"Gratuity greatly appreciated but not neccessary"

As a customer, the sign would be a bit irritating to me. I think the whole tip system is a bit ludicrous. I don't know exactly how tips became a custom, but the fact it is becoming expected for virtually every service is just stupid. It's basically saying to me that if I don't tip, you are going to give me crappy service. As someone else mentioned, you should be pricing your service properly so I shouldn't have to tip you. I tip servers because I know they make squat for a wage. I'll tip more if I received exceptional service above and beyond just bringing me my food. So IMO, the only reason a detailer should earn a tip, is if he/she did something beyond the expected service. Why should I tip you if you did a good job on the polish/wax of my car since that is an implied requirement of the service? Now if you did something extra, like vacuumed the drivers side floor because of some sand, and the interior wasn't part of the service being done, then I can see a tip being called for. Or if I just feel like you did a lot of work, and undercharged me for what was done, a tip would be warranted. As was mentioned, people will give a tip regardless of a sign. I think it will just irritate those of us that feel all of the fair wage should be priced into the service.
 
Grimm said:
As a customer, the sign would be a bit irritating to me. I think the whole tip system is a bit ludicrous. I don't know exactly how tips became a custom, but the fact it is becoming expected for virtually every service is just stupid. It's basically saying to me that if I don't tip, you are going to give me crappy service. As someone else mentioned, you should be pricing your service properly so I shouldn't have to tip you. I tip servers because I know they make squat for a wage. I'll tip more if I received exceptional service above and beyond just bringing me my food. So IMO, the only reason a detailer should earn a tip, is if he/she did something beyond the expected service. Why should I tip you if you did a good job on the polish/wax of my car since that is an implied requirement of the service? Now if you did something extra, like vacuumed the drivers side floor because of some sand, and the interior wasn't part of the service being done, then I can see a tip being called for. Or if I just feel like you did a lot of work, and undercharged me for what was done, a tip would be warranted. As was mentioned, people will give a tip regardless of a sign. I think it will just irritate those of us that feel all of the fair wage should be priced into the service.
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But more importantly, will a sign STOP you from going back to that detail shop, assuming you got exactly what you paid for and were expecting ?
 
Another thing to consider is your pricing already. Work your butts off, and if needed, when the customer is beaming from the results, maybe make a quick intro with the main guy who did the details - perhaps that personalization before cashing out will make it much more personal and lead to a tip(if thats your goal beyond satisfaction for your customers).
 
Grimm said:
As a customer, the sign would be a bit irritating to me. I think the whole tip system is a bit ludicrous. ..
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Heh heh, that reminds me of the "breakfast at the diner" scene in Reservoir Dogs :chuckle:
 
WAS said:
My POS machine has a "Tip ?" option on it when the customer pays with plastic (which is about 99% of customers). This makes them select "yes" or "no", so they're reminded then and there. I'd say about 30% to 40% of customers tip, and yes, those tips get divided up between the detail staff that worked on that particular vehicle.
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This is a great and subtle way of putting the tipping notion into a customers mind. That, and having the detailer that performed the work be at the vehicle when it's being shown to the customer. My guys use to always be there with a towel walking around the car making sure there wasn't any issues at the time. They would also inform the customer about anything out of the ordinary that they should be aware of like personal belongings, safety or wear issues. The more up front and personal you are with a client, the greater the chances are for getting tipped.
 
Here's a thought; if you're charging accordingly for your services, and believe your employee really did a great job (and has been a great employee) but just aren't seeing any tips, maybe take $5 and give it to him/her and say it was from the customer. It will boost morale and help to keep up the good attitude.

I've owned my own Mobile business for 7 years now and certainly never expect a tip but when I do receive one I am truly humbled and almost embarrassed at times.



I love to tip when its' warranted but will not for crappy service.

I, myself, would not put up the sign.



Derek
 
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