Do You Give A Gratuity To Your Service Technicians?

[Russellvh]

I’ve been thinking about the details but I’m going to decline all tips “suggested” by some machine with a screen. I will only tip living humans and if they did more than I did to order, get my food and clean the table.
My only reservation is that no one will get my reason for the action.

 

[No Plan]

Reading some of the off topic replies to my question, I had to go back and read what I posted. I was simply asking if you tip your service technicians...

My post obviously struck a nerve with the curmudgeons...

 

[redbaron]

I have tipped at the Newmar service center. This was when the tech stayed after hours or went the extra mile above and beyond any expectations.

I also have tipped my local shop when they have squeezed me in without an appointment. Another way of looking at the tip is paying for premium service.

I do not make it a habit of tipping for services, but there are times that greasing the wheels helps to get things done.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

Ummm - no, never crossed my mind to give a tip for service. We did however give out a bunch of frozen meals once, stocked the workers break room fridge when we ended up leaving the coach longer than originally intended.

 

[AbdRahim]

Usually not. I did the first few times. I spend so much there, that sometomes there is not much left for a tip. I think I may tip the team leader this year, as he has really done extra to help me over the years.

But, as a rule no.

 

[lostinfla]

Wow, I'm feeling in the minority. I always have tipped at Freightliner, but it really doesn't seem to make a difference in the service. Been there 9 consecutive years now and tipped most every time, 3 times using the same tech. No difference in service that I can see, so I think I'll scale back this year.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

At $200+ per hour, there isn't much left to tip with!

 

[NWIP]

I do at service center as I appreciate the tech’s willingness to answer all my questions . I will say I have benefited as he has done minor fixes without me seeing it on the final bill

 

[GlampDaddy]

I tip at Newmar, then request the same tech on my next visit. I’ve been pleased so far.

 

[RollingManCave]

Reading some of the off topic replies to my question, I had to go back and read what I posted. I was simply asking if you tip your service technicians...

My post obviously struck a nerve with the curmudgeons...

Really? I get the feeling you knew exactly what you were doing. Evident by your need to resort to name calling when others have a different opinion than yours. Have a nice day!

 

[Neal]

Stop the bashing! We are all here to enjoy the RV friends and if something doesn't set right for you, maybe it's time to just take a deep breath. Time is short, let's enjoy it and be kind to all.

Thank you!

 

[RollingManCave]

I do at service center as I appreciate the tech’s willingness to answer all my questions . I will say I have benefited as he has done minor fixes without me seeing it on the final bill

Interesting. So looking at it from the Service Owners perspective, the tech got his hourly wage for the work he did for the Service owner and a tip from you for that free work performed, but the service owner got nothing for that free work. That reminds me of another story. Years ago, I had a layover in front of a fast food restaurant. I went in and ordered a cheese burger. The woman behind the counter was very nice to me. I went back to my vehicle and when I looked into the bag, there were two burgers. I was one of those folks that should not eat two burgers but I did. A few days later I ate at the same place and again the same nice woman took my order and again I ended up with two burgers. The next day, the woman that served me the extra burgers, became my customer and she was $1 short of the required fare. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a one dollar bill and inserted it into the fare box. I let her know in the future she needed her full fair no mater how full I was from the burgers. The organization I worked for did not allow us to take tips but many operators did. I wonder how many free rides there customers were given. It is only those folks that are doing most of the rowing that rock the boat. Why rock the boat if you are getting a free ride? You may very well want to call the guy who is rocking the boat a few names. . I was told one dude, centuries ago, got nailed to the mast for rocking the boat.

 

[JRS]

At FPU we did but that's it. Donuts, etc on occasion. Never tip at the Freightliner locations.

 

[MarkMaxPayne]

No tips. I have brought in a box of donuts once or twice. Personally, I think the whole tipping thing has gotten way out of control in the last few years.

Best,
-Mark

 

[redbaron]

Personally, I think the whole tipping thing has gotten way out of control in the last few years

Agreed. I’ve seen pre programmed tip options beginning at 30% going up to 60% before you can find the custom option. That always irritates me, but doesn’t stop me from choosing custom and entering the deserved tip.

I do wonder how many just press the 30% though.