misterdega

When I get a regular maintenance wash (about $100) I always tip.

But what about detailing (300-500) or paint correction and ceramic coating jobs. Do people tip? And if so, how much? Just seems to add so much more when tipping the 15-20% on those bigger jobs.

LexVan

I bring my detailer (the owner and his staff) lunch and referrals. Everyone seems very pleased.

yelcab

No tipping for professional services. They have their prices set. Done.

Bruce In Philly

2009 C2S 179K miles

I tip $10 if the person doing the work is an employee. None if it is the owner. I apply this to most contractors.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

TommyV44

Of course you tip!! If the person that's doing the job isn't the owner I 100% always tip. The only reason not to tip is you're too cheap to do it! No other answer! I was a bartender for years in my younger days...the owner is making a fortune...does that mean no tip for the server? Ridiculous!

linderpat

Here you go:

misterdega

So for a ceramic coat or paint correction would we still do the 20%? How about xoel ppf wrap or a front bumper respray? Are those tipped?

TommyV44

Always tipped....not necessarily 20%....use your judgement and personal situation and job quality! And obviously not the owner!

Ironman88

Do the ceramic coat yourself. Purchase a DSC Sport Controller with the savings. Use the tip money saved for gas for a few months.

misterdega

Man... there are some things that I will happily work on the car myself but anything paint related I want to leave it up to the pros. I've been obsessing over these guy's YouTube stuff and I think I will be taking my car to them for a mega deep clean and paint correct.

(no affiliation)



But you know, this stuff runs expensive so just wasn't sure the policy or expectation on tipping, how much % wise, etc.

I'm in the process of also getting my bumper resprayed and adding ppf... then going to get the paint correction and ceramic coating...

911dude41

What if you tip but when you get your car back you notice they didn't do a good job? Feels foolish. Happened a few times. Now I do it myself.

Tint/Xpel/Coat. No tip.

Ironman88

Paint correction can be quite involved depending on the specific condition of the paint in question. It requires specialized equipment, products, and methods. If you're not in the position to tackle that task, completely understood.

Paint correction can be time-consuming and expensive. To tip a shop 20% on top of that bill seems to me to be quite excessive. I would not do it. You may want to work directly with the shop owner, and ask him (or her) what you might do as a token of appreciation for those who actually do the job. Pizza and beer, plus a small cash gratuity may be just fine.

Regarding the ceramic work - I think anyone that is attentive and conscientious can tackle that job and produce good results. The retail price vs cost delta on that job is meaningful. That's where you can save yourself some money and still not compromise the end result.

Or, you may consider going with a polymer sealant as an alternative to the ceramic coating. After living with a ceramic coating for 3 years now, I would probably not go with it again - instead, a good polymer sealant. I used one on my classic 911 and the results exceeded my expectations.

Regardless - good luck with the processes you decide on.

MR Turco

I find expertise is usually built into the price. I don't normally tip, instead referrals and repeat business. Do you tip your electrician/plumber too? The business IS the tip.

TommyV44

Always...unless it's the owner!

TommyV44

How about the bartender...is the business the tip? LOL!