tx targa

Do you guys tip Porsche service writers? Will they/can they even accept tips? How bout the "valet" guys that bring the loan car, or take your car around back?

My Grandfather was a service writer for Buick from the late 60's to the 80's and made a good part of his living through tips. But when I tried to tip a service guy (not at Porsche) years ago he said we can't take tips anymore. It was awkward and I haven't tried again.

Just had a Porsche writer that was really helpful. Could just bring her cookies or something I guess.

No HTwo O

I've brought lunch and Panera Bagels to my indy shop before when getting oil changes.

Michael_s

Yes, I tip. Always. It acutally saved me money on a recent repair. My car is BMW CPO and its does not cover rattles, etc. and my gauges were rattling in the dash. Only charged me 1/2 labor when it took a lot longer including test drives. $20 per visit does wonders.

Leader

Customers who are sincerely grateful are always appreciated (and remembered) by personel of any business.
If you've ever been in a "customer service" job (from waiters on up), you know how much a little consideration means. And, it doesn't always have to be money...although, a tip, when appropriate, is very nice.

jhbrennan

I had a service writer go above and beyond - sent him a thank you card with a $50 AMEX gift card.

stevepow

I worry that these guys are salaried professionals and that getting tips might seem to put their job on par with a waitress. I have never expected tips in any of my professional positions and had I gotten one, it would have been awkward - more like a bribe or like something extra, beyond simply good service, was expected. It could be a cultural thing, but in GA, I think it would seem odd.

I do like the idea of showing appreciation but tipping doesn't seem to express it the best way to me.

axhoaxho

I think nowadays they make okay, if not decent, livings. If I really want to appreciate their help, I send them some cookie baskets and a hand-written letter of compliment.

Regards,

Leader

When it comes to folks like Service Writers (as stevepow correctly pointed out), a monetary "tip" may not be the best way to express your appreciation.
However, a complimentary email to the dealership GM about how nice you were treated by a specific individual, scores major 'brownie points' for the employee, and probably gets you more VIP service on your next visit.
IMO, more appropriate than handing a guy $20.

Mike in CA

+1 Well stated.

boolala

I don't think that tipping a service writer is appropriate. The principle of tipping a waiter/waitress is that restaurants are allowed to pay them less than minimum wage because much of their income is generated by tipping. They are an exception to the minimum wage rules. Such is not the case with service writers who often work on commision and try to upsell the dealers services.

Edgy01

Personally, I would never tip with cash or anything like that. They are professionals--not service personnel (e.g., waiters). However, I do occasionally bring them a bag of avocados off my trees to show my appreciation.

sullivas

Last year I bought a case of premium beer and dropped it off at my daily cars' indy shop during the holidays. During the year I took a car in for a few things and got ripped off as usual. $50.00 for a $5.00 part etc. If you're looking for a friend in the busine$$ and find one you are a lucky man.
BTW service writers are supposed to find extra things to charge you for, they get a cut of that action.

pewter82

I would rather tip the Mechanic than the guy behind the desk...

Nugget

Seems inappropriate to me.

shine

Most service writers work on commission these days. In addition, their bonus is usually directly related to the results of those surveys they make such a big deal about. If you want to be nice to your service writer, the first thing to do is to give them high ratings on those surveys.