Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

[ClearlyCoated]

Just getting my feet wet in the world of detailing, and questions that had crossed my mind include how much to tip (or get tipped) for a professional detail job? This is an assumption on my part, but I always tip for a professional job that produces a high end quality result. Is tipping common in the world of detailing? I recently had my car high speed polished to remove scratching and cobwebbing. The job cost $350, but I was so pleased with the final result, I added another $50 on top of that (just under 15%). Was that enough? Too much? Does the tip amount slide on a scale depending on the service rendered; i.e. Would a simple wash generate a lower percentage tip (if any at all) as opposed to a full blown polish or wet sanding?

Thanks for all or any input

[Blueline]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

A tip is a personal decision..who, when, and how much. It tried to tip a fellow once who did a tire rotation..and took such good car of the car..not touching the paint, etc. that I offer him a tip. He refused, saying " It is ok, I get paid for working". Detailers, IMHO, are professionals who do not expect a tip...they are not bartenders. That said, I am sure they would appreciate the gesture, and if accepted, the tip whatever the amount.

[Nick Chapman]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

Tips are definitely nice, but I don't expect them. It's a personal choice of the customer, and with the world in a economic frenzy, I rarely look for a tip anymore.

[onawrxhigh]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I have been detailing on the side for about 4 years. I have been given a tip only once in those 4 years and this was 2 day before christmas. I do not look for tips but when they are given it is really nice to have the little bit extra.

Andrew

[Superior Shine]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

Tips are awesome!

Usually $20-$50 is normal. I have as high as $200.

[MIBKC]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I tip almost everyone. Naturally im not talking about the guy at the drive through window, or the checker at the store. However, if someone provides a service that exceeds my expectations I always throw extra out there. Through the years of being in a service lifestyle I have found that generosity comes back to the generous.

[Hemin8r]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I don't expect to be tipped but when I am it's always appreciated. I typically get $20.00 extra. I once got a $100.00 tip. Even after I told the customer that it was ok for him not to tip he insisted I take it. Whenever I work on that customers car I always do a little extra.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

If the pricing is aggressive (ie relatively low and highly competitive) I think a $20-25 tip is always a nice gesture (if the work warrants it), but if you are charging high-end pricing then it isn't really expected.

When I do a full correction job for someone and only charge around $200-225, the tip is nice- especially when I spent 10-14 hours or well beyond.

I've gotten tips as high as $150 though

[RaskyR1]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I find it pretty rare to recieve a tip these days, as most customers alreay think they are paying too much. Typically when I get a tip it's usually aboout $20, but on my last job, which was a project, I was given another $100.

I always find myself doing more work than they paid for, so it's nice when we are rewarded for it.

[RaskyR1]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I tip almost everyone. Naturally im not talking about the guy at the drive through window, or the checker at the store. However, if someone provides a service that exceeds my expectations I always throw extra out there. Through the years of being in a service lifestyle I have found that generosity comes back to the generous.

I concur! People that don't tip usually have never had a job where the majority of your income was based on tips.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I tip almost everyone. Naturally im not talking about the guy at the drive through window, or the checker at the store. However, if someone provides a service that exceeds my expectations I always throw extra out there. Through the years of being in a service lifestyle I have found that generosity comes back to the generous.

I'm right there with you. For example, all I ever order at Starbucks is a small coffee, but the tip jar sits there on the counter and I wonder if the kids behind the counter think I'm cheap for not leaving a tip. But the way I see it, they're getting paid $8 an hour to pour coffee, that's the basic component of their job. If they would let me, I would go behind the counter and pour the coffee myself to save the tip. But if I ordered something that set me back $5 and required multi-syllabic pseudo-Italian to order it, I would tip.

So really I have no problems tipping when I recognize that I don't have (yet ) the skills to perform a quality job myself. I don't tip indiscriminately, only when I recognize professionalism, attention to detail, and service beyond what the original contract called for.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

If the pricing is aggressive (ie relatively low and highly competitive) I think a $20-25 tip is always a nice gesture (if the work warrants it), but if you are charging high-end pricing then it isn't really expected.

That was the gist of what I exacted when I inquired about tipping for the job I just had done. The guy detailing my car not only did a phenomenal job restoring my finish (seriously, I felt the finish was hosed), but he also took the time to explain each step he was doing, and even gave me a brief lesson on the characteristics of paint and clear coat. He never mentioned tipping, but I did ask his manager about what was appropriate. His answer mirrored yours.

[Newport Viper]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I tip employees, not owners of the business....

[Superior Shine]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I tip employees, not owners of the business....

Man do I hate that.

I am married to my business. I work in it 20 hours a day. Always improving, testing, staying on top of everything. I make sure the schedule is full, I handle all the problems, damage, no shows, etc... Keeping the rig in tip top shape, washing rags, repairing equipment employees break, etc..

The employee shows up. Works side by side with me. Gets his 8 , benefits (nobody pays my benefits) holiday pay, vacation pay, etc..
He goes home forgets about it until the next day.

Other words I do 3 times the work but dont nearly make three times the pay, all the stress and responsibility is mine. Customers come out and slip my $35,000+ a year employee a tip and none for poor old Joe.

[sstg]

Re: Tipping for a job well done. What is appropriate?

I'd take the owner/operator title over employee anyday. Isn't the reason we all do this.. is are love for detailing. Not tips. And kudos to you Joe for paying your employee's well.