how much to tip caterers?

[Rob Base 2.0]

the bill for the party is about $1,000 without tip. they r sending 2 dudes to set up and BBQ in my yard for 2 hours. assuming they do decent work i was thinking to tip each of them $150 (i figure 2-3 hours of work)---sound right? cheap? overtipping? i hate this tipping stuff....,.

[cael]

I think that's a great tip, maybe too much even (which I'm all for, don't get me wrong - we always overtip). My husband caters and they rarely get tips, but he runs the dinner service and organizes the rest of the staff, so occasionally the bride or groom's family will give him a personal tip, like $50 or $100 which is for a whole afternoon/evening of a wedding. For a job like a backyard BBQ I doubt they'd get tipped, but if they did they'd appreciate it and that would be very generous, probably overly so.

[billisonboard]

Just be careful you don't tip them too much or they might fall over.

[zibazinski]

That's a very generous tip. I'd give them $75 each.

[Anne_in_VA]

I think you're being overly generous.  I would tip $50 - $75 each.  I bet they'll be happy with whatever you give them.

[Miss Tequila]

I just had a graduation party for my daughter at my BF's club.  3 hours of waitstaff (I think we had 3 assigned to us) and I tipped 20% of the bill. they were absolutely fantastic and I got a lot of compliments from the guests.

[garion2003]

That's a very generous tip - $50/hr may be more than their actual wage. I'm sure they'd be very happy. But I also think it would be proper to do a smaller tip and still be in the realm of politeness. Your call!

[Rob Base 2.0]

Jul 7, 2017 8:54:20 GMT -5 @sroo4 said:

I'd probably tip in that amount.   I figure it's 30% of the total bill and there's more work involved than the average server would have to put in and they get 20% from me. 

that and i figure being over a grill on hot summer day outside. And the logistics of loading from restaurant / unloading at house / set up / etc. will be more than 2 hours. The 2 hours is cooking time in yard. Still all the logisticy stuff too- extra time....and travel time......

[Cookies Galore]

I'd make it easy on yourself and tip 20% of the bill, which is totally reasonable anyway.

[alabamagal]

20% of the bill would be good.  But wait until after to decide.  I hate people that add in tips ahead of time.

[mmhmm]

What you plan sounds good to me. I think that's what I'd do. Working outside in the heat, setting up and grilling, isn't an easy chore, for sure. I know they'll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

[CCL]

I'd give them $100 a piece, which would still be 20%. Wait till after the bbq to see how things go, then adjust accordingly. If it's a really hot day, difficult setup, rude crowd, or whatever, maybe give them extra.

[beergut]

Jul 7, 2017 7:31:55 GMT -5 Rob Base 2.0 said:

the bill for the party is about $1,000 without tip. they r sending 2 dudes to set up and BBQ in my yard for 2 hours. assuming they do decent work i was thinking to tip each of them $150 (i figure 2-3 hours of work)---sound right? cheap? overtipping? i hate this tipping stuff....,.

$100 each (or $50 per hour) while they're at your place is very generous. I echo the comments to wait until they're done. 

If someone asked you if you'd come over and barbecue for $50 an hour (on top of paying for food and labor), wouldn't you agree that is a generous offer? 

[zibazinski]

Jul 7, 2017 7:31:55 GMT -5 Rob Base 2.0 said:

the bill for the party is about $1,000 without tip. they r sending 2 dudes to set up and BBQ in my yard for 2 hours. assuming they do decent work i was thinking to tip each of them $150 (i figure 2-3 hours of work)---sound right? cheap? overtipping? i hate this tipping stuff....,.

I want to be invited to YOUR parties!!

[Rob Base 2.0]

Jul 8, 2017 2:22:50 GMT -5 beergut said:

Jul 7, 2017 7:31:55 GMT -5 Rob Base 2.0 said:

the bill for the party is about $1,000 without tip. they r sending 2 dudes to set up and BBQ in my yard for 2 hours. assuming they do decent work i was thinking to tip each of them $150 (i figure 2-3 hours of work)---sound right? cheap? overtipping? i hate this tipping stuff....,.

$100 each (or $50 per hour) while they're at your place is very generous. I echo the comments to wait until they're done. 

If someone asked you if you'd come over and barbecue for $50 an hour (on top of paying for food and labor), wouldn't you agree that is a generous offer? 

yeah, but they gotta pull a grill around the back of my house, set up, cut food (pit beef slicer), etc.

[Rob Base 2.0]

Jul 8, 2017 8:31:07 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Jul 7, 2017 7:31:55 GMT -5 Rob Base 2.0 said:

the bill for the party is about $1,000 without tip. they r sending 2 dudes to set up and BBQ in my yard for 2 hours. assuming they do decent work i was thinking to tip each of them $150 (i figure 2-3 hours of work)---sound right? cheap? overtipping? i hate this tipping stuff....,.

I want to be invited to YOUR parties!!

comeon down. its in maryland

[zibazinski]

Jul 8, 2017 9:46:15 GMT -5 Rob Base 2.0 said:

Jul 8, 2017 8:31:07 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

I want to be invited to YOUR parties!!

comeon down. its in maryland

More like come on up!!!