Do you tip your Mechanic?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 11
From: Mass/NH
In general, no. And I don't think we want to make that a habit! BUT, I do not hesitate to throw anyone who provides EXCEPTIONAL service a few bucks. I do not look at so much as a tip, but to recognize them for going way above and beyond, and saving me MY MONEY ( or giving me exceptional return for my money) when they did not have to. Last year, I had a disagreement with HD about who was responsible for $1000.00 plus damage caused by a previous warranty repair and the Service folks really went to bat for me and it cost me $0.00! I gave the Service guys a $ 25.00 gift card to Dunkin Donut. A real bargain for me and they deserve it!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
I don't know if you call it a tip or not. It isn't given as a percentage of the bill but I will give someone cash money as a way to say thank you. I usually tell them thank you and here eat lunch or supper on me. If they did something better than expected, sooner than expected, or it was a real inconvenience to me and they solved it. It has paid itself back a few times with people. People who work remember respect, kindness, politeness, and money. They also remember bitchers, whiners, and cheap bastards. Being part of a family business, we also discuss memorable clients. The good, bad, stupid, or cheap. They also don't let me interact with customers too much. I just help out the family business and don't work there---I have no tolerance for rude or stupid people.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
People who work remember respect, kindness, politeness, and money. They also remember bitchers, whiners, and cheap bastards. Being part of a family business, we also discuss memorable clients. The good, bad, stupid, or cheap. They also don't let me interact with customers too much. I just help out the family business and don't work there---I have no tolerance for rude or stupid people.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 182
Likes: 3
From: Lawrenceville Ga
me personally, i tip. i bring in a case of beer in the spring and fall for the mech who works on my bike. i only use 1. and a bottle of what ever the service manager drinks. i give the mech my take off parts to sell for what ever he can get, rims, exhaust, derby covers. what ever. i dont collect the stuff in my garage. i get great service even when i have seen others turned away for an appointment weeks out they have been able to squeeze mine in. the mech only makes a portion of what the dealer charges. give them a break. also if you have extended warrenty it helps if your service mgr and mech fight for you. i get great service at every dealer i have dealt with. i ride my bikes 15 to 20k a year and i want a reliable ride under me. just saying
patrick
patrick
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City
I always give myself a cold one or two after working on the bike or cars. Sometimes I don't wait until after.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 16
From: USA
Tipping everyone is a Northeast thing, especially NY. I grew up in NY and people tip, their mailmen, their doorman, the super of the building, their mechanic etc..
In the Midwest people do their job, because they have a work ethic, and don't feel that extortion is necessary. There are a few well defined occupations you tip: Waitress/Waiters. Bartenders. Cab Drivers. Hotel doorman. Valet Parkers. Possibly hotel maid. Room Service. Cosmetologist/Barber. Most others will act insulted if you offer a tip. And that's the way it should be.
Back in the day when your mechanic did you favors, and didn't charge you for all adjustments, I could see tipping. Now they charge $80-100/hour, I'm not tipping.
In the Midwest people do their job, because they have a work ethic, and don't feel that extortion is necessary. There are a few well defined occupations you tip: Waitress/Waiters. Bartenders. Cab Drivers. Hotel doorman. Valet Parkers. Possibly hotel maid. Room Service. Cosmetologist/Barber. Most others will act insulted if you offer a tip. And that's the way it should be.
Back in the day when your mechanic did you favors, and didn't charge you for all adjustments, I could see tipping. Now they charge $80-100/hour, I'm not tipping.
Funny you mentioned the midwest thing. In conjunction with what you said, the flip side is, midwesterners are notoriously the worst tippers out there. My best friend is from Iowa and he's notorious for leaving little to no tip. He's not being cheap (well, maybe he is), I think it's due to the fact he simply doesn't know any better. Example, he'll leave like 3 bucks on a $60 dollar meal/drink tab. Yikes.
