how much to tip car carrier?

They go over the car with a fine tooth comb so that you can't claim they did any damage before they put the car on the truck.

No tip. Never occurred to me.

 

+1, another way of passing cost on to the customers without raising prices.

FWIW, I tipped the original delivery of the car (don't recall exactly, $50 I think) and transporting the car for a shorter trip (also $50).

But I say a tip isn't a given, I had REAL bad dinner service in the French Quarter on vac, he got nada.

 

How many job advertisements do you see that say, "hourly wages + tips!" even when it is not a job that really necessitates a tip? I can't think of an example right now. Now the employee expects tips and the employer expects tips to pay his salary. Maybe a Dunkin' Donuts guy. Who the hell tips for their coffee which costs a dollar? But they still put out a tip jar.

 

Yeah, I see what you're saying. However, if I was on flight 1549, I think I'd see my way to tipping the pilot $10 - 20 ....GRAND! But it just goes to show, if your performance goes above and beyond the minimum requirements of your job description, then you deserve compensation above and beyond your normal wage.

So, I'd say see how the guy treats your cars and, just as importantly YOU as a customer, before you decide what to tip, if anything.

Just my $.02.

 

My car arrived last Friday - first (and I'd imagine only) time I'd meet the guy, who seemed decent enough and called me twice from the road telling me where he was...so I gave him $50 - right before he was to start the car and get it off his truck!

 

smart man!

 

Thanks Brendan - it was a super tight fit and I wasn't going to take any chances...and for what it's worth he eased it out and down perfectly!

 

+1

Especially because he would've probably otherwise received a tip from the spots your cars occupy. Unless of course he delivered a car to the participants in this thread!

 

I would tip. Do you want the driver to take it easy over bumps?

Money motivates people. If the driver knows there is a tip waiting, he will treat your cars like they're his own. Otherwise I would expect the driver will try to make time, not caring about the cargo.

 

These guys are transporting your pride and joy and some of you have the gall to just thank the guy and walk away? Forget it. There's a lot in their control when they do their work so if they do everything as promised and even deliver early, I think they deserve a reward. Consider it good karma for when you're tooling down the road some day and anything can happen. I'd go $150 or so if you're happy with everything.

 

It comes back to you as an individual doing helpful things for others, as tipping is just the iceberg. It's never about can or can't, more like will or will not. Because we are all capable. Some people are unfortunately too close-minded in offering help outwards. But you never know when that little extra help will be all that was needed to make the difference in a life. Even though we currently live in a microwave society of believing all things are our given right, they aren't. Kindness costs extra sometimes...

Strong point, I'd most likely extend my amount ($) considering what I was about to receive in my possession. Just 'sayin...

 

Now that's a hell of an attitude...

Could be any repeat delivery services know not to knock themselves out when headed your way.

 

My suggestion on tipping would be that if the service is really excellent that you consider a tip.

How much, then, is the question.

Same suggestion as what I do in restaurants - I tip if the service is good enough to warrant doing so. I then figure that the person(usually college age kid) could use the extra $ or two much more than I need it. Therefore, I round up on tipping and usually do 20% or so. Maybe more if it's a cheap tab, more so 20% if a real sized check.

For auto delivery, my question to you would be: can you easily afford to tip? If so, cut loose with a $50 or $100 and figure the driver gets a little boost. After all, these days of cheap-ass corporate culture assures that some guy bumping along the Interstate really isn't gonna get what he really should for being out of town, on the road, etc.

I wouldn't tip $100/car in this example, but maybe $150 or $200 if things went well.

If you bought a Ferrari, a few bucks on the tail end ain't gonna matter down the road.

Note, however, that I'd want the service I'd expect - phone call updates, if needed, car not banged up, decent attitude, etc. If the guy blows these, then maybe no tip, depending upon circumstances.

If you're the kind of guy who measures restaurant tips by the penny, then none of the likely matters, as you ain't gonna pry loose with anything anyways.

There's cheap people in all service areas, just as there are generous people, too.

 

I've never had a car shipped via rail, carrier or truck that didn't have some sort of drama. I've had cars go missing for a week at a time only to come back with an addition 1,000 kms. I've had a dozen with some sort of story, like door dings, scratches, seats with cuts etc. Then try to get them to pick ups and deliveries on time. I never let a customer know when their cars were coming in case it had to go to the body shop, get a wheel repaired, etc.

 

You must not use carriers too often because if you did you wouldn't expect these things. There are companies that specialize in higher end cars because they can charge more but everything is the same. I could deliver a dozen million dollar cars or a dozen VW's and the process will remain the same. As someone in the business of transportation, damage is always happening, people drop things, rub up against fragile objects, drive too aggressively for the load etc. Also having a driver call you back is a myth, they don't know how to use a phone, it's in their genes not to.

 

I dont think that just because the $$ for the tip wont matter down the road, that there should be a tip. If so, then, why not tip everybody who sells a service for you?

I also think tipping has become ridiculous. You are expected to tip everywhere now and for the same service that you got 10 years ago.

Why tip the valet when you are already paying the company to park your car? Or why tip the bartender each time they serve you an over expensive drink? Isnt that his job? No one is forcing him to do it if he doesnt like it.


The only time i had a car delivered, i didnt tip the driver, nor did he expect it.

 

I disagree here, I would not tip them until the job is done. And that means the car is off the truck, no issues, and running.

I recently had a car transported from CA to VIR in VA, and I was not present at delivery. I waited until the folks receiving the car looked it over, then I sent the driver a check and little thank-you note. I guess I consider transporting a car to be something like valet service.

 

Nothing unless he goes above and beyond. I am even getting harsh with waitstaff. I start at 15% for lunch and 20% for dinner, more if they exceed my expectations less if they fall short. I do not adjust tip amount for quality of food or other things beyond their control. I will drop them if they walk by my table 2 or three times without acknowledging me.