Xfinity (previously Comcast) is one of the largest suppliers of internet and TV cable services in the USA with a massive turnover of $52.52 billion and operating income of $21.17 billion.
If you’re about to receive new cable services or are having your existing ones repaired by an Xfinity technician, you might be wondering what the etiquette is for tipping this type of worker.
Getting your tipping game on point is important to any budgeting strategy as you don’t want to waste money where tips aren’t required but alternatively, you don’t want to not tip when you really should be doing so.
In this article, we’ve covered what the etiquette is for tipping the Xfinity guy.
We’ve looked at customary practices, what Xfinity techs earn, and other important factors like call-out costs.
If you’re interested in finding out whether you need to tip your Xfinity tech and how much, this post has got you covered.
Keep reading to find out more…
Do You Tip The Xfinity Technician? The Short Answer
There isn’t generally a need to tip technicians who attend your house and this includes Xfinity. While there is nothing stopping you from doing so, they won’t be expecting a tip. If you wish to offer one then $5 – $20 is plenty.
How Much Do Xfinity Techs Earn?
Our starting point when it comes to tipping etiquette is to look at what the average earnings are within the profession.
Most people are accustomed to tipping certain workers such as in cafes, caterers, and some drivers like grocery delivery as their low salaries demand extra pay.
But there are also industries where tipping just isn’t required, chiefly because the workers within that industry earn enough money already.
But let’s take a look at Xfinity techs’ average salaries.
According to Indeed’s data, the average Xfinity technician earns $40,664 per year.
According to Zippia, the median salary in the USA is $47,520.
So while Xfinity technicians’ average salaries aren’t quite hitting that median level, they aren’t far off.
$40,664 per year is still fairly decent.
However, it is still lower than technicians from other similar companies.
For example, we looked at whether to tip Verizon technicians and found the salaries of their techs ranged from $66,074 to $79,102 per annum.
Related Article:
Do You Tip for TV delivery, Repair and Installation?
How Much Does Xfinity Call Out Cost?
Xfinity state that they do not charge for call-outs if it is to repair their own equipment or facilities.
However, our research indicates that they can charge in some instances, particularly if the service problem is not connected to their equipment.
For example, we have seen people say they have been charged to run a cable across the street and for splicing cables.
The costs quoted by these people ranged from $50 – $100 with that cost appearing on their next bill.
We’re also aware that Xfinity can charge a $100 setup fee when you first have your cable installed.
If you’re in doubt about these charges then contact Xfinity at 1-800-XFINITY.
How Much Should I Tip Xfinity?
If you decide you want to tip your Xfinity tech something then we suggested somewhere in the region of $5 – $20.
You can also tip based on the percentage of the call out if you get charged which will likely be around $5 – $10 if you apply 10-20% on an average call out of $50 – $100.
Other Ways to Tip Your Xfinity Tech
As above, there really is no need to tip you Xfinity tech but if you want to but don’t want to dip into your pocket then there are numerous other options.
You could:
- Offer food or drink
- Write to Xfinity with an appraisal of your technician
- Offer vouchers or another gift
Often, simply praising a technician is all that you need to do to show your gratitude.
We suggest a non-monetary tip is actually more appropriate for Xfinity workers as they’re already well-remunerated in any event. They don’t rely on tips to subsidize their earnings.
Does Xfinity Allow Tips to Its Staff?
We looked into this but couldn’t find anything to suggest that Xfinity deliberately debars its techs from receiving tips.
Some companies flat out ban their employees from receiving tips as part of their company policy.
Indeed, this seems to be the case with Xfinity’s competitor Verizon.
We couldn’t find anything similar with Xfinity.
If an Xfinity technician has turned down a tip you have offered them then please let us know in the comments section.
When To Tip More and Not Tip At All?
We love rewarding excellent service and there are not many better ways to show your gratitude than offering a tip.
We’d suggest offering a tip or increasing your tip if:
- The work is done efficiently with limited downtime;
- The tech is tidy and professional;
- The tech goes beyond the call of duty. For example, if they fix other problems you weren’t aware of;
- If it’s Christmas;
- If the tech has come out in bad weather such as snow;
- During unsocial hours.
You might want to withhold a tip if:
- The tech isn’t able to fix the problem;
- The tech is untidy or leaves a mess;
- The tech is unprofessional or rude;
- If you’re charged unexpectedly.
Final Thoughts
There isn’t a customary practice in the US to tip technicians – almost of any kind.
We found this when we looked at whether you tip Verizon technicians and also other techs like AC installers.
The bottom line is that most technicians of this nature earn good enough incomes anyway. They aren’t expecting to supplement their income with tips earned while on the road like in other industries.
If you do wish to tip then we’d suggest $5 – $20 as being enough to brighten up the technician’s day.
However, a non-monetary tip is likely to suffice.
Obviously, you may decide to withhold a tip if the service is particularly bad but you may also decide to offer one or increase for good service or if the tech has come during unsocial hours or in bad weather.
