This Is How Much To Tip A Furniture Delivery Person, According To An Expert

When it comes to the arduous task of moving, it’s generally understood and accepted that you should tip your crew. Maneuvering your grandmother’s hand-me-down (and incredibly heavy) china cabinet up the entry steps isn’t for the faint of heart and should be rewarded accordingly. But what about those people who are dropping off the sofa you just ordered online or delivering your purchase from a recent estate sale? You should plan to tip them too. Here’s what our expert had to say.

Should You Tip Your Furniture Delivery Person?

While it's by no means mandatory, offering a cash tip is an easy way to show your gratitude. “Tipping a furniture delivery person is not expected but certainly always appreciated, especially if they have gone out of their way to ensure a smooth delivery and gone above and beyond expectations,” says Courtney Bukowsky of One of a Find, a Charleston, South Carolina-based shop that peddles vintage furniture and home accessories, along with new finds. 

Suggested Amount to Tip

Consider giving each delivery person $5 to $20, depending on the job. “The tip amount is a personal preference, but I think factoring in the size of the piece, the number of flights of stairs they need to maneuver, care taken when unloading, unwrapping, etc., and if they arrived in the expected timeframe should all be taken into consideration when deciding how much to give them,” says Bukowsky.  A small table or chair that didn’t require breaking much of a sweat may fall on the lower end of the scale, while something that calls for more muscle or more care (like a sectional or a delicate antique) may warrant a higher tip. 

Beyond tipping, you may also choose to extend the courtesy of providing your crew with bottled water or sports drinks (like Gatorade)—especially when it’s hot outside—and perhaps a small snack for the road. And, of course, a genuine “Thank you!” goes a long way too.

What To Do Before a Furniture Delivery

Preparing for the delivery ahead of time is another helpful way to support those who are delivering. “Make sure pets and children are not in harm’s way; ensure there is a clear path to the delivery location; remove any breakables or obstacles that may be in the way; and make sure to be home when they are expected to arrive,” says Bukowsky. “These small things will expedite the process and let everyone move on with their day!”