Tipping mechanics at holidays; how much?
12-09-21, 01:54 PM
#26
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If I were given the option of a $10 tip or donuts/bagels, I would probably go for the second option.
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12-09-21, 01:54 PM
#27
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To answer the OP, I'm surprised that tipping a mechanic is a thing. I worked as a bike mechanic as a teen and was only offered a tip once, by a wealthy person who felt I went above and beyond (I don't think I did). I don't recall seeing the other mechanics get tips either, although I never asked. A couple of the most frequent customers (think people who stop by the shop and chat for an hour even if they're not buying anything that day) would sometimes drop off some treats or drinks, but that's about it.
But if you feel it warrants a tip, go for it. Unless things have changed drastically since I last worked at a shop, any amount will be considered a bonus and you will be near the top of their list of favorite customers.
But if you feel it warrants a tip, go for it. Unless things have changed drastically since I last worked at a shop, any amount will be considered a bonus and you will be near the top of their list of favorite customers.
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12-09-21, 01:58 PM
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I might give a tip (or more likely, a case of beer or homemade cookies or something like that) if the mechanic went above and beyond to accomodate me, like if he stayed late to finish my bike or got mine in and out on Christmas Eve, stuff like that. Otherwise, no. Mechanics aren't paid like waitresses; in other words, their salary isn't meant to be mostly made up in tips. I don't tip the auto mechanic either.
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12-09-21, 02:01 PM
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True, but that often just means one impoverished person is giving more of their money to another impoverished person instead of finding the root of the cause. Not saying that makes an excuse to not tip, but merely pointing out that neither of your perspectives offer a remedy.
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12-09-21, 02:20 PM
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My trash collector (the kind that uses an arm to lift the barrel, using a video camera) left Tip Collection envelopes on our door handles. I tip well at restaurants and places where there's some amount of personal service, and where that service can be, or is, improved by that employee's performance. But definitely not for someone picking up the garbage from within the cab of a truck. C'mon.
A bike mech. or bike salesperson I could see tipping a tip jar if you've had a personal experience with them where they threw in a tune on something that wasn't on the ToDo list in the first place, or if they spent extra time (especially when the shop was busy) giving meaningful feedback or technical advice on some aspect of your bike, some riding location suggestions, some accessory you're thinking about, or where you recognized they didn't try to upsell you on something or some repair, just for the sake of upselling and making themselves look good to the owner/manager. Heck, I might not even return to a blatant upselling establishment, of any kind, let alone leave a tip.
A bike mech. or bike salesperson I could see tipping a tip jar if you've had a personal experience with them where they threw in a tune on something that wasn't on the ToDo list in the first place, or if they spent extra time (especially when the shop was busy) giving meaningful feedback or technical advice on some aspect of your bike, some riding location suggestions, some accessory you're thinking about, or where you recognized they didn't try to upsell you on something or some repair, just for the sake of upselling and making themselves look good to the owner/manager. Heck, I might not even return to a blatant upselling establishment, of any kind, let alone leave a tip.
12-09-21, 02:30 PM
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There are always differing philosophies on this subject
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12-09-21, 02:35 PM
#32
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Since you didn't seem to be limiting the conversation to just bike mechanics, I wasn't either. I tip plenty of other people, for the same reasons I've explained. But here's my question for you: why do you think there is some relationship between the value of a person's work and their further career aspirations? Shouldn't everyone be paid reasonably, no matter their future plans?
and with that I bid you, adieu.
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12-09-21, 02:43 PM
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12-09-21, 02:56 PM
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The 3 week wait would actually be the most compelling reason to tip the mechanic. However much gets you in a shorter line.
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12-09-21, 03:01 PM
#35
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"Here's ten bucks because, you know, it's the holidays..." vs. "I baked you a big box of cookies. Happy holidays!"
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12-09-21, 03:08 PM
#36
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Which is why I suggested asking the manager/owner. I have baked cookies before and given them away and the wife has made pies... and some people just dont want to eat the sweets like they did when I was a kid. But those two items are my rathers also...
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12-09-21, 03:20 PM
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Alternative perspective: many working people's wages have not really kept pace with inflation for decades now, and so jobs that once paid livable incomes are now paying poverty-level wages. When such people still do good work, and do it in a friendly and thoughtful manner, my gratuity (along with the price paid for the work) is merely part of the total price that I would be paying in a fairer system.
12-09-21, 04:21 PM
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I balk whenever Mrs Ghazmh wants to tip at the holidays so maybe I’m becoming a grumpy Santa.🤪
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12-09-21, 04:33 PM
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12-09-21, 05:09 PM
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If the LBS made my dinner, served it to me, & allowed for me to loiter while I ate & as I waited for my bicycle to be completed, I'd feel a tip could be expected. Otherwise [ & if I'm aware ] a good experience with the wait staff earning a minimum cash wage is receiving gratuity.
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12-09-21, 05:15 PM
#42
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Thanks y’all! Oh, geez, Im a “southern girl” now!
-Robyn
12-09-21, 05:24 PM
#43
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Ghazmh
Haha! Hey, what bike shops are left in Boston these days? Besides Peter Mooneys shop in Belmont. I frequented the Bicycle Exchange in Harvard Sq, but my go-to was to Jim at Laughing Alley in Brighton. Thats how long ago! BiEx was sold and was not the same. I always thought Intl Bike on Comm Ave was a front for importing contraband, tho I may be wrong! Did you ever race the crits at Hanscom AFB on Tuesdays? Good times!
-Robyn
Haha! Hey, what bike shops are left in Boston these days? Besides Peter Mooneys shop in Belmont. I frequented the Bicycle Exchange in Harvard Sq, but my go-to was to Jim at Laughing Alley in Brighton. Thats how long ago! BiEx was sold and was not the same. I always thought Intl Bike on Comm Ave was a front for importing contraband, tho I may be wrong! Did you ever race the crits at Hanscom AFB on Tuesdays? Good times!
-Robyn
Last edited by Surfer77; 12-09-21 at 05:27 PM.
12-09-21, 05:40 PM
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How about "Here you go, lunch is on me today. Happy Holidays!"
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12-09-21, 06:08 PM
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Like you, I now live in SC
If you're anything at all like me, and you're out on a group ride, and have to yell "CAR BACK!" they know you're not really a 'southern girl'.
("Cah? What's a cah?")
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12-09-21, 06:09 PM
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12-09-21, 06:32 PM
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I always take my LBS cookie right after thanksgiving. They always appreciate them.
12-09-21, 08:37 PM
#48
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I collect so many cookies just browsing these forums. I wouldn't want any more of them.
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12-09-21, 08:40 PM
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12-09-21, 08:52 PM
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Since I do 90% of my own work, i don't give holiday tips. I do stop by the LBS fairly often, since it's on my way home from a ride and next to a good bagel shop, so I know the manager/mechanic. I did have a problem with the hydro brakes that I couldn't resolve and did bring it in. When done I gave him a $20 and said "thanks for all the free advice".
In general I try to tip generously to trades where it's expected.
And I tip for exceptional service, last summer I pulled out a number of large shrubs and some tree trimming. I was supposed to cut them into 3' pieces and bundle them, but it would be much easier, for everyone, to leave them as is. When the town garbage truck came, the next morning, I asked them if it OK and they put the 40' wall of debris into the truck. Since there were 2 guys and the driver, I gave the driver $60 and made sure the other guys saw me hand him money so he shares it. It was a lot cheaper than hiring someone with a chipper to come.
They never asked and were surprised, but they sure earned it.
Take a fresh cut fruit container with some colored toothpicks to the shop... they'll really appreciate it.
In general I try to tip generously to trades where it's expected.
And I tip for exceptional service, last summer I pulled out a number of large shrubs and some tree trimming. I was supposed to cut them into 3' pieces and bundle them, but it would be much easier, for everyone, to leave them as is. When the town garbage truck came, the next morning, I asked them if it OK and they put the 40' wall of debris into the truck. Since there were 2 guys and the driver, I gave the driver $60 and made sure the other guys saw me hand him money so he shares it. It was a lot cheaper than hiring someone with a chipper to come.
They never asked and were surprised, but they sure earned it.
Take a fresh cut fruit container with some colored toothpicks to the shop... they'll really appreciate it.
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