Electrician sparks debate among Aussies after ‘cheeky’ request

The great tipping debate has been bubbling in Australia for some time, as US culture continues to entrench itself in our service sector. But there’s one area where tipping has yet to make a splash, and one Australian theorizes that could soon change – among the tradies.

The debate started on Reddit after a bewildered Australian said their electrician had recently asked them for a tip, leaving them baffled.

“I just had the most charismatic electrician,” they began. “He solves the problem in no time, and then he says, ‘How about a tip for that quick fix, buddy?'” The poster said they laughed about it, but the incident then set them off thinking – since when tradies wonder for a tip?

Sydney Electrician and business owner, Adrian Faull, told Yahoo News Australia that trades asking for a tip are “not the norm”, but that doesn’t mean it’s not something that could happen.

“We have been given beer and some customers ask if we would like a coke or a cup of tea,” he said. “I’ve never thought about it, but maybe tips are a creative way to develop the service sector for professionals?”

If any of Faull’s employees were to receive a tip in the future, he said they would definitely be the ones to keep the tip because they received it because of the great work they did.

The debate rages on as Australians claim we don’t tip here

The reactions were divided and many did not understand how electricians’ wages are paid at all.

“Sparkies made drop sheets out of $50 bills. What a cheeky bastard,” said one person, to which another corrected. “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 five dollars an hour per person after the company expense insurance etc. came out.”

Others said angrily that tipping is not the Australian way. “We don’t tip here. If he wants one, tell him to move to the States,” one person said.

The story continues

But many also thought it was no problem. “I’m sure almost any profession could ask for tips if they did it right. This guy clearly has the balls for it. So no biggie if people say no and a win if someone says yes,” said another. .

Aussie’s response to tip requests is not new

Mobile phone accessories store Louve Collection recently came under criticism after encouraging customers to show “support for the team” by adding a 5, 10 or 15 percent tip before completing a purchase.

“Yes no… YOU support the team by paying a living wage. The grateful staff will not see any of that in any way,” one user commented after seeing a screenshot of the request online, while another said: “Leave the nonsense alone, America. Don’t buy from sites that ask for tips. Abandoned baskets send a clear message, and this practice needs to die out.”

The average wage for sparkies

According to the 2020 Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award, the minimum rate for an apprentice over 21 years of age in the first year is $23.05 per hour, excluding overtime, fines or travel time.

According to Seek, the average annual salary for electrician jobs in Australia ranges from $85,000 to $105,000, which is the same as the average annual salary for all Aussie Tradesperson jobs in general.

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