Tip a Would-be Super?
The super of the co-op I’m interested in buying into is helping me out by letting me and my inspector into the building and apartment on his day off. Should I give him a tip? $20? $50?
The super of the co-op I’m interested in buying into is helping me out by letting me and my inspector into the building and apartment on his day off. Should I give him a tip? $20? $50?
Personally I’m going to say $20 is more than enough considering you haven’t actually purchased the apartment yet, and may never actually live in the building with the super. You have plenty of opportunities to be more generous during move-in etc., if you end up with that place.
I third the thumbs-up on the importance of a good relationship with a super. As for how much, I’d calibrate it to other tasks you might ask him to do in the future. If $50 isn’t a lot of money to you, go for it – you’ll definitely have his attention whenever you need it. If $50 every time a plumber needs to be let into your place or you need help moving a piece of furniture, I’d go with less.
I am with Dave on this one. If you really going to buy in the building, giving him $50 now will definitely help you in the future, especially when you are going to renovate, he’ll go above and beyond to try to accommodate your various requests.
Getting on the good side of the super is always a good idea. This is a small price and a huge favor, I think.
When you want to start doing some work on your unit, he’s the gatekeeper and oftentimes the true arbiter of what can and can’t be done without formal approvals!!!!