[Griff222]

I'm having about $60 worth of work done on my bike... First time, and I've just returned to biking. I own a detailing company and have worked in a restaurant... Since this is a service do I tip,or is that not the norm?

Thanks

 

[ALBM]

Find out what kind of beer they drink and take 12 of them. You will forever be moved to the front of the line.

 

[Hoban]

If you want to tip, tip. I only tip hot waitresses and coffee girls.

 

[Griff222]

LOL. Beer. Good idea. I wasn't sure if throwin him extra $10 was ok, didn't want myself to come off like an ass. He spent 25 minutes helping me out and I know he's the mechanic, wasnt sure if they expect it or not?

 

[wschruba]

If you feel so moved, go ahead and tip him. It is by far not the norm in the industry, and some places even frown on it.

 

[mbco1975]

I lived in NYC (the tipping capital) for years. If you are expected to tip in NYC they make it very clear to show their displeasure if you don't.

I used several bike shops there and never once thought they were expecting a tip.

I just don't think it a profession that has tipping. Could be wrong though.....
Sent from my HTC6990LVW using Board Express

 

[Griff222]

Ah, I see. Interesting that some places frown on tipping. My company does mobile detailing, window tint, remote starts and dent repair, and tipping is very the norm. Maybe just different in bike industry. We tip our mechanics at local shops here as well, not at dealers though.

I'll stick with Beer.

 

[Hoban]

If I tipped every customer service person I have contact with I'd be a very broke man...

 

[nachomc]

I bring beer in to one of the guys on occasion. Now they have some younger guys in there (not sure of age) so I kick down gift cards to local stores or even Amazon. I have been a bum lately - need to drop in with some love (since I have been taking and not giving as much). Seriously though - not being a dick, and sharing some brew, some stories or a little extra coin will go a long way.

 

[GelatiCruiser]

My lbs sandwiched me in for a fork install because the weather was nice and they knew I wanted to ride, so I threw the guy an extra $15 as a thanks. Wasn't sure of his age else it would have been a 12 pack of homebrew.

 

[mack_turtle]

as a bike shop mechanic, I never expect tips. I always do my best and it's nice to know when a customer notices my extra effort and leaves me an extra $5 or brings some snacks or beer. it happens about once or twice a week. i would not say that tipping is the norm at all, but it's a great way to show appreciation if you feel the mechanic really puts his/her heart into the work.

 

[Griff222]

Thanks Mack. Will do!

 

[zebrahum]

We never expected tips at any of the shops I've worked at but the occasional drop off of a good quality 6 pack is always appreciated. I wouldn't say that it needs to be every time your bike is in, but you will be remembered. If you ever ask for rush service or an emergency fix ask the mechanic what they like to drink and bring them that.

 

[owtdorz]

My LBS accepts Pizza and Beer and share it with their customers.
Great shop and hangout.

 

[flyinb501]

Tipping is getting out of control IMO. If they are just doing their job, then I would say absolutely not. If they go out of their way to help your or do you a favor, sure.

 

[mizzaboom]

I tuned skis for years and I can tell you that the best tip is in fact beer or other party favors It was never expected though.

Customers that did this always got above and beyond service and discounts. So if you want to tip, bring beer lol. Just ask the guy first...don't want to get a recovering alcoholic a 12 pack by accident.

 

[owensjs]

I never expect a tip when I do work on a customer's bike. I always tell them it's not necessary, but some insist. For my customers that have tipped me in some form or fashion, whether it be coffee, food, beer, whatever, I definitely appreciate it and will be more likely to prioritize their repair when it comes in.

 

[theMeat]

I tip when I drop off for motivation and just to be nice, and even again after the work if I feel exceptional service was performed.
Think in some areas it's the norm, and in others it's so not that people look at you kinda strange, but after a few times it gets appreciated and remembered.

 

[Glide the Clyde]

I find in the real world that beer/cash/coffee typically shorten wait times, sometimes to the point they will do the work if not too major while you wait/watch/help. Also greases the wheel, so to speak, if I need a quick part change and they have something decent in the used parts bins. Sometimes it's free or very reasonably priced. Also, they even let me throw a bike on a stand or a wheel in a truing stand during the slower hours or days. 'Course, I've been a shop groupie for about 4 years now.

 

[Harold]

I worked in a shop years ago that had a few customers who regularly brought stuff. it was much appreciated. one guy owned a vending machine company and brought candy from time to time. a few people would randomly show up with homemade baked goods, etc. I had the head mech repair a wheel for me once, and I bought him a 4 pack of his favorite beer. I was employee, so he did it for free otherwise.

the shop where I work now, I haven't figured out entirely yet. we have a fancy espresso machine and offer coffee to customers at no charge. I have not seen anyone bring goodies yet, but I only just started working there. tips are not expected, though.