd they did a good job. This guy obviously has the balls for it. So no biggie if people say no and a win if someone [says] yes,’ another pointed out.
In a comparable situation, the same sentiment was echoed in the responses to Louve Collection, a mobile phone accessory store.
They recently suggested customers add a ‘gratuity’ to their purchases, with options of 5, 10, or 15 per cent.
‘Yeah nah... YOU support the team by paying living wages. There is no way the grateful staff are seeing any of that,’ one user said upon seeing proof of the tip request online.
‘Leave that c**p in America. Don't buy from any site that asks for tips. Abandoned baskets send a clear message, and the practice should die out,’ another user expressed in frustration.
Louve Collection faced online backlash for requesting tips for its staff. Image source: Instagram/Reddit
As the discussion rages on about the controversial practice, others say tipping might just be on its way to becoming part and parcel of Aussie life.
Sydney Electrician and Business Owner Adrian Faull shared his opinions on the matter, and he said that while it's not common for tradies to seek tips, it doesn't rule out the possibility of this becoming the ‘new norm’.
‘We’ve been given beer and some customers ask if we would like a coke or cup of tea,’ he said,
‘I've never thought about it before but maybe tips are a creative way of evolving the service industry for tradesmen?’
Faull also mentioned that if any of his staff were to receive tips in the future, they would rightfully keep them as a recognition of their excellent work.
As per the Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Contracting Award 2020, an apprentice over 21 in their first year is entitled to a minimum rate of $23.05 per hour.
This base rate doesn't account for overtime, penalty rates, or travel time.
Australian online employment marketplace Seek reports that the average yearly salary for Electrician roles in Australia falls within the $85,000 to $105,000 range.
This range aligns with the average annual salary for all Australian Tradesperson jobs.
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
what a daft suggestion.
