cave12man

I wonder this every time I go to the shop. I recently bought a new bike and brought it down to the LBS to make sure I had everything in line and the mechanic was super helpful and super fast. Talked to me through the whole tune up and gave me some pointers on where i screwed up and gave some info on how he does things. Basically shootin the sh** the whole time but got me wondering if anyone tips. I'd like too, but feel weird asking if they accept them. So, anyone tip? If so, how much?

PhilNYC

I have never tipped, nor have I heard of this being a normal practice...

brianbeech

I've never tipped, but I'm a relative newcomer to the sport. My LBS is great, but I've never thought of tipping. I worked as a mechanic at a Local Motorcycle Shop and often would go out to the customer and talk them through some problems and simple solutions. I never expected a tip, so I think they probably have the same thought pattern. Typically the mechanics are earning a wage, some do work on commission, but its on jobs completed and not on selling jobs. Their helping doesn't really have them losing money as they typically have plenty of other work to do. The only thing we didn't like was someone watching us work. Hated that! I often wanted to come to someone's desk and stand over their shoulder to see how they reacted.

spooner

The LBS I frequent has a night ride every few weeks. After the ride a bunch of riders go to the pub across the street for drinks. Rather than 'tipping' I would buy a beer for a few of the guys if they are around.

RedWhiteandRed

xms time - dropped off a case of wine and a case of tea.

colombo357

wtf

recon455

If you feel they gave exceptional service worth more than the price you paid, tip them.
I have never tipped, but I have worked an a shop, and got tipped a few times.

Guillotine007

beer

mocolotion

I bought a new bike this spring and after the fitting I ran out and grabbed two four-packs of Guiness for the mechanic. It was a tip of sorts, but not cash.

Bianchigirll 

when I was working in shops I never really got tipped for service, sometimes a customer might try and tip if I helped them load a bike or install a rack on their car.

we did have a few customers who routinely plied us with huge bags of M&Ms and weird beer on fridays.

I try and remember to take things to my local bikeshop from time to time. your relationship with the mechanic is not the same as a stylist but I feel taking a little someting to much on from time to time (enough to share) makes everyone feel good. plus if you gring a bag of cookies or something it is not like one person is being singled out.

However I did get a very nice tip in the form of a wheelless Fuji Pro one time.

topflightpro

I'll occasionally drop off some cold root beers (their drink of choice) or a box of twinkies or cookies. Those guys love sweets.

Daytrip

I understand that India Pale Ale is coveted by most bicycle mechanics. Experience tends to bear this out.

cave12man

Cool thanks for the heads up everyone. Mostly wanted to make sure I wasn't the one d*ck that didn't tip.

I homebrew so maybe I'll drop off a sixer sometime.

ls01

Hell no! Tips are for people who make less than the min. wage. If you dont make enough money ask for a raise. I frggin' hate this practice. starbucks, subway. now the lbs. bs. a pizza, dohnuts, thats different but soliciting cash? crap.

Jeepnut22 

I've brought beer when they go above and beyond.

Last Saturday out on the MTB, developed a BAD creaking sound from the front end. Called on the way home from the trail, they said bring it in...

An hour later, new headset with a discount even! Boddingtons Ale brought a nice smile to the tech.

Dr. Banzai

Why would I tip when they want $2.00 per SPD cleat bolt?

I've been my own mechanic for too long I guess, I just don't see value in the local LBS that I have. Ridiculously overpriced and the techs are not very skilled from what I've seen. I do have a nice little hole in the wall LBS beside my house that does older bikes and a co-op attitude for repairs. They carry nothing that I can use except tubes. Even then I have to order schraeder valve tubes in.

If you do have a good LBS with reasonable rates/prices and good staff, a little "gratitude" can go a long way.

cave12man

See that's what I'm talkin about. I called 20 min before closing to see if they would take me and without hesitation the guy said sure bring it on in. He hung out 30 min after closing to help me out even after my repeated attempts to get him to check me out the next day. That deserves a few beers in my book.

Bianchigirll 

if you took them some munchies once in awhile you would likely get whole set of bolts for zip

Psimet2001 

Tipping is not expected. Tipping is not un-heard of in the industry. No one would think less of you if you don't.

He who sits in front of me with cash, beer or baked goods is served first. Period. Think about it.

EventServices

Food as a gift has magical powers that can't be explained.

Chocolate is a can't-miss.

You want better service ANYWHERE? You want them to remember you in a positive way? Give them food.

Dr. Banzai

Sadly no. This bike shop just isn't like that. I cannot possibly begin to explain how different this shop is. I've had great relationships with shops over the years. This one just isn't happening.

Psimet2001 

Understandable. Some shops are just that way.

milliron

In my experience, beer and remembering names, it goes a long way.

ls01

This is exactly the thinking that irritates me. I effing hate this mentality. There is already a system in place. 1st come 1st served. You think the extra money money makes it ok to inconvenience me when I was there first? Will it really when I take my business elsewhere?
Not calling you out on it or anything, but as a consumer I have to say thats crap. And when I have it happen to me I vote with my $. My lbs. has missed out on 3 bike sales do to this kind of stuff.

Jeepnut22 

Yup!! Some homemade hot sauces also help...