You’ve paid for the couch, the delivery fee, and maybe even assembly—but when the delivery crew shows up, you pause.
Do you tip furniture delivery men… or is that already covered? Tipping furniture delivery men isn’t mandatory, but it is customary when they provide good service—especially for heavy items, difficult access, or extra care. Most people tip $10–$20 per person, more for complex jobs.
Do You Tip Furniture Delivery Men? (Clear Answer)
You are not required to tip furniture delivery men, but tipping is considered polite and appreciated. If the delivery involves heavy lifting, stairs, tight spaces, or careful assembly, tipping shows respect for their effort and professionalism.
When Tipping Furniture Delivery Men Makes Sense
Heavy or Bulky Furniture
Large sofas, sectionals, wardrobes, or solid wood furniture require serious physical effort. If they’re hauling a 200-lb couch up stairs, a tip is well deserved.
Stairs, Elevators, or Tight Spaces
Walk-up apartments, narrow hallways, sharp turns, or low ceilings significantly increase the difficulty of the job.
Assembly or Extra Setup
If the delivery team assembles beds, installs table legs, or places furniture exactly where you want it, that’s beyond a simple drop-off.
Careful Handling and Professionalism
On-time arrival, polite communication, and damage-free delivery are all good reasons to tip.
When You Might Not Need to Tip
White-Glove Service Included
Some retailers charge a premium delivery fee that already includes handling, setup, and service wages. In that case, tipping is optional—not expected.
Minimal Effort Delivery
If furniture is dropped at the door with no stairs, no setup, and no special handling, a tip is less common.
Company Policy Prohibits Tips
A few companies discourage or prohibit tipping. If unsure, you can politely ask.
How Much Should You Tip Furniture Delivery Men?
| Delivery Situation | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Simple delivery, no stairs | $5–$10 per person |
| Heavy furniture or stairs | $10–$20 per person |
| Complex setup or assembly | $20–$40 per person |
| Exceptional service | $40+ total |
💡 Tip in cash, split evenly among the crew if possible.
Real-World Examples
- Apartment delivery with stairs: Two delivery men carry a couch up three flights and carefully position it—$15–$20 each is reasonable.
- House curbside delivery: They unload a boxed dresser to your garage—tipping is optional, $5–$10 if you do.
- White-glove delivery: They assemble a bed and remove packaging—$20–$40 total is common for good service.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Do you tip furniture delivery men from IKEA?
Yes, if they handle stairs, assembly, or careful placement. IKEA delivery fees don’t always include gratuity.
Is tipping furniture delivery men expected?
Not required, but widely appreciated—especially for difficult or time-consuming jobs.
Do you tip furniture delivery men if delivery is expensive?
Even with a high delivery fee, tipping is optional. Base your decision on service quality, not just price.
Can you tip furniture delivery men with a credit card?
Most prefer cash. Some companies don’t allow card tips.
Final Verdict: Should You Tip Furniture Delivery Men?
You don’t have to tip furniture delivery men—but when they go above and beyond, tipping is the right move. A fair cash tip acknowledges hard physical work, encourages great service, and reflects basic courtesy.
Rule of thumb:
If you’d feel bad doing the job yourself, tip the people who did it for you.