Do you tip your article writer?

by ncloud
32 replies
I noticed that iwriter has an option for tipping your writer. I wish they didn't, because I really don't want to. I guess it makes me feel kind of obligated to tip them more money because if they did a good job I might want to hire them again in the future. But, they may not want to work for me again if I don't tip them. Do most people tip - is that like common practice? If so, how much do you tip?
#article #tip #writer
  • Profile picture of the author Gambino
    Yea, here's a tip: If you're a great writer, charge more.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9881466].message }}
  • As a writer who used to be on it everyday and working for usually the same requesters over and over again, I will say that I didn't expect people to tip me. It was always nice though, especially when I worked really hard on an article. I usually got tipped anywhere between $1-$4, but it wasn't always the case.

    For some of them, they would only use the articles as backlink articles, so it's not like they really needed a professional essay of some kind.

    I didn't always get tips, but when I do, they always help.

    Should you tip?

    If you feel you got your money's worth, go ahead.

    If you feel like you HAVE to because you're afraid they won't write for you anymore, then there's no need to. I sometimes used to write for the same people over and over again, and as long as they found my style of writing acceptable and accepted all of my articles no problem, then I was fine with them not tipping me. Giving consistent work is just as good enough in terms of whether you want to tip or not.

    You could also just pay a higher fee than the minimum so you won't feel obligated to tip.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9881495].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mikefashen
    I do not tell my writers I do this. But the good ones, that produce something that ends up pulling particularly well, I'll give them a bonus based on how much I made. Typically a tenth of a percent or so. But for those I feel compelled to do that for it's something that's pulling enough that even a tenth of a percent is often more than they will have made in total for the previous several years combined.
    Signature

    Stop trying and start DOING

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9881601].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author QueenMelanie
    On fiverr i will sometimes order a gig that they just have to "deliver" as a form of a tip when I they've done good work a few times in a row
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9882290].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ncloud
    Any paid writers here? How often did you get tipped? Was your tips usually $1-$4 on average?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9882757].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rohitdhawan20
    I got tip from some of my client's. Usually I got tip when I did a good job. I always get tip between 1 to 4$. I am writing articles from last 4 years. I have a skilled SEO Optimized writer team. I am writing 10 articles in a day. My all clients satisfied with my work. I usually got two or three times tip in a month.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9882785].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Yes, but they were referred as "bonuses", not "tips".

      $40-50 bonus several times, $20 quite a few times.$100 bonus twice on $400-500 writing gigs.

      From three long term clients - $400-1000 bonuses quite a few times (7 times for $1k, for example, over a 2 year period). From two corporate clients - $50-150 bonus every 2-3 months on year long writing stints.

      That said...I didn't write $5 articles or in the IM or MMO "fields". The work I was doing required continuing research, adherence to laws in the niches and a high quality articles of 900 or more words. Not the same as much of the writing discussed here - which is why I didn't comment earlier.

      What I object to in this thread is that you want them to remove the OPTION to add a tip because you don't want to tip. You don't have to pay any more than the writer is charging you. You are not obligated to tip or pay a bonus. But no reason to remove the option for those buyers who do want to tip a freelancer, is there?

      A tip or bonus to a freelancer is never required, seldom expected yet always appreciated.
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9882858].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
      Originally Posted by rohitdhawan20 View Post

      I got tip from some of my client's. Usually I got tip when I did a good job. I always get tip between 1 to 4$. I am writing articles from last 4 years. I have a skilled SEO Optimized writer team. I am writing 10 articles in a day. My all clients satisfied with my work. I usually got two or three times tip in a month.
      I have to assume your English is not your first language just based on this post and that it also describes your clients.
      Signature

      Cheers, Laurence.
      Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9883766].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ncloud
    Yeah you right, they should probably keep the option - some writers probably deserve a tip. I guess it just kind of makes me uncomfortable seeing this big in your face tip button. Kind of like when you go to the grocery store around Christmas and someone's ringing a bell as you walk by trying to get you to donate. Nothing wrong with donating, I just hate it when they're kind of in your face about it, as if they're expecting it of you. My own issues I guess - I need to get over that. But, at least I'm getting some idea here how much to donate if someone does a good enough job.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9882904].message }}
    • Originally Posted by ncloud View Post

      Yeah you right, they should probably keep the option - some writers probably deserve a tip. I guess it just kind of makes me uncomfortable seeing this big in your face tip button. Kind of like when you go to the grocery store around Christmas and someone's ringing a bell as you walk by trying to get you to donate. Nothing wrong with donating, I just hate it when they're kind of in your face about it, as if they're expecting it of you. My own issues I guess - I need to get over that. But, at least I'm getting some idea here how much to donate if someone does a good enough job.
      For iWriter, the majority of the people on this site know that they won't be receiving a $20+ tip. Although I will say I have received several tips in that price range, but I do not expect that in any way, and I don't get angry either if a requester decides not to give a tip. Sometimes, a good review is just as helpful. If you don't want to give a tip, feel free to drop a nice line talking about the writer's ability to convey your message, their well written article, and anything else that you found to be well done in their writing.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9883099].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    I'd only be open to getting a tip if I do an incredible job. Clients should never feel COMPELLED or PRESSURED to tip.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9883451].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author James McAllister
    No.

    People shouldn't be working hard to get a bigger tip, they should be working hard because that's what's expected of them and I'll find someone else in the future if they fail to meet my expectations.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9883780].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kk075
    Honestly, when I first started out writing online as a hobby, I charged ridiculously low prices and received tips all of the time. In fact, a lot of ads would say, "I'm paying xxx per article, but if you do a great job then there will be a hefty bonus involved." Even though I always knocked it out of the park and was asked to do more work, that bonus rarely showed up from the guys who put it in writing beforehand. It was only the guys who were looking for quality in a budget and appreciated good writers that seemed to tip....so don't be one of those jerks who makes bonus promises and not deliver.

    As I gained more experience, I completely avoided those who promised to tip. In fact, it just felt plain rude. People do that all the time though with freelancers and it's like a slap in the face. Imagine if your employer told you, "I've decided to pay you only 30% of your normal wage from now on, but if you impress me then I might tip you....maybe." You'd cuss out your boss and walk out the door in a heartbeat.

    Since I bill a premium now and work with a very small client list, I rarely see tips anymore. That's okay though because I'm receiving a fair wage for my efforts, so I do not expect a tip. The only real exceptions are for charities or other freebies...on those I usually expect something, even if it's an event invite or a paid lunch.

    I guess my advice to you would be- if you hire someone for a $100 job and the content is a lot better than you expected, then consider tipping this person. They won't entirely expect it, but if they're a great writer then it won't be long before someone else loves their work and offers a higher wage. So if you want to build a relationship with this person, a tip in the early stages goes a long way towards goodwill and fairness. If you don't offer to pay more, then don't be surprised when they eventually say, "Sorry, I'm just too busy to work for you anymore."

    Great writers are HIGHLY in demand so if you find one, take care of him/her. I hope that helped!
    Signature

    Learn to sell like a pro through Web Synergy's marketing blog.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9883818].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LynnLinde
    It's an option. You can choose to tip or not to tip. I tip if I the writer did a good job because they deserve it. And like kk075 mentioned, I don't like those early promises that you can see in job postings of 'more pay IF you do a good job". Don't have to mention that and just tip if you want / can afford/ feel that the writer deserve. It is a good way to let your writer know that you appreciate their work..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9883906].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      People shouldn't be working hard to get a bigger tip, they should be working hard because that's what's expected of them and I'll find someone else in the future if they fail to meet my expectations
      Except the question is not about "shoulds" - it's "do you"?

      I don't think people work harder to get a tip - the tip is not on the worker but the person who hired them. It's a generous statement of "well done". There is no obligation to do it.

      Sometimes a tip or bonus can be a good business decision. The best writers and outsourcers end up very busy people. If an outsourcer consistently produces good work for you - rewarding them can help ensure they find time for your projects next time you need them.



      Edit: I would never take a job from anyone who "promised" a tip for a good job. I know from many years of experience working directly with the public - anyone who wants to talk about "tips" before a job is done has no intention of tipping at all.... Even then - it's not abou a tip or a bonus but a method of "hiring" that I'm not interested in participating in.

      They are like the sellers who offer 30 day refund guarantee - and try to avoid any refunds.
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9884075].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        I would never take a job from anyone who "promised" a tip for a good job.
        No - I completely agree. I don't think I ever actually heard that, but that would certainly have rung alarm-bells for me, too. Not the kind of customer I wanted.

        .
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9884349].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author kilgore
        Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

        Except the question is not about "shoulds" - it's "do you"?

        I don't think people work harder to get a tip - the tip is not on the worker but the person who hired them. It's a generous statement of "well done". There is no obligation to do it.

        Sometimes a tip or bonus can be a good business decision. The best writers and outsourcers end up very busy people. If an outsourcer consistently produces good work for you - rewarding them can help ensure they find time for your projects next time you need them.



        Edit: I would never take a job from anyone who "promised" a tip for a good job. I know from many years of experience working directly with the public - anyone who wants to talk about "tips" before a job is done has no intention of tipping at all.... Even then - it's not abou a tip or a bonus but a method of "hiring" that I'm not interested in participating in.

        They are like the sellers who offer 30 day refund guarantee - and try to avoid any refunds.
        I definitely agree with this, especially about it being a good business decision. Finding quality help is a pain and so I find that it's much easier and cheaper over the long run to try to retain good people than to constantly be trying to find new ones -- even if it means paying them more.

        For an interesting read, check out Walmart Pays Workers Poorly And Sinks While Costco Pays Workers Well And Sails-Proof That You Get What You Pay For - Forbes which details the hiring practices of CostCo and Wal-Mart. Obviously their business models aren't identical; obviously both companies are very profitable, so it's not like paying poor wages will guarantee failure. But the point is that there really is a good business case to be made for treating people right, and personally I'd rather run a business where I felt like I treated my staff and contractors right than one where I felt like I was running a sweatshop.

        Another thing we do is pay a Christmas bonus every year, this year up to $5,000 for someone who had been with us a long time and who always goes the extra mile. I hear what some of the freelancers are saying about wanting to know what you'll make up front -- and in an ideal world, that might make sense (though I still think there's a place for extra rewards for good work). But part of the issue with us is that (1) we're growing really fast and (2) the holiday season has a huge impact on our bottom line and so until the Christmas sales roll in, it's really hard to forecast our earnings for the year.

        So a Christmas bonus is a way for us to pay a share of the real impact of their work on our company's success in face of an unpredictable business environment. We definitely still do pay a decent wage -- we don't pay less than $15/hour (which in the US, is generally thought to be considered a "living wage") -- but since we don't have a reliable way (yet) of predicting what we'll be making year-to-year, it's the best we can do. And really isn't that what hiring and working should be about? Workers do their best for their employers and employers do their best by their workers. We're all on the same team after all.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9884571].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Originally Posted by kilgore View Post

          Finding quality help is a pain and so I find that it's much easier and cheaper over the long run to try to retain good people than to constantly be trying to find new ones -- even if it means paying them more.
          ^^This.

          What I've always done for my most promising writers was to put them through a rigorous training program, usually about 10-12 weeks. Those who successfully completed the writing course were given a bonus and an increase in hourly pay. In addition, writers with specialized academic training were paid premium rates as well as performance bonuses.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9884685].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    Wait, so you are paying a fee to someone that is writing an article for you? OK, that is to be accepted.

    Then you have to give them a tip if you like their article? That's just no-sense. I don't think that you should give them any extra tip at all.

    I think that you should go elsewhere where they don't make you tip someone for your articles.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9884277].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Then you have to give them a tip if you like their article? That's just no-sense. I don't think that you should give them any extra tip at all.
      So- you didn't read the thread, right? No one is "making you" do anything at all.

      No one said you "should" do anything - no one said you "have to give" anything. Offering an option does not mean you must exercise that option.
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9884321].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jazzd1
    Yeah I think writers "asking" for a tip is a bit much..Just charge higher prices for your articles..If the writer writes an article that does well for you, then I think its up to you if they should receive atleast a small bonus which should be the right thing to do..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9884919].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author joetann
    I tip everyone I work with on Odesk if I feel that they've done a good job. Additionally, and perhaps even more valuable, I continue to work with them going forward and refer them to my acquaintances; which is always worth a lot more than a one-time tip.
    Signature

    https://www.letscommence.com/ - better logo design briefs for designers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9884973].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Curtis2011
    I don't like tipping culture. I prefer straightforward prices. More often than not, when businesses encourage tips they are just trying to push more of the cost of labor onto the customer and off their business.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9885039].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cris Cato
    I guess that really depends on how well you like the content they created for you. I've used iwriter before as well and some writers I've tipped, some I didn't. Don't feel bad, most of them are not expecting it anyways and when they do get one, it's a bonus for them to maybe create an even better content for you!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9885105].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author brotherZ
    I don't usually tip my writers. I pay what I think is fair. If I am happy with their work, I hire them again.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9885301].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author discrat
      With some of the professional Writing services I have used there was never any option to tip, so I didn't


      - Robert Andrew
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9885588].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Daniel75
    On iWriter, how can you go back to tip a writer who has written an article you really like?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9887293].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TheProductReviewGuy
    Banned
    If a content writer over delivers and writes insanely good content, I always tip them no matter what. The highest I ever tipped for a 600 word article was $10.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9887349].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author KayeMariz
      Originally Posted by TheProductReviewGuy View Post

      If a content writer over delivers and writes insanely good content, I always tip them no matter what. The highest I ever tipped for a 600 word article was $10.
      That is so generous of you. For a writer like me, a $10 tip is really a big thing. Usually, I'd get $4 tip for like 5 articles.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9887407].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    Hi,

    Intriguing idea; I'd do it, but then again I am a freelance writer Really, the option is out there for you to seize but feel free to tip or not to tip. It's always up to you. If you feel funny about it, delve deeper into your money issues and thank the article writer/freelancer for bringing up your money issues Maybe send them a tip for their civic duty LOL.

    Onward and upward!

    Ryan
    Signature
    Ryan Biddulph helps you to be a successful blogger with his courses, manuals and blog at Blogging From Paradise
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9887401].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Adrianhenry
    I have never expected a tip for any of the writing I have done for people. I charge what I think the articles are worth. If I thought I deserved more I would charge more. Simple as.

    Although receiving a tip is nice, it should never be expected.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9887434].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TimothyTorrents
    I don't use iWriter but clients have given me tips for delivering excellent articles. It doesn't happen all the time and I never expected them to tip but it's always a nice surprise. The first time I got tipped I was quite shocked because that never happened to me before. I think the first tip was $20 and I received few more after that, ranging between $10-50, not so often, but every once in awhile.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[9888752].message }}

Trending Topics