MarrsCars Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 So this was inspired by a thread I posted on another forum, but do you guys tip your mechanic? Only when he has a particularly involved job, never, sometimes, always? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 I think you should always tip your restorer, and WELL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edinmass Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Is there ever any extra money left over after paying your restoration bill? If so I must change over to '32s shop! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve_Mack_CT Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 When I was a gas pump jockey in high school I would get a few tips. Also, I "may or may not" have made a couple bucks on the side doing evening tire repairs - "mostly may" Marrs, still looking for the "right guy" for the MB as it is new to us. I have a friend who handles things I don't want to deal with, we grew up together and he keeps a small shop with a focus on older American cars - doesn't even need to advertise as all the local AACA guys know him. He has a regular job but does this maybe 25 - 30 hours a week. I do "tip" him or pad his bill a bit because I think he undercharges me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 We have had a few customers who have asked if it's ok to tip my guys. I tell them "anything is appreciated but nothing is expected". I would say in general, No, tipping your mechanic would not be a common practice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest billybird Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 I think you should always tip your restorer, and WELL!Biased. Conflict of intrest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnseeker Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 I usually tip my flatbed driver when I go to get an old car if it's one of the employees. If it's the boss I usually don't. He gets paid in cash anyways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
28 Chrysler Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 For exceptional work with an exceptional price I say yes.I know an honest mechanic that I took a car to with the check engine light on.He had fond nothing wrong and charged me nothing, so I gave him 2 steaks for Memorial day. Other places here in Vegas would have charged me plenty for reading the code and more for fixing something that wasn't broken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 (edited) The last full resto I did and delivered earned me a $3000 tip. He was very appreciative of personal service, standing behind my work and the high quality and he graciously showed it. I warranted new parts that failed (defective) even though the manufacturer refused to honor their own warranty by blaming it on the customer.I should add that I am doing another full nut/bolt resto for him. That is the best "tip" he could give me!Now when I will NEVER tip is almost anywhere that has a tip jar. I tip for excellent customer service. The people that are behind a counter and all they do is hand you your order do not earn a tip. I have even seen tip jars at a drive through! That is tantamount to begging. Edited June 7, 2012 by Amphicar BUYER (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Stoneberg Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 I tip my mechanic when he goes beyond the call of his normal job. For example, he was changing a exaughst manifold and spent hours removing broken bolts. Did not charge me for all the time though.Normally I dont tip money, I will buy a nice lunch for the shop or give the tickets to races or Baseball. Soemthing they dont do themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted June 6, 2012 Share Posted June 6, 2012 Most mechanics will be thrilled if you pay the bill, in full, on time, with no whining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarrsCars Posted June 7, 2012 Author Share Posted June 7, 2012 In the other thread I showed my hand but wanted to see some responses here first. I have offered tips when my guys have gone beyond the call of duty, taking me in without an appointment when I have unexpected trouble, seeing me right away when a repair didn't solve the issue, etc., but have always been refused. I then took to bringing in boxes of assorted high end pastries realizing they were probably accustomed to Krispy Kreme at best, and it has certainly gone over well. I do this now as a matter of practice and about every second or third visit, so for the extra $40 or so for a dozen and a half goodies I am in good graces with all the guys and gals at the shop it seems. I also make special effort for the shop girls to bring flowers as an exception. In truth, that wasn't my motivation, I truly wanted to reward these hard working folks, but I won't refuse the favor it has garnered. I see it as Karma at work, do a deed with pure intent and you will be rewarded accordingly. (Can you tell I'm from Oregon?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhippsAuto Posted June 7, 2012 Share Posted June 7, 2012 (edited) For exceptional work with an exceptional price I say yes.I know an honest mechanic that I took a car to with the check engine light on.He had fond nothing wrong and charged me nothing, so I gave him 2 steaks for Memorial day. Other places here in Vegas would have charged me plenty for reading the code and more for fixing something that wasn't broken.My husband runs our shop (Phipps Auto) and is the only mechanic there. This is pretty much what his customer base does. He does honest work for an honest price, doesn't charge for things like you mentioned above, and frequently finds work-arounds for customers who are tight on cash who have been told to expect to spend hundreds for certain repairs. In return, he has been tipped in the past by being given tickets to events we would never be able to afford on our own, or in cash (always greatly appreciated), or with food (usually at Thanksgiving/Christmas time), etc. It's always unexpected but greatly appreciated, and as the wife trying to raise our 2 kids on limited income, I can tell you it's never turned down!PS: Yesterday, a customer gave my husband a dozen farm-fresh eggs. Like I said, everything's appreciated! Edited June 7, 2012 by PhippsAuto (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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