Might have my first really good score ... how much to "tip" ?

[Slow1]

Here's the deal.. On my way back from dropping my daughter off at school I saw a tree crew setting up around the block from my house. I stopped quick and talked to them - asked them what they planned to do with the wood etc - bottom line, they agreed to drop it off in my back yard! No charge... sweet. Now, it isn't all premium hardwood - he said they are mostly taking out poplar (which I actually had to search a little to find a BTU rating for... it seems to be right about the same as pine, oh well - free is free eh?) but I'm sure if it had all been good oak I wouldn't be getting them to drop it off now would I?

So... here I am expecting to get what looks to be more than 1 but less then 3 cords worth of log length wood dropped in my back yard and it seems some sort of tip would be in order - any guidance/suggestions here? Seems going overboard reduces the value of the 'free' wood, but I also would like them to think of me if they are ever in the area again...

 

[smokinj]

Here's the deal.. On my way back from dropping my daughter off at school I saw a tree crew setting up around the block from my house. I stopped quick and talked to them - asked them what they planned to do with the wood etc - bottom line, they agreed to drop it off in my back yard! No charge... sweet. Now, it isn't all premium hardwood - he said they are mostly taking out poplar (which I actually had to search a little to find a BTU rating for... it seems to be right about the same as pine, oh well - free is free eh?) but I'm sure if it had all been good oak I wouldn't be getting them to drop it off now would I?

So... here I am expecting to get what looks to be more than 1 but less then 3 cords worth of log length wood dropped in my back yard and it seems some sort of tip would be in order - any guidance/suggestions here? Seems going overboard reduces the value of the 'free' wood, but I also would like them to think of me if they are ever in the area again...

case of cold beer

 

[humpin iron]

$20 for each guy- ask to them to keep remembering you when they need to get rid of wood and tip em each time

 

[fossil]

^ +1. $20/head is what I'd do...tell 'em I'm buying lunch or beers or whatever they want. They won't forget. Rick

 

[Slow1]

Thanks for the suggestions - I gave them $60 which seems to be close to your suggested amounts. I'm not sure how many were in their crew, more than 3 though. The guy I was talking to seemed quite surprised and happy at it so all is well.

Now - what did I get? Well, it looks to be more than 1 and less than 3 cords of logs (I am terrible at guessing these things). Poplar and birch according to them and I bet they know far better than I do. So not the best for BTU, but a bargain for me in any case. Now I have something to do and a good use for that new (used) saw that I picked up yesterday... my wife will of course figure I somehow planned this, but she will know I'm not quite that good.

 

[daveswoodhauler]

Pretty good score...$60 seems a little on the high side, but if it works out to closer to three than 1 I think it was a good bet.
Do us all a favor, take some pics of the wood and your new-old saw....saw your posts on the other pages regarding the older Stihl....what did ya haggle him down to? $75 seems like a good price.
Good score.

 

[rdust]

Sounds like a good score!

Pretty good score...$60 seems a little on the high side

In the future they will remember him though.

 

[Slow1]

IF I were to assume it is 2 cords, then that is $30/cord. I can't haul wood home for that rate right now if it is very far by time I borrow my friends van and trailer (I buy him gas and generally am generous there as it is a pain to his schedule for me to get it and all). So, even though this is less than ideal wood, it is certainly not a bad rate in my eyes so I'm happy. If it is 3 cords then it's down to $20/cord - not a huge difference really eh?

Now, if this has about 1/2 the BTU of 'good' hardwood like oak then I can consider I'd be happy to pay $60/cord for oak logs delivered - granted this will have 2x the work /BTU on this line of reasoning... oh, whatever! I'm happy and now I can play with my saw, spend some more quality time with my fiskars, and maybe I made some guys who generally work a lot harder than I do happy. What's not to like?

 

[daveswoodhauler]

Sounds like a good score!

Pretty good score...$60 seems a little on the high side

In the future they will remember him though.

Yup, I agree...
I think I was just saying that if it works out to be a cord of poplar/log length for $60 bucks it might seem a little high....but if it means more in the future it would be worth it I guess.
Also, they might expect the same tip next time around ......the proof is in the pudding...we need some photos to see how much is there.

 

[daveswoodhauler]

IF I were to assume it is 2 cords, then that is $30/cord. I can't haul wood home for that rate right now if it is very far by time I borrow my friends van and trailer (I buy him gas and generally am generous there as it is a pain to his schedule for me to get it and all). So, even though this is less than ideal wood, it is certainly not a bad rate in my eyes so I'm happy. If it is 3 cords then it's down to $20/cord - not a huge difference really eh?

Now, if this has about 1/2 the BTU of 'good' hardwood like oak then I can consider I'd be happy to pay $60/cord for oak logs delivered - granted this will have 2x the work /BTU on this line of reasoning... oh, whatever! I'm happy and now I can play with my saw, spend some more quality time with my fiskars, and maybe I made some guys who generally work a lot harder than I do happy. What's not to like?

I think you got a good deal, and it should give you some scores the next time around. (Sometimes I don't type as well as I think)
Enjoy the new saw and splitting axe. (Just don't spend too much time outside or your wife will get mad like mine

 

[JBinKC]

Hopefully, in the process of the tip you informed them you would be willing to be a dump off site for any wood that they would normally dispose. I am sure you will get plenty more of it in the future.

 

[iceman]

yes hopefully you got their number so you can keep in touch and yes they will remember you which is a good thing

 

[joshlaugh]

I say that you did good esp with tipping them. I would think they will remember you next time they are in the area and maybe you can start putting in requests for some of the better wood?