Do you tip your Mechanic?

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Nov 13, 2011 | 05:11 PM

#41

Theatan

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 267

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From: Virginia

Quote:

any time I've gotten tipped a 5 or 10 bill, I have given back 100.00 worth of extra care, bet your portfolios don't give that kind of return. and this is all I have to say about this, rant over!

Charlie? We are Mechanics and Machinist! It never was/is part of our Trade Culture to work for TIPS. Most of us do our jobs correctly as a matter of personal pride in what we do.
Look are Riders going to tip the guy that machines, polishes, assembles and installs the pumps that pump the Beer and Bottled Water that riders consume when they ride? Answer no. Are Riders going to Tip the Bridge Builders? The Machinist that Machine the structural steel beans for those Bridges? Highway Depts that make the Roads they ride upon? Answer no.
A lot of what we in the Trades do is behind the sense, and yes Charlie I realize the captial You, I, as well as many other outlay to accomplish our jobs.
Ya say you get about a quarter of your stated shop rate figure? Your Lucky. Alot of us are working for about $10 per hr below that.
Tips where never a tradition in the Trades Industries.
Yearly Bonuses However are our for a year of work well done.

Nov 13, 2011 | 05:36 PM

#42

EW1959

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Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 289

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You are joking right?

Nov 13, 2011 | 06:31 PM

#43

harleycharlie1992

Unofficial HDF Chaplain

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 21,160

Likes: 18,082

From: san diego

well when I was having my bike dynoed after me building the motor (I have neither the equipment or the experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently) I went to the shop, got the quote of 450.00, and walked back into the shop, found the tech who was going to do my bike, gave him a fifty dollar bill, and said please take good care of my bike, He was taken aback, and all I can say is my bike runs fantastic, and I'm a critical SOB!, seems to me, 50 bucks very well spent, and I can go back to him at any time, for any sort of help, and he doesn't even blink!! Want a tip? give one, and it will pay off big!! Now no more from me!! (at least on this!!)

By the way, Love all you guys, and love the banter!! No hard feelings either way!! right?

Nov 13, 2011 | 06:31 PM

#44

Denver Dave

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 1,075

Likes: 20

From: Florida / Colorado

No - never even considered it until you brought it up. The answer remains the same - no. (And, I do consider myself a generous tipper, when appropriate. Must be from my old days as a pizza delivery boy.)

Nov 13, 2011 | 07:40 PM

#45

6 gun

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 9,384

Likes: 1,776

From: Central Texas

yes I tip my indy because he is just as much a friend as a indy,
but I dont always use money I use things that I know that he likes,
pepper jack cheese,Miller lite, ect. ect. ect.. Speaking of I think I'll
cary him a 24 pack tuesday, he aint open on monday

Nov 13, 2011 | 08:31 PM

#46

skidder

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 12,566

Likes: 85

From: Calgary

One time I slipped the mechanic, salesman and swamper a special cigarette each at my favourite dealer ship. Since then I've been invited to the salesmen's wedding (great biker wedding), a barbecue and a party with each of them. They appreciated my tip.

Nov 13, 2011 | 08:44 PM

#47

fxdwg_rugby

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 910

Likes: 0

From: State of Confusion, SE PA

Yes, i have, but since I'm in the medical sales field, I have mentioned that Harley rates are comparable to the local hospital rates... My local indie takes Great care of me... Why, you ask? When it's blister'n hot out I stop with a half gallon of cold ice tea for no reason other then it's hot out and I'm close by. Yes, when I have a big job, I've been known to drop off a good bottle of bourbon (makers mark) for my friend. He doesn't drink, but momma (office manager) loves it and takes good care of him when she drinks it. Yep, I do socialize with my indie, mechanic, engine builder....and his boss (wife).

Nov 13, 2011 | 09:06 PM

#48

KBFXDLI

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 23,881

Likes: 34

From: USA

I used to tip my boat mechanic all of the time.(sold my boat) I would also leave the a/c on all week in the hot Summer and my boat unlocked in the marina with some cold beer in the fridge so the 3 mechanics could eat their lunch & have a cold beer & listen to some tunes on the cd player. Needless to say...my boats have had very few mechanical problems and nobody ever messes with them.

But I am yet to find a decent motorcycle mechanic. When I do....I'll take care of him/her as well. The ones at the dealers (car & bike) suck. Every time I have to go back over and over for some stupid crap.

BTW, I tip or give gifts to:

1. Food/liquor service people (always)
2. Hair stylist/barber & helper
3. Marina help & mechanics (yeah the kid at the dock is working his way through college so he get $10-20)
4. Landscaper helpers who do extra work
5. My business customer helpers or admin people
6. My USPS guy at the office.
7. Any porter
8. Kid at the grocery store who helps put the groceries in the car.
9. Taxi/limo driver

Last edited by KBFXDLI; Nov 13, 2011 at 09:16 PM.

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