Tipping LBS mechanics

[fiamme red]

Do you tip the mechanics who work on your bike, and how? I'm especially referring to jobs that are difficult and time-consuming (e.g., installing metal fenders).

[djg21]

If they are of appropriate age, a couple of six-packs can go a long way.

[eddief]

could not figure out noise on my Roubaix. dropped in, he stopped what he was doing, looked at my crank, and said loose chainring bolts. No charge. Came back next day and dropped off a sixer.

[batman1425]

I've done baked goods, beer, or both in the past when I've received exceptional service.

Once was when my LBS (and sponsor shop) put all their other stuff on hold to tear down and rebuild my bike over night so I could race the next day. Another time I was at a shop in MKE and the folks were just outstanding. Built a wheel for me in 20 min while I was waiting and being chatted up by the owner.

Even if the service is just good and not exceptional or even a fairly routine job, a nice gesture goes a long way to building a relationship with your shop. Mechanics don't make a lot and in the dog days of summer are working their a$$ off. They will remember the guy that bought them a cold six pack and a pizza, and you will get exceptional service from then on.

[FlashUNC]

Good beer goes a long way.

[tele]

Good beer goes a long way.
true for more situations than just LBS thank you's

[christian]

I've given my local wrench $20 for a complicated quick-fix he didn't want to charge me. I bring him sandwiches a couple times per year. I gave him a few hundred bucks when he had a family emergency.

[sandyrs]

I usually do donuts for exceptional service.

[nooneline]

I figure, it's kinda like getting stuff on the house at a restaurant - you get stuff for free, you tip based on the value of the stuff you get, not the price you wind up paying.

So, if the whiteboard is saying they've got a four day queue but your wrench puts your bike in the stand and fixes that terrible BB30 noise - tip.

If you're racing tomorrow and just broke a spoke and they do it while you wait - tip.

One of my favorite shops just lets me waltz on in and use a stand & tools, or use the wash station in the basement (it helps that I used to work there, but still - having that privilege a couple years after part-time employment is pretty fabulous), so I make sure to bring some treats for the boys when I make use of that privilege.

[Mikej]

I tip the manager with a jimmy johns gift card for the whole shop. If fix my own bikes but get a pretty good discount on parts and bikes. The whole shop should get something, not just the mechanic, sort of like sharing tips.

[rauce]

Hard to go wrong with good beer or good food. As a sales guy, I rarely get tipped but a customer bought me lunch last week for doing a free fitting for him, so that was pretty cool.

[moose8]

I've never tipped money, but I have tipped in homebrew, which has gone over well as far as I can tell.

[BumbleBeeDave]

Drop off a sixer of good beer. Or a dozen bagels and some fixins' when they first open on Saturday or another almost-guaranteed busy day.

BBD

[biker72]

A simple "thank you very much" or "my bike has never shifted better" goes a long way.

Make sure there are no recovering alcoholics in the shop before you bring any beer. Some shop owners don't allow beer on the premises.

Food is always a winner.

[cfox]

Tipping outside of restaurants feels weird. With cash it always feels like some sort of noblesse oblige thing..."here little person, this $20 will surely change your life." With beer or pizza, it feels more like, "hey bro, thanks for an awesome job."

I could never live in NYC, where every freaking person you encounter expects a tip for breathing.

[ShaneAtSilca]

One of our customers was adored by the shop for just about always dropping off some sort of homemade coffee cake when she picked up her bike, which meant it always found its way to the front of the line somehow.

I personally preferred a beer tip, but some of the guys in the shop weren't really beer drinkers (I do not defend their views), and on the whole the baked goods got the best total response.

Cash tip in a no-charge situation while appreciated kinda made me feel like I was taking from the shop, so I generally would decline.

[k-mac]

I worked in bike shops throughout my college years, and even as a "starving college student" I have to say it just made me feel awkward when someone wanted to tip me for good service. It wasn't so much about the issue of feeling rewarded for doing a good job, it was the expectation that was created for the next time that person came in.

[SpokeValley]

Good beer goes a long way.

So does cheap beer:)

[93legendti]

When I worked at Performance we were tipped often- always cash. Not sure where the beer tip stuck as a great idea. I don't drink, and the mechanics weren't beer drinkers.

Anyway, it always felt weird to me. I thought the pay and the discounts were enough...and seeing return customers.

[witcombusa]

I don't use any LBS for anything. Parts come in on brown trucks and I do all my own work.

But I did have a local contact bake and deliver goodies for our own old spud for his help with knowledge on some Campy parts :banana:

[sworcester]

So does cheap beer:)

One of the guys who works on my bikes, likes Lone Star in a can. Transports well on a bike, so I oblige.

[pdmtong]

I drop beverages by a handful of times a year independent of my service needs. It's a way to let folks know they are appreciated before I actually need their help. Guess what - somehow they always fit me into the schedule no matter how busy it is

[beeatnik]

I don't use any LBS for anything. Parts come in on brown trucks and I do all my own work.

But I did have a local contact bake and deliver goodies for our own old spud for his help with knowledge on some Campy parts :banana:

How much do you tip yourself?

[oldpotatoe]

Do you tip the mechanics who work on your bike, and how? I'm especially referring to jobs that are difficult and time-consuming (e.g., installing metal fenders).

Beer 'em, always appreciated.

[tiretrax]

One of the guys who works on my bikes, likes Lone Star in a can. Transports well on a bike, so I oblige.

With all the great local beers now available in your area? Uggh!

[zennmotion]

Despite the opinion of at least one former shopowner here, a cash tip is much more appropriate than beer. Beer is great until you're in the retail economy struggling with basic payments. And maybe you don't drink beer. Maybe even you're a recovering alcoholic in which case beer is really unwelcome. If you don't like the idea of cash and want to "bro" someone than maybe a gift certificate for a nearby lunch spot is better. But I think the harsh reality of most people employed in a bike shop calls for cash, and a classy note of thanks in an envelope treats people as the professionals they are and makes it less awkward than yanking it out of your wallet on the floor in front of everybody. OT: we need a national living minimum wage in this country. But in the meantime, cash tips are better than beer.

[oldpotatoe]

Despite the opinion of at least one former shopowner here, a cash tip is much more appropriate than beer. Beer is great until you're in the retail economy struggling with basic payments. And maybe you don't drink beer. Maybe even you're a recovering alcoholic in which case beer is really unwelcome. If you don't like the idea of cash and want to "bro" someone than maybe a gift certificate for a nearby lunch spot is better. But I think the harsh reality of most people employed in a bike shop calls for cash, and a classy note of thanks in an envelope treats people as the professionals they are and makes it less awkward than yanking it out of your wallet on the floor in front of everybody. OT: we need a national living minimum wage in this country. But in the meantime, cash tips are better than beer.

Funny thing to have a disagreement over, particularly which is 'more appropriate' than the other. Also big assumption that people working in bike retail are struggling economically or maybe a recovering alcoholic.

You are speaking as the giver, I am as the receiver and since I was the receiver, and my employees were getting a 'bit' more than the minimum wage, beer was always most appreciated by me and my crew. Cash was tipped but that made me uncomfortable, as uncomfortable as having a customer tell me he'll pay more if I do it sooner, kinda like a bribe(always said no, btw, first come, first served).

So in spite of the economic implications, this bike shop owner(former) says, beef 'em, always a nice thought.

[beeatnik]

Funny thing to have a disagreement over, particularly which is 'more appropriate' than the other. Also big assumption that people working in bike retail are struggling economically or maybe a recovering alcoholic.

You are speaking as the giver, I am as the receiver and since I was the receiver, and my employees were getting a 'bit' more than the minimum wage, beer was always most appreciated by me and my crew. Cash was tipped but that made me uncomfortable, as uncomfortable as having a customer tell me he'll pay more if I do it sooner, kinda like a bribe(always said no, btw, first come, first served).

So in spite of the economic implications, this bike shop owner(former) says, beef 'em, always a nice thought.

OldP, don't you know it's gauche to tip a business owner? Could explain why customers were more inclined to hit you with beer.

Except at salons, apparently:

Salons
If the owner cuts your hair, you're off the hook, right? Wrong. Turns out most salon owners welcome gratuities. "Not tipping the owner is an old tradition that's dying out," Post says. She recommends 15 to 20 percent of the fee, whether or not the stylist owns the place. When more than one person (stylist, colorist, blower) attends to you, split 15 to 20 percent among them according to how much each contributed to the outcome. A basic shampoo and conditioning rates $1 to $3; a wash involving foil removal and color rinses requires a bit more. Slip 15 to 20 percent each to a masseuse and a manicurist.

http://www.oprah.com/money/Guide-to-Tipping

[zennmotion]

Funny thing to have a disagreement over, particularly which is 'more appropriate' than the other. Also big assumption that people working in bike retail are struggling economically or maybe a recovering alcoholic.

You are speaking as the giver, I am as the receiver and since I was the receiver, and my employees were getting a 'bit' more than the minimum wage, beer was always most appreciated by me and my crew. Cash was tipped but that made me uncomfortable, as uncomfortable as having a customer tell me he'll pay more if I do it sooner, kinda like a bribe(always said no, btw, first come, first served).

So in spite of the economic implications, this bike shop owner(former) says, beef 'em, always a nice thought.

I agree that it's an odd disagreement. I don't assume anything (when I remember not to assume anything) about anybody's views or relationship with alcohol whether in a bike shop environment or elsewhere. Which is why I don't assume that someone imbibes. Last week I served a great home made soup with a little red wine cooked in to a distant family member who was put in the uncomfortable position of being unable to eat it- it would have been easy to set aside a bowl without the wine, the whole thing was awkward for both of us and he had a snack instead of a good meal. So lesson learned for me, I'm too careless about the assumptions regarding alcohol, and my point being to think before you offer with someone you don't know well. As for my comment about the living minimum wage, which I believe is currently estimated at a little over $15/hour in most parts of the country, I'm guessing that it's more than most shop rats make, and good for you if you were able to treat your employees that well, it must be a real challenge. Cheers and beers (if that's your choice!)

[oldpotatoe]

I agree that it's an odd disagreement. I don't assume anything (when I remember not to assume anything) about anybody's views or relationship with alcohol whether in a bike shop environment or elsewhere. Which is why I don't assume that someone imbibes. Last week I served a great home made soup with a little red wine cooked in to a distant family member who was put in the uncomfortable position of being unable to eat it- it would have been easy to set aside a bowl without the wine. So lesson learned for me, I'm too careless about the assumptions regarding alcohol, and my point being to think before you offer with someone you don't know well. As for my comment about the living minimum wage, which I believe is currently estimated at a little over $15/hour in most parts of the country, I'm guessing that it's more than most shop rats make, and good for you if you were able to treat your employees that well, it must be a real challenge. Cheers and beers (if that's your choice!)

I think in tips, you give or not what you think is appropriate, the choice is up to the pitcher, not the catcher. It really is the thought that counts. BUT as the guy that may get one, always surprised, always appreciated it, never expected it. It also was really, REALLY nice to get a visit or phone call saying the work was done well, just a call. Sometimes when we hear nothing, sometimes customer very happy or very unhappy, still hear nuthin. Hearing 'bike works great' always nice.

So was a cold SOL at the end of a hot day in the trenches.

[93legendti]

Here's your socialist "living wage", the iPad, point of sale.


http://www.shopkeep.com/ipad-point-of-sale?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=iPad_Relevant&utm_term=ipad%20pos


always endearing to see people still believe in the free lunch. Sigh...

[Wesley37]

http://www.wilsoninfo.com/christmas-clipart/scrooge-2.jpg

Pfft living wage, poor people feeling all entitled - I mean, who says that a hard days work should put food on a.person's table, a roof over their head, and clothes on their back. Wanting luxuries like food and shelter, people are so spoiled.

Almost like those freeloading slaves back.in the day- sure everyone is like oh oh, living in chains, being whipped, routine rape. Entitled SOBs, getting food and shelter from the masters, and then complaining.about it.

[Wesley37]

I mean, why pay workers enough to live- jerks feeling all entitled. They should be disposable - use, then throw away.

[Joachim]

A tip is just that, a tip. Don't overthink it (can't believe all this discussion around it). If the mechanic can't use it (or does not want it), someone else in the shop will. Take a step back and look at the big picture. It should be more about the act than the actual tip.

[djg]

Tipping outside of restaurants feels weird. With cash it always feels like some sort of noblesse oblige thing..."here little person, this $20 will surely change your life." With beer or pizza, it feels more like, "hey bro, thanks for an awesome job."

I could never live in NYC, where every freaking person you encounter expects a tip for breathing.

I read this all the way through.

I'm waiting . . . you're gonna make me stand here like a statue with my hand out?

Hey, the kids gotta eat pal. You can't spare a buck?

I kinda like the beer or pizza line, btw.

[cfox]

I mean, why pay workers enough to live- jerks feeling all entitled. They should be disposable - use, then throw away.

"living wage" = fantasy land.

There is a massive oversupply in world labor. For every guy signing up for a Govt. mandated wage, there are fifty willing to do the same job for half. No artificial wage price fix can overcome that. Also, comparing retail workers in the US to slaves is insulting.

[Wesley37]

Right. Back in reality, the American economy has less "artificial wage fixing" than any other time in the post-wwii period, and look, the economy has been languishing.

Germany, while not a perfect model, is doing quite well, and they take the idea of a living wage to new heights. Might be time to re-consider some assumptions.

[FlashUNC]

Right. Back in reality, the American economy has less "artificial wage fixing" than any other time in the post-wwii period, and look, the economy has been languishing.

Germany, while not a perfect model, is doing quite well, and they take the idea of a living wage to new heights. Might be time to re-consider some assumptions.

There's a reason Henry Ford paid his line workers more than anyone else. He wanted someone to be able to buy all those cars they were making.

[cfox]

Right. Back in reality, the American economy has less "artificial wage fixing" than any other time in the post-wwii period, and look, the economy has been languishing.

Germany, while not a perfect model, is doing quite well, and they take the idea of a living wage to new heights. Might be time to re-consider some assumptions.

Germany is 1/4 the size of the US, has much stricter immigration laws, and, subsequently, has a labor shortage of unskilled workers. It's easy to have a living wage when business owners need to bid for labor, rather than turn people away. You can't compare US to smaller, closed European countries when it comes to social policy.

[David Kirk]

I spent a life time working in the back room of bike shops before framebuilding came along and I have to say a tip.........any kind of tip beyond a small handful of loose change (yes I've gotten that) is hugely appreciated. My personal favorite was donuts!

Make someone's day and show them their hard work is appreciated and give them something to show them how you feel. Both of you will feel good.

dave

[EricEstlund]

When I was a shop guy I loved tips (I still do!). I also don't drink- so as much as I loved the sentiment of a sixer, it was sort of wasted on me. Cash tips are great- easily pocketed, doesn't have to be hidden under the counter all day, and can be used on all sorts of stuff (laundry, date nights, etc). I've worked at shops where mechanics pooled tips for a communal coffee fund, etc.

Folks in the bike industry are notorious for undervaluing their time and effort. If a cash tip makes them squirly, just mention that you appreciate the extra service you received above and beyond.

To the original poster- yes, feel free to tip if you think you are being treated well and want to add a gesture of your appreciation. Shops are hopefully charging enough for their services, but a tip to the mechanic is a personal gesture of appreciation for a job well done.

[mvrider]

My wife overheard the mechanic (and co-owner) of our favorite LBS tell another customer that he prefers wine over beer, so at Christmas we brought him and the other co-owner each a really nice bottle of wine. The gesture seemed appreciated, and we enjoy catching up on their personal stories every time we visit, whether we buy anything or not.

[AngryScientist]

i do all my own wrenching, so no real direct experience, but in other industries, a nicely worded email to the owner :"Jim did a really great job on my bike, and was a perfect gentleman, thanks!" is generally an effective method.

[Waldo]

$20 for involved jobs and $10 for simpler stuff. Have been doing this for about a year. As a result I get great service and usually go to the head of the line.

[unterhausen]

I need to bring my lbs a six pack. They actually buy me more beer than I buy them.

[oldpotatoe]

$20 for involved jobs and $10 for simpler stuff. Have been doing this for about a year. As a result I get great service and usually go to the head of the line.

If a customer hears that they may be moved 'back in the line' because they didn't tip, it doesn't mean they start tipping, it means they find another shop.

It's a tip for jobs well done, not a bribe for favoritism, IMHO.

But your shop can do whatever they want. I never changed a person's priority for any reason....first come, first served, for a $20 job or $500 job.

[Waldo]

I've never seen anyone tip in my lbs or anywhere else besides an occasional six-pack. My tip is for a job well done. Early completion of the job is gravy, as far as I'm concerned.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[a4racer]

to the 3B rule for tipping at my LBS...

Beer
Baked Goods
Brag (about the store and the guys in it).

Most times I go to the store, I've got some cookies or bagels, or cinnamon buns, etc. That said, I genuinely like the guys down there, so even if I don't need a favour, I'm okay with bringing some stuff to nosh on for the wrenches!

Also, ulterior motive: the more baked goods I bring them, the fatter I can get 'em, which might make them slow enough to catch on a group ride (hasn't happened yet!)

[doomridesout]

The shop I work at once received a can of soup as a tip. Don't do that.
Generally, we get a lot of tips, and we're known as a beer-drinking shop, so a lot of the time it's a rack of cheap beer. I don't drink much and often don't indulge, so I appreciate the cash tips that we throw in a drawer for everybody to get a coffee or smoothie with more. Even without being a recovering alcoholic (I can drink, I just have other stuff I'm doing when the workday ends), I think the safer bet is cash, and if you're not sure it goes in a drawer, a round of coffees, some snacks, or smoothies is a good bet for the shop. Then again, you can't make everybody happy, so do what ya feel. It all makes us feel good, (including earnest compliments).

[pdmtong]

My wife overheard the mechanic (and co-owner) of our favorite LBS tell another customer that he prefers wine over beer, so at Christmas we brought him and the other co-owner each a really nice bottle of wine. The gesture seemed appreciated, and we enjoy catching up on their personal stories every time we visit, whether we buy anything or not.

FYI he also prefers bourbon to scotch.

[sworcester]

I need to bring my lbs a six pack. They actually buy me more beer than I buy them.

I want to go to that shop!

[sworcester]

to the 3B rule for tipping at my LBS...

Beer
Baked Goods
Brag (about the store and the guys in it).

Most times I go to the store, I've got some cookies or bagels, or cinnamon buns, etc. That said, I genuinely like the guys down there, so even if I don't need a favour, I'm okay with bringing some stuff to nosh on for the wrenches!

Also, ulterior motive: the more baked goods I bring them, the fatter I can get 'em, which might make them slow enough to catch on a group ride (hasn't happened yet!)

And I do the LBS proud. The owners don't work on the bikes, so it wouldn't directly go the the guys who do the work. FACEBOOK is a great place to tell the others what a great shop my LBS is (Plano Cycling and Fitness).

Plano Texas is seemingly competitive for high end bikes, big per capita income, can't always buy the parts there (although I talk to them about the purchases) but I love those guys and obviously thrust them with my life and bikes.

[johnpac]

So does cheap beer:)

works every time!