Do you tip your Mechanic?

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Mar 1, 2012 | 06:18 PM

#141

baka1969

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 12,986

Likes: 715

From: NE Philly

At $80-$100/hr rates, a mechanic thinks they should get a tip? Not a chance. Even if the mechanic gets a quarter of that, I still have to pay the full rate. If a mechanic wants to get a better wage, do indy work.

Waiters/waitresses get a very small wage and rely on tips to earn a living. I normally tip 20%. More for exceptional service. Want to know who gets the shaft the most? The pizza delievery guy. The "delivery" charge that some establishments charge many times doesn't even go to the delivery guy. Not to mention he/she uses their own car, pays for their own gas, the extra wear on the vehicle. Oh, it's also a dangerous job. Plus they often get stiffed. I tip these guys well.

The last person I'll be tipping is a mechanic. HOWEVER, if they do go out of their way or go above-and-beyond, I'd tip them. But they make a much better wage than someone that ACTUALLY relies on tips to survive.

Last edited by baka1969; Mar 1, 2012 at 06:21 PM.

Mar 1, 2012 | 07:05 PM

#142

themensh

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 5,331

Likes: 56

From: north of Daytona

I've never seen my mechanic. I see the service writer when I pull the bike in. He writes up the ticket....they take the bike away-upstairs. I get a call....pay the woman at the window, hop on my bike and ride away. Never seen anyone working on the bike. (I figure the service writer tips them).

chuck

Mar 1, 2012 | 09:23 PM

#143

fxrsjohn

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 174

Likes: 0

From: Inverness, Florida

Waitresses / Waiters normally get around two dollars and change an hour. Their income relies on tips. The IRS requires that they claim a percentage of their sales as tips, so if they get stiffed it costs them money out of pocket. If your job does not require you to report tips to the IRS you should not expect one.

Mar 1, 2012 | 09:50 PM

#144

Artlee

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 2,788

Likes: 1

From: Maine

I tip my indie when he gives me my inspection sticker.
"that will be $12 Art" "here's $20.00 George, keep the change" "see ya next year Art"
Well, I do buy oil/fluids and filters from him too. But, I always pay cash, pay in sums that end in 5 or 0 and tell him "keep the change". It makes his book keeping easier.
I don't know if that is tipping or not, but it is good karma imo.

Mar 2, 2012 | 12:55 AM

#145

j1mmy

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 4,598

Likes: 14

From: navarre ohio

i was a cycle tech for 13 years. i think i was tipped a total of $6-10 the entire time.
the shop charges close to $100 an hour, but usaly pay around $10 or less.. tips were nice, but i totally understand why it wasn't the norm.

Last edited by j1mmy; Mar 2, 2012 at 01:01 AM.

Mar 2, 2012 | 01:51 AM

#146

Kowan

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 7,882

Likes: 5

From: So California

I tip my barber. The hair cut is $12 and I always give him a 20.
I wait awhile between haircuts, so I tease him I'm in for my bi-annual haircut.

Mar 2, 2012 | 05:58 AM

#147

Tampa Fatboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 13,456

Likes: 10,452

From: Sunshine State

I'll drop a twelve pack off occasionally. *grinz

Mar 2, 2012 | 07:21 AM

#148

SmittyFXDL

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 1,317

Likes: 16

From: Texas

I had some work done on my glide and the local dealer covered it under warranty and got my bike back to me next day with a super detail job to boot! I sent them over 3-4 pizzas for lunch the next day to show my appreciation.
If I build a professional relationship with my mechanic like that i think over time he will always go the extra mile in any service or repair work he does on my ride. At least I would hope so and think thats the way it should be.

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