Tradespeople etiquette: tips for dealing with professionals
Unfortunately, shoes have to stay outside - that's not always possible
At the sight of dusty tradespeople's shoes, it is understandable that clients do not want the dirt in their homes . Basically, you can ask that shoes should be removed. However, it may be that the tradesperson is instructed to wear the shoes for reasons of employment law in order to protect himself from injuries. A professional tradesperson, however, keeps an eye on cleanliness and covers his work area in advance with an appropriate underlay - and thus prevents unsightly stains on the carpet.
A little etiquette: tradespeople in the apartment? Here you can find out how to behave properly when the overall wearer comes to visit.
Who doesn't know the situation: In the household a repair is due and the tradesperson has to come. Once he is there, we often do not know how to behave properly towards the stranger. Can you ask him to take off his shoes? Does it seem rude to look over his shoulder while he's working? And is there a fixed rule for tipping?
Unfortunately, shoes have to stay outside - that's not always possible
At the sight of dusty tradespeople's shoes, it is understandable that clients do not want the dirt in their homes . Basically, you can ask that shoes should be removed. However, it may be that the tradesperson is instructed to wear the shoes for reasons of employment law in order to protect himself from injuries. A professional tradesperson, however, keeps an eye on cleanliness and covers his work area in advance with an appropriate underlay - and thus prevents unsightly stains on the carpet.
A tradesperson comes into the house. Do you offer drinks and a snack? Do you watch him at work? What is the customary tip? That's what those affected say: Craftsmen in the house? Insiders reveal: This is how you behave properly with tips and snacks.
If you want to see hard-working tradespeople, you just have to stand by - or not?
Even if it may seem uncomfortable at first, it is not wrong to supervise the tradesperson. That doesn't mean constantly looking over his shoulder , because the professional should be trusted to know what he's doing. However, it is good to be available as a contact person and to check on things from time to time - this avoids possible misunderstandings . If you are not at home during this time, you can ask your neighbors to check on things from time to time and introduce them to the tradesperson as a contact person.
"Keep the change!" - Is tipping a must?
Due to the low hourly wages, it is common for many services to reward work with a tip. With artisans, however, it is different. A tip is certainly welcome , but many tradespeople are more happy about a coffee or a little refreshment, since they never know when they can take a break in their stressful job. If you don't mind, you can also offer the hard-working workers the opportunity to take a relaxed break in their own four walls for larger orders , so that you don't have to eat lunch in the car. However, it should not be taken personally if this is declined with thanks because the next appointment is already pending.
trusted tradespeople drinks: A warm coffee increases motivation
Surely the handyman doesn't need to be served snacks, after all he's at work and not at a party. However, drinks should still be considered good manners and increase motivation. It is best to have a pot of coffee, along with sugar and milk, and a bottle of water ready for self-service. However, you should not overdo it with the hospitality: alcohol in the workplace is taboo. This is probably a matter of course for most, but it used to be considered polite to offer the tradesperson a cold beer. Most service providers will probably decline anyway, because the cliché of the constantly drinking tradesperson is long outdated .
Where there is planing, chips fall - but who clears them away?
Craftsmen must avoid unnecessary soiling and must not leave behind any damage such as scratches. Professional workers remove the dirt immediately afterwards or take care from the start not to make too much mess. The tradesperson must leave his place of work swept clean . However, if the degree of uncleanliness goes beyond an acceptable level, or if something has even been damaged, then this defect must be documented and reported to the company immediately.
Also applies at work: speech is silver, silence is golden
A little small talk can be very nice, but with some tradespeople the willingness to talk goes too far : the boss is already waiting impatiently in the office and the visitor in overalls talks without a period or comma. In such situations, only one thing helps: say how it is. "I have to go to work now. Please call me if there are any problems" or "I'll sit next door if you have any questions" are perfectly acceptable statements to interrupt the conversation . After all, the service provider is there to work and is paid by the hour. The important thing is to always be polite .