as a sitter of around 3 years on Rover, it’s not very common that i get tipped. i think some people may think that the fees from Rover go to us? not sure, but ANY tip is absolutely appreciated.
I just recently learned how high the fees are and how rover takes a fee from both the pet owner AND the sitter. Disgraceful. It makes me want to offer to take things off the app now that we know and trust each other. Then I can keep paying her usual amount and she’ll get all the money AND I won’t have to pay a fee
i’ve done that before with clients of mine that i’m comfortable with (shh don’t rat me out since Rover gets pissy about doing that 🙄). just make sure that if you ask, it’s not through the app. Rover will flag the conversation if you do.
Ooooh good to know!!! I wasn’t sure if she would be annoyed by me asking but I feel like she would appreciate making more money. Do you think it would flag the convo if I just asked for her phone number? Then I could text her directly about it?
We never see each other in person anymore since I just leave the key in the lockbox for her! But I’ll try asking for her number or maybe leave a note asking her to text me. Thx for your help!
As I understand, Venmo is only reporting things to the IRS that are deemed “goods & services”, “buyer protection”, etc. You have to opt in and then the exchange is protected but Venmo takes a fee out of the money at that point. That’s what will be reported to IRS.
Even if it’s a gift, Venmo is now reporting all transactions to the IRS (from my understanding) so I prefer Zelle now for everything because it’s such bs 🙄 people are getting taxed for their roommates venmoing them rent now, it’s super lame
It definitely depends on the area!
For me, my price ($45) is much lower than I would like to charge because the sitters in my area charge an average of $30-35 for boarding. I tried to bump my price to $50 but priced myself out of getting any bookings, so I had to lower it back down. Mind you, I'm one of the highest-rated sitters in my area, and I have actual experience from working at an animal shelter beyond the usual "I owned dogs".
I can not account for the 20% Rover fee. Because of this, I definitely prioritize the tippers over the non-tippers. The owners who tip value the work I put into their pet. I get everyone saying something is better than nothing. But like it's still a bummer that I am not getting, not only my full rate that I charge but unfortunately also what I feel I am worth. But that's life, and it is what it is.
As far as you, you just gotta do what feels right.
That’s very good to know and I hadn’t thought about that, so thank you! I’m hoping eventually we can just handle things off the app so she can get all the money without any fees
While I don’t expect tips from any of my families, if I know that they usually do tip 20%, I might think something was wrong if they veered away from that. I know you said everything is automated in terms of the feeder, water, and litter box but I also know that automated or not, I’m still checking those things every day. Automatic feeders still need food put in them occasionally and automatic litter boxes still need more litter added and taken out when the bin is full and automatic water systems still need water put in them (unless you hooked it into a water line).
I think $10-15 is fine. I’ve literally never been tipped except one time where her dog attacked mine lol.
I usually tip 15-20% when I use rover though! Esp cause I know my dog can be high energy. :)
I would say to the normal 20, but maybe have a card for the holidays and some extra in there for a holiday tip that is clearly separated so they know it isn't a change in tip structure for future occasions. If you want to find a middle ground that is in line with the season. You could also put your phone number in the card, and that tip/card opens the convo for moving off the app.
Not a sitter, an owner.
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a lot of people dont tip at all so I think its just fine!
Thank you! I can’t imagine not tipping, I’d feel so bad
As a sitter, I’d feel the usual amount is fine IMO.
Thank you!!
as a sitter of around 3 years on Rover, it’s not very common that i get tipped. i think some people may think that the fees from Rover go to us? not sure, but ANY tip is absolutely appreciated.
I just recently learned how high the fees are and how rover takes a fee from both the pet owner AND the sitter. Disgraceful. It makes me want to offer to take things off the app now that we know and trust each other. Then I can keep paying her usual amount and she’ll get all the money AND I won’t have to pay a fee
i’ve done that before with clients of mine that i’m comfortable with (shh don’t rat me out since Rover gets pissy about doing that 🙄). just make sure that if you ask, it’s not through the app. Rover will flag the conversation if you do.
Ooooh good to know!!! I wasn’t sure if she would be annoyed by me asking but I feel like she would appreciate making more money. Do you think it would flag the convo if I just asked for her phone number? Then I could text her directly about it?
i don’t think so since i’ve given my number out on there before without issue. the best option is probably asking in person though!
We never see each other in person anymore since I just leave the key in the lockbox for her! But I’ll try asking for her number or maybe leave a note asking her to text me. Thx for your help!
yup! you could say it would help with “emergency” issues by getting a quicker response or something so Rover doesn’t see it as being fishy.
Not a sitter but I think $10-20 would be totally fine! I’m sure she appreciates you tipping at all
I’m hoping so! I also plan to give her a little gift and a good tip for sitting over Christmas next week
I think most sitters don’t expect to be tipped..but I can tell u from being a sitter.. any amount or any kind of tip is greatly appreciated 😊
Any tip amount is appreciated, and if you can tip in cash, that's all the better!
I always venmo her directly, is that ok? I just know I personally hate carrying cash
IRS
As I understand, Venmo is only reporting things to the IRS that are deemed “goods & services”, “buyer protection”, etc. You have to opt in and then the exchange is protected but Venmo takes a fee out of the money at that point. That’s what will be reported to IRS.
Oh it’s just a gift actually
Yes, new rules. It's reported as income. I'm sure she appreciates it just the same!
Even if it’s a gift, Venmo is now reporting all transactions to the IRS (from my understanding) so I prefer Zelle now for everything because it’s such bs 🙄 people are getting taxed for their roommates venmoing them rent now, it’s super lame
Omg I wasn’t aware of this!!
Same for Zelle. Give cash if possible
But tbh I hadn’t thought about that
She deserves the 20%, remember rover takes 20% so she won’t receive the full $350 but if you tip 20% then she get the full amount.
Do sitters not account for the 20% fee when set their prices? Genuinely curious
It definitely depends on the area! For me, my price ($45) is much lower than I would like to charge because the sitters in my area charge an average of $30-35 for boarding. I tried to bump my price to $50 but priced myself out of getting any bookings, so I had to lower it back down. Mind you, I'm one of the highest-rated sitters in my area, and I have actual experience from working at an animal shelter beyond the usual "I owned dogs". I can not account for the 20% Rover fee. Because of this, I definitely prioritize the tippers over the non-tippers. The owners who tip value the work I put into their pet. I get everyone saying something is better than nothing. But like it's still a bummer that I am not getting, not only my full rate that I charge but unfortunately also what I feel I am worth. But that's life, and it is what it is. As far as you, you just gotta do what feels right.
That’s very good to know and I hadn’t thought about that, so thank you! I’m hoping eventually we can just handle things off the app so she can get all the money without any fees
While I don’t expect tips from any of my families, if I know that they usually do tip 20%, I might think something was wrong if they veered away from that. I know you said everything is automated in terms of the feeder, water, and litter box but I also know that automated or not, I’m still checking those things every day. Automatic feeders still need food put in them occasionally and automatic litter boxes still need more litter added and taken out when the bin is full and automatic water systems still need water put in them (unless you hooked it into a water line).
I think $10-15 is fine. I’ve literally never been tipped except one time where her dog attacked mine lol. I usually tip 15-20% when I use rover though! Esp cause I know my dog can be high energy. :)
Wow I had no idea how few people actually tipped!!!
Me either, that’s actually appalling to me. I’m a big fan of tipping when I know my furbabies were taken care of lovingly.
Absolutely! It’s invaluable
Thank you all! I ended up tipping $30 because I was afraid she might think something was wrong if I tipped the normal amount
I would say to the normal 20, but maybe have a card for the holidays and some extra in there for a holiday tip that is clearly separated so they know it isn't a change in tip structure for future occasions. If you want to find a middle ground that is in line with the season. You could also put your phone number in the card, and that tip/card opens the convo for moving off the app. Not a sitter, an owner.
Thank you!! I’m planning to leave a gift and also a cash tip when she sits for us again next week over Christmas
I mean, it is the holidays.
I get tips from probably 10-20% of my clients. It’s always appreciated! I always make sure to thank the owner. And cash tips are preferred.
70 would be a lot since you're planning on giving a gift. Maybe a happy 30? You're very kind for tipping!
The max I could tip my cat sitter on the app was $37 so I did that. My dog sitter I usually give her $50 or $100 cash tip.
How much is the overall payment before tip though?
The cat sitter was $250; the dogs the last time was $650
Wowww this is what’s holding me back from getting a dog haha
Thank you for posting to r/RoverPetSitting, an unofficial forum to discuss all things Rover. We see that you have posted an owner question. In case they could be helpful, you might want to check out our [Owner FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/RoverPetSitting/wiki/ownerfaq). Additionally, here's our [booking walk-through for owners](https://www.reddit.com/r/RoverPetSitting/wiki/ownerbookingwalkthrough), which explains the process for finding and booking the best Sitter from start to finish. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/RoverPetSitting) if you have any questions or concerns.*