Topic: To tip or not to tip? (Read 3709 times)

JCZ · « **on:** August 18, 2006, 08:30:37 PM »

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The problem is, IMHO, it would be a real bashfest!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:39:01 PM »

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That's why I slip those boys (everybody from the service writer, svc. manger, to the tech to the detail guy washing it afterwards.....I switch up so that they all get in on the action and they can never take it for granted that way) a $20 at least every other time I have my bike in there.

110tHunDer · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:47:07 PM »

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That's why I slip those boys (everybody from the service writer, svc. manger, to the tech to the detail guy washing it afterwards.....I switch up so that they all get in on the action and they can never take it for granted that way) a $20 at least every other time I have my bike in there.

SBB · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2006, 09:49:37 PM »

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Bill, while on my boat recently with a member of this site, we were talking about service and tipping (at the time we were talking about restaurants but I guess it would apply to just about anything).

Jock · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2006, 10:56:01 PM »

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JC

There have been many times where I have pulled into the service department to ask about an issue. One of the techs would jump right on it and resolve my concern. Did the service department charge me for the 5 minutes of work,,,,, NO!
But you can be assured that I slipped the tech a $20 to let him know that I did apreciate his promptness. It's not a

grc · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2006, 07:34:21 AM »

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That's sad though JC.

ccr · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2006, 07:46:20 AM »

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OK, I was just looking over the different forums for the different classes of bike and began to wonder...What was used to decide the order that is presented in the Forum...http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?catselect=CVOBIKES

Reading from top to bottom: FXSTSSE/...list of bikes.../FLTRSEI/FXR

What am I missing, why are they in that order...I need order...I desperately need order...oh nevermind...that is the other OCD... and isn't that an oxymoron if you have a disorder that requires order?

Mr. We · « **Reply #7 on:** August 19, 2006, 07:57:05 AM »

I guess if this thread is going to stray, I'll bite.

For those with more money than personality... I can be bought!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #8 on:** August 19, 2006, 12:10:22 PM »

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I can be bought!

Special_Ed · « **Reply #9 on:** August 19, 2006, 12:14:19 PM »

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I've got to side with Don and Brian on this one.

hd-dude · « **Reply #10 on:** August 19, 2006, 08:54:26 PM »

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So this is what started this thread --------- In the "Announcments/Comments About This Site" board.

ccr · « **Reply #11 on:** August 19, 2006, 10:03:17 PM »

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Ok MS. We...your right about this one, the thread has gone way away from the original topic so I used my magic moderator buttons and split it and moved it to other topics.

Any one else tip the local service wrench? If you do you can come over here, i'll work on your bike and you can tip me

I absolutely love it. Thanks dude, so the right thing to do. Have a great weekend.

I tipped the lady down the street when I bought some of those Oh So Sweet sun ripened maters. MMMMMMM Goood! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]\

Twolanerider · « **Reply #12 on:** August 19, 2006, 10:42:50 PM »

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I absolutely love it.

ccr · « **Reply #13 on:** August 19, 2006, 10:54:42 PM »

So right you are. We have plenty of land, but not plenty of back so we have no garden. And buying tomatoes at the grocery store is just unsatisfactory when the neighbors are trying to give away gallons of tomatoes that are oh so sweet right now. I had to fight the urge to buy up twenty pounds of maters and come home and make up a great sauce, and just bought enough for what I thought would last fresh a week. Well, all but the green ones I bought specially to fry, are all but gone. So on the way home from, that away, tomorrow, we will stop and load up the saddlebag with a few more. I love living in the country and eating produce picked fresh from the good earth. These are wonderful days we live in. [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

SBB · « **Reply #14 on:** August 19, 2006, 11:17:28 PM »

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Ok MS. We...your right about this one, the thread has gone way away from the original topic so I used my magic moderator buttons and split it and moved it to other topics.

Any one else tip the local service wrench? If you do you can come over here, i'll work on your bike and you can tip me

AHEM!

I'm thinking the last time I was in Nevada I tipped the guy that installed the lights on my SEEG.
Not because of any reason other than it was a job VERY well done and to let him know that I appreciated him going above and beyond the normal standard service!

Hope that didn't offend him! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

hd-dude · « **Reply #15 on:** August 19, 2006, 11:55:08 PM »

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AHEM!

I'm thinking the last time I was in Nevada I tipped the guy that installed the lights on my SEEG.
Not because of any reason other than it was a job VERY well done and to let him know that I appreciated him going above and beyond the normal standard service!

Hope that didn't offend him! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

No offense taken here 8-)

Twolanerider · « **Reply #16 on:** August 20, 2006, 01:35:14 AM »

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AHEM!

I'm thinking the last time I was in Nevada I tipped the guy that installed the lights on my SEEG.
Not because of any reason other than it was a job VERY well done and to let him know that I appreciated him going above and beyond the normal standard service!

Hope that didn't offend him! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Of course there might be some subtle difference in recognizing service above and beyond the call like, say; a guy performing stellar work during a vacation trip of his own while 150 miles away from home and his shop himself as opposed to a shop mechanic doing what he's supposed to at 2:00 PM on a weekday. But then again Opie never was subtle [smiley=drink.gif] .

SBB · « **Reply #17 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:53:29 AM »

Spiderman take note!

When it's time for that RG to be enhanced.
There is only one guy on that left coast I can endorse.
And from what I hear from this site I wasn't treated anymore special that anyone else that has the privilage of having Jim work on their bike.

SBB · « **Reply #18 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:58:35 AM »

[smiley=oops.gif] another thread gone astray

Can a moderator resize this for me?

erniezap · « **Reply #19 on:** August 20, 2006, 10:58:48 AM »

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Spiderman take note!

When it's time for that RG to be enhanced.
There is only one guy on that left coast I can endorse.
And from what I hear from this site I wasn't treated anymore special that anyone else that has the privilage of having Jim work on their bike.

Chip,

I agree with you totally! I've had half-a$$ed work done by every dealer around here, but Jim's work is impecable! He treats each person with respect and their bike like it's his own.

That being said, a couple of weeks ago I had a horn problem on my bike that I brought to Sand Jose HD to fix under warranty. The tech (Billy) determined that it was a wiring issue and troubleshot for a couple of hours before finding a broken wire inside unbroken insulation. He also noticed that my charging system wasn't working correctly and changed the regulator without me even knowing that there was a problem! That's customer service! He got tipped well (and yes, I'm already on the A list at SJHD).

erniezap · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2006, 11:00:25 AM »

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[smiley=oops.gif] another thread gone astray

Can a moderator resize this for me?

Chip,

Jim's even taking care of you with the resize

I couldn't help there since I'm not a moderator in this forum...

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #21 on:** August 20, 2006, 11:21:35 AM »

Hey Guys,

erniezap · « **Reply #22 on:** August 20, 2006, 11:30:26 AM »

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Hey Guys,

Twolanerider · « **Reply #23 on:** August 20, 2006, 12:28:00 PM »

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but Jim's work is impecable!

cigarmike · « **Reply #24 on:** August 20, 2006, 12:41:14 PM »

Im sorry, but cant agree with the tipping of a wrench, he is paid well and has benefits, these are paid for by us when we buy the overpriced bikes, and then chrome, and also the high hourly rate of repair the dealerships charge, should entitle us to prompt and professional service, with the tip already paid for in long in advance. Now tipping General Contractors is a whole nother story hehe,

....and if tipping for good service is the norm, then Bob Drons HD owes me some reverse tipping, somewhere in the neighborhood of $ 3k.

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #25 on:** August 20, 2006, 01:56:17 PM »

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Im sorry, but cant agree with the tipping of a wrench, he is paid well and has benefits, these are paid for by us when we buy the overpriced bikes, and then chrome, and also the high hourly rate of repair the dealerships charge, should entitle us to prompt and professional service, with the tip already paid for in long in advance. Now tipping General Contractors is a whole nother story hehe,

....and if tipping for good service is the norm, then Bob Drons HD owes me some reverse tipping, somewhere in the neighborhood of

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #26 on:** August 20, 2006, 02:02:14 PM »

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Ernie (and everyone else in that area), you guys are incredibly lucky to have Jim close by.

VAZHOG · « **Reply #27 on:** August 20, 2006, 04:22:40 PM »

As far as tiping goes here in the service bays(Northern VA)nobody stays at anyone dealership long enough to remember who tipped them and why? If I saw the same guy twice I would faint. That's why it really has to be Broke (Towed in) before the Strangers take it in the dark back room-They Extract the tip (already fiqured into) the Added Shop supplies.

All things are not the same every where are they? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

SBB · « **Reply #28 on:** August 20, 2006, 08:20:37 PM »

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Hey Guys,

JR · « **Reply #29 on:** August 20, 2006, 08:32:50 PM »

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I've got to side with Don and Brian on this one.

SBB · « **Reply #30 on:** August 20, 2006, 08:50:07 PM »

Great response JR!

SPIDERMAN · « **Reply #31 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:52:51 PM »

JR
Not to bend this thread to the religious side, but I gotta tell you brother, if more Christians would walk the walk like you do instead of just talkin the talk then maybe folks who have lost faith would find it again. Thanks for being who you are and living what you believe.

Vaya con Dios
Big B

Jock · « **Reply #32 on:** August 20, 2006, 10:39:28 PM »

JR,

You summed it up...THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT...

ultrafxr · « **Reply #33 on:** August 20, 2006, 11:39:42 PM »

JR, there are a couple techs at our dealer that I prefer work on my bike and always specify. I too wanted to show extra appreciation but was afraid I might offend with cash and I did not know if there might be a prohibition about that. So I asked a couple of the service writers what brand of smokes the tech liked and I bought him some. Also brought in couple dozen donuts for the service deptment.

It's all about that golden rule - treat them like you want to be treated. As they say, what goes around comes around.

cigarmike · « **Reply #34 on:** August 21, 2006, 12:03:37 PM »

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JR, there are a couple techs at our dealer that I prefer work on my bike and always specify.

JCZ · « **Reply #35 on:** August 21, 2006, 12:45:13 PM »

Exactly my thoughts.......thanks for expressing it so well and sharing JR! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

This has certainly been an interesting and thought provoking thread to say the least.......I've really enjoyed reading some of the comments and opnions......even those that may not be in line with my thoughts and ideas. Thanks to all of you!

3hawgs · « **Reply #36 on:** August 21, 2006, 06:48:36 PM »

I have been in the motorcycle and automotive parts and service industry for 25+ years both in retail and as a manufacturer's rep. I work with Dealer Principals, General Managers, Service Managers, Service Advisors, and Technicians daily in the quest to improve customer satisfaction. These people live and die by customer satisfaction surveys and their scores are the measurement by which they achieve recognition. Most of the many hundreds of dealers that I know would not condone their employees receiving tips to give better service and they certainly would not tolerate their employees soliciting tips from the dealership's customers. Have I seen this happen? Sure, but despite what the customer perceives as "better service" by giving tips should not have had any bearing at all. Service Managers and Advisors are paid on commission and they benefit monetarily from the customer returning and spending their money at that shop. Technicians are paid flat rate so they benefit by being able to perform the service in less time than what the billable hours are to the customer. It is not unusual to see a Technician get paid for 60-80 hours of work a week even though they only worked 40 hours. When I get people who want to tip me for work that I have charged them for I graciouslly decline and that is one of the reasons people always come back to me for service.

Thank them, let them know you appreciate a job well done and shake their hand without putting money in it. You already did that and they know it. That should be thanks enough.

John

ccr · « **Reply #37 on:** August 21, 2006, 10:35:49 PM »

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Most of the many hundreds of dealers that I know would not condone their employees receiving tips to give better service and they certainly would not tolerate their employees soliciting tips from the dealership's customers. Have I seen this happen? Sure, but despite what the customer perceives as "better service" by giving tips should not have had any bearing at all. Service Managers and Advisors are paid on commission and they benefit monetarily from the customer returning and spending their money at that shop....
Thank them, let them know you appreciate a job well done and shake their hand without putting money in it. You already did that and they know it. That should be thanks enough.John

Thank you so very much John.

hd-dude · « **Reply #38 on:** August 22, 2006, 12:00:09 AM »

WOW...there is definitely 2 sides to this debate! I have to agree with both sides because I have been both on the giving and receiving end of tip, some accepted and some not, on both sides. If a service person is doing a job to get or expect a tip then I feel that they do not deserve it. A service person should do their job proudly and to the best of their ability each and every time and for each and every customer regardless of the possibility of a tip from the customer. Some customers feel the need to give a little extra for good service. In whatever form (cash, pizza, smoke) it shows some extra appreciation for a job well done.

I have to say that I really appreciate all of the positive comments about my work as well, so thanks to all of those that have made them. To me word of mouth in this manner is far move valuable than any tip. It lasts a lot longer than cash anyway, especially around here

PHAZE · « **Reply #39 on:** August 22, 2006, 09:07:24 PM »

Well, I guess at a labor rate of $84.00 an hour I never considered that I'd need to tip a mechanic or service writer on top of that rate.

SBB · « **Reply #40 on:** August 22, 2006, 10:27:08 PM »

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I have to say that I really appreciate all of the positive comments about my work as well, so thanks to all of those that have made them. To me word of mouth in this manner is far move valuable than any tip. It lasts a lot longer than cash anyway, especially around here

Jim

Beside the comments being positive they are the truth!
My only problem I don't run into many people looking for quality work and are willing to go 3000 miles to get it.

I really think you need to consider Maggie Valley 2007 [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

110tHunDer · « **Reply #41 on:** August 22, 2006, 10:31:52 PM »

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Jim

Beside the comments being positive they are the truth!
My only problem I don't run into many people looking for quality work and are willing to go 3000 miles to get it.

[highlight]I really think you need to consider Maggie Valley 2007[/highlight] [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[smiley=shocked2.gif] [smiley=shocked2.gif] [smiley=shocked2.gif] Uh, what do you know that I don't know? [smiley=nervous.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[smiley=huepfenlol2.gif] [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif] [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

SBB · « **Reply #42 on:** August 22, 2006, 10:39:08 PM »

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[smiley=shocked2.gif] [smiley=shocked2.gif] [smiley=shocked2.gif]

Fired00d · « **Reply #43 on:** August 22, 2006, 11:01:24 PM »

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Jim

Beside the comments being positive they are the truth!
My only problem I don't run into many people looking for quality work and are willing to go 3000 miles to get it.

I really think you need to consider Maggie Valley 2007 [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

Chip,
I've already asked him to buy a truck/trailer and travel to the "right" coast and do installs along the way. I'm sure we could line up enough appointments along the way to more then keep him busy.

Between lights, stereo's, the occasional "bling" additions, and maybe a maintenance appointment here and there the trip would be worth it. Then we could feed him and quench his thirst at night w/the camaraderie of all the members he has done work on there bikes during the day. He could be like those vendors that travel the rally circuit only there wouldn't be any break between rallies and several days of traveling w/o work.

[smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
[smiley=fireman.gif]

110tHunDer · « **Reply #44 on:** August 22, 2006, 11:47:10 PM »

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Well Brian

You have a reputation to uphold! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]
How could there not be a M/V 2007?
The only problem I see is that you have raised the bar so high in 06 that 07 would have a tough act to follow!

I'm thinkin' I'm gonna do a Mark Martin and go out while I'm on top! (BTW, he is retiring, isn't he?!? [smiley=nixweiss.gif] )

Author Topic: To tip or not to tip? (Read 3709 times)

SPIDERMAN

cigarmike

SPIDERMAN

SPIDERMAN

cigarmike