Tipping Mechanic????

[jollymon]

I just took my boat in yesterday to be winterized and for shrink wrap. I know I waiting way to long but I have been very busy. <br /><br />When I called, the shop said, they did not know if they could get it done before mid Jan, they had alot of work lined up, and the close Thurs for 2 weeks. They did say bring it in, and they would try.<br /><br />I dropped it off yesterday morning, and last night they called It's done!<br /><br />I want to give the mechanic something, but hate doing cash. I was going to do a case of beer, but when I asked, the owner said that he does not drink. What do I do now? It is a small shop, jut the owner and his wife, and one mechanic. <br /><br />Any suggestions?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

How about one of those basket things full of fruits, jellies, spreads, crackers, etc.<br /><br />Or a big ol Christmas Ham!

 

[DJ]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

A gift certificate to a nice restaurant.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

Give him a bottle of 12-year old single malt scotch. He’ll start drinking.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

Agree with DJ......I've done it many times as a gift for great service. Pays dividends in more ways than you think

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

A gift certificate to a nice restaurant. <br />Agree with DJ......I've done it many times as a gift for great service. Pays dividends in more ways than you think

Absolutely.....................Couldn't Agree More.......<br />Dinner for 4.......<br />The Owner,+ the Mechanic, will both be Forever Grateful to You,<br />Because their First-Mates will be Very, Very Happy..........

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

Hmmm, went from a case of beer to dinner for 4 at a "nice restaurant". Well, if you plan on using them down the road maybe.......

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

Though you dont like doing the "cash "thing,I dont know anyone at all that does not like getting cash.What I have done in the past is tip the mechanic when I drop off the boat,before he does the work.I would rather have him know I appreciate him before he does the work rather than after .I have found this to be extremely effective in hotels with the maids.I take care of them the first day we get there and the service IS better.Charlie

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

In my experience some people like to give cash (usually europeans) and some people like to give gifts. I always feel guilty excepting anything but I would never insult someone by not excepting.<br /><br />You can't go wrong with chocolates or a nice basket assortment - if you want to give cash maybe secret it somehow (inside a christmas card?). As for beer, he'll love it, she probably won't care.<br /><br />Merry Christmas<br /><br />Aldo

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

a new socket set!!!!

 

[jsfinn]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

What about a gas card?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

tell your wife to pay a visit...<br /><br />anything, just give the man SOMETHING!!!!

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

A hand written note of appreciation would be <br />more appropriate and appreciated. IMHO

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

Just print this thread and give it to him!<br /><br />It'll warm his heart to know how much he's appreciated internationally!<br /><br />(along with cash in the envelope, of course).

 

[swist]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

Let me be a bit of a scrooge here. Prices for marine work are steep (I am not questioning that - there are many good reasons why they are what they are). I find it hard to throw in extra cash/goods for a job that was supposed to be done right anyway.<br /><br />If I get what I consider extraordinary service I usually (1) let the management know (verbal or written), and (2) give them my number and tell them anyone can call me for a reference - that always seems to be appreciated.

 

[jollymon]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

I settled on lottery tickets. This way, they can be split among everyone at the shop, I my budget dinner for 2 or 4 people is more than I can afford. When I gave them the tickets they were surprised and happy.<br /><br />Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[P.V.]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

I would suggest that if you have recieved "above the norm" service from someone, a friendly "ThankYou" with a handshake would be in order, at the minimum! You'd be surprised what that "one on one" eye contact will do for someone (espicily if you do it in front of his boss !!). As far as additional dollars or beer/tickets. etc.... most of us will remember the gesture and if you desire to "stand out" from other customers, that's surely a good way to do so!! If you had a very expensive, high end boat (a Hallett, for example), you want the mechanic to take exceptional care above what he does with the "average" boat he normaly works on. If you desire him to be as "anal" about your boat as you are, tell him so, and reward him accordingly!! (probably NOT the handshake, BTW!!)I still have a sign in my shop that says "Tipping is not a city in China". I don't think anyone understands it! But it does get a few looks! <br />If you make an effort to be remember'd by providing "something" above what most other customers give, you will be! That "amount" is up to you!

 

[steam_mill]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

I have to agree with some sort of a tip. In fact, remember this when there are problems. I had a problem with my subaru after dealer service. I was quite upset.<br /><br />I had the car in twice, and it just did not ride right. I called them back again. They said bring it in and they gave me a car for the day.<br /><br />Before they tried to fix it again, I brought coffee and donuts.<br /><br />I had expected the repair to be done on my dime.<br /><br />When I went to pick up the car, the guy at the service counter picks up my work order and say hold on.<br /><br />Goes to the service manager, who looks at me and says, we didn't need any parts so you don't owe us anything.<br /><br />I know for a fact they spent a good few hours on the car.<br /><br />Conclusion: I could have screamed at them to fix the car. Instead they say I was fair and just wanted the car fixed. Got it fixed for free!!!

 

[jimr]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

Speaking from the mechanic side I never expected to receive a tip from anyone.But If offered I always took them so i didnt offend the customer. When I worked in private shops I did the work and also ran the office to some extent so I got to know the customers. The ones that usually offered a tip are the ones that could least afford it. I had one elderly woman come in weekly and I would check all the fluids in her car and she always wanted to give me $2. I told her she didnt have to do it and she got mad. then asked if i had kids and i said yes she said to give it to them witch i did.

 

[JB]

Re: Tipping Mechanic????

One of the things I look for in a shop I haven't visited before is the testimonial letters posted on the wall.<br /><br />One of the things I appreciated most when I was in the services businesses was letters to my employer praising my work and/or customer service.<br /><br />Every few years I have occasion to write one, and it is always a pleasure, whether it is about a waitress or a Bank V.P..<br /><br />I don't disagree with a gratuity of tangible value, but I like to see top quality service people move up into decision-making positions. A personal gratuity wont have much effect on that but a letter of appreciation can. When the best people are determining the style of the shop you are going to get the best service.<br /><br />You will be doing yourself and the shop a favor if you write to the boss in addition to a personal reward to the wrench.