Yes, always. Let me point out what is hopefully obvious: (1) In case no one has ever noticed, the amount a tech gets is no where near what we are paying for the service. (2) In case you have also not noticed, there are some very entitled people driving these cars. (3) I hate leaving my pristine car to risks of being in a service area. So, by treating the guys with utmost courtesy and respect when dealing with them, AND by additionally throwing out a few bucks which says, "thank you, I appreciate your time and attention", I think it has bought me a little good will over the years. Best
I bring items from trips abroad - like bottles of olive oil or balsamic from Modena or Maranello... Swiss chocolates they can give to their wife, and Italian wine. I'm very appreciative of their time and care. But I go with an independent old school master mechanic... not the 18 year olds at the Penske shop... Robb
I always send a holiday card with a nice gift certificate for a good restaurant to my one man shop, Italian mechanic, at Christmas. Now I have his cell number for after hours emergencies. In Europe, tipping is almost non-existent. Here in the US, it does show that you appreciate good service and careful, personal attention given to your car. ALden
No tip for service, but a consistent $20 at the valet parking at the restaurants always assures a great parking spot..
Let me provide a different view. Tipping is usually associated with low level service people, such as waitstaff, doormen, valets, etc. The techs who work on our cars are professionals with an above average level of training. I dare say that tipping them for their professional services could easily be perceived as insulting. They will likely accept the tips with a smile, because they are professional and polite, and after all, who really wants to turn down money, but they could well be seething inside. I know I'd feel insulted.
well i use to tip the service guy 50 bucks everytime the car went to service, now i have a new service guy and i wanted to know if what i did was the norm.. I didnt tip the new advisor this time and i felt bad, so next time i will go back to it.. as far as valet, i wont let them touch my car, i usually park it myself in front asking them if its ok first and then hit them off with a 20 to watch it.
I responded earlier, but to clarify... I agree, "tipping" is appropriate, and I do for the detail team guys. For the techs and service manager, it's never cash, it's always a gesture, like something you would send as a thank you. For example, last year I brought the parts manager at our dealer with us to a private F1 event and he had a blast. He's a good guy, we talk cars, and otherwise would not have had the chance to know him.
