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Old 08-06-2015, 05:50 PM   #1
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tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

Just had a 4wd conversion finished of 2011 Roadtrek. Very nice job and great mechanical work and mechanics. I left what I thought was a very generous tip, but am wondering if there is any kind of standard, or range, or whatever, for a substantial job like that. So for a say a 20K amount of work, any thoughts or input. This would be for employee mechanics that don't own the shop--just to clarify.

Thanks

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Old 08-06-2015, 05:56 PM   #2
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

$200 cash right into his mitt with a big thank you. Two weeks after it has proven itself of course.
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Old 08-06-2015, 08:39 PM   #3
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

According to Click and Clack, cookies, donuts, and cakes are sufficient.

I take my mechanic to lunch every so often.
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Old 08-07-2015, 08:54 AM   #4
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

I am big on tipping, at restaurants, where the server's pay is dependent on it and selling themselves is too. I believe the automotive world is different. No tip necessary. They gave you a price for services rendered and you paid it. Simple as that with a thank you and passing the word along of their good work. Good mechanics are hard to find. Pass the word on about good ones and they should earn a nice living.

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Old 08-07-2015, 09:37 AM   #5
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

I tip my dealership dude (drive-train/Ford stuff) with gifts, not cash. I tip Ray (interior/SMB stuff) with cash... usually a rounding-up ($540 on the bill...$600 paid). I'm not sure I can explain why it is this way, but it works well for us all. Both of them answer the phone 24/7 as a result.

The dilemna is how to tip the forum dudes that do the same thing... answer my pleas for help 24/7
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Old 08-07-2015, 03:33 PM   #6
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

That's a good question, here's how I look at it.....for routine maintenance stuff, no tipping needed, price is as quoted for services rendered, however, if you're talking custom, fab or off time/overtime/throw in extra work stuff, then yes, a tip or other sort of compensation goes a long way. I've been known to stop by on the Friday after that sort of work was completed to drop off a case of cold ones near quittin time, always been appreciated and I feel it buys me a little better customer service for future business, so definitely a 2 way street. Bottom line is, if you want to show them you're pleased with the work that was performed, and it will make you feel good by giving a little extra something, then by all means do so. Cash may be king, but a cold brew on a Friday after work is something they will appreciate even more after a long week......or both!
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Old 08-07-2015, 08:22 PM   #7
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

I don't think tipping is real common. So anything you want to do for them would be awesome and unexpected I think!
Give him what you are comfortable with and know he will appreciate whatever it is!
Being a dealership slave for 17 years has got me 50 bucks, a flashlight, and a bottle of wine on 2 occasions. Usually it's the service writers and foremen who get the goods since the customers never see the shop or anyone in it.
Hand him whatever you want with a solid handshake and an appreciative smile and it will all be good!
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Old 08-07-2015, 10:41 PM   #8
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

thanks for the tips all. Always interesting to see how we all see things a bit different, which is exactly what I was asking for.
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Old 08-08-2015, 08:11 PM   #9
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

If you're slick about it ask some questions during the process of work being done such as what is your favorite restaurant or where do you like to shop and then buy a reasonable sized gift card for the place that they would like to eat/shop at at. That is if you're not sure that same amount in cash would go over well.
Just a thought..
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Old 08-10-2015, 04:17 PM   #10
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Re: tipping; not the rollover kind but for the mechanics

My shop bills the mechanics out at $90 / hour. It'll be a cold day in Hell when they get a tip!
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