This might seem like a dumb question, but is it customary to tip a detail shop for working on your car? What kind if tip does one leave? I've never had a car worthy of such treatment before, so I've never had a car polished and waxed and all at a real detail shop. I don't want to not tip and seem like an *******

 

it depends if the person actually doing the job is the owner then I don't think so you have to tip them.

 

Owner or not if you appreciate the work done tip them

 

I agree..10-15 $ in tip will go a long way. I try and always tip even if its just a little in any type of business transactions where someone is doing manual work. Always get way better after sale customer service if needed and just build better relationship with people. I feel like it goes a long way and helps someone as well. Who knows one day I might be doing that persons job and wud love for someone to help me out a lil bit too..I try and never take my situation for granted. Things can always change and being nice to people is never a bad thing bro.

 

I like to get my car back, or if it's a mobile detailer, wait about a day to make sure nothing was missed or slacked on........then I tip.......it's so annoying to give a tip and then see smear marks in the rear windshield you know? just an example........

 

Initially, on most services aside from food, I start at 10% or 10$ whichever is greater, better service, better tip. If I repeat with the person/shop, it means they were decent the first time and usually tip more as stated above for sake of relationship.

Hyperion, I like the idea, but don't have the time or desire to return the following day (and in most cases I'm there to watch what they do anyway). I just suck it up and find a different provider next time. Plus, similar to OP, don't want to seem like cheap ***** or jerk for not tipping upon service delivery without an explanation as to why.

I also lived in Las Vegas for a few years, so my sensitivity to tipping maybe skewed.

 

I just had to make this decision, literally. This past weekend, I dropped my wife's CTS Wagon off at a detailer's house. Car is daily driven, and tunnel washed. I just don't have the time to obsess over this one. Got a paint correction done, interior and engine bay wipe down. It's a one man show, owner/operator joint. The guy did a great job, the rate was VERY reasonable and he went above and beyond what I was expecting him to do. Gave him 15% on top of the fee. Plus I sent him 2 referrals within 48 hours.

 

yes.

 

Wow - The paint correction on the black is amazing. Well worth giving a GOOD tip.

Doesn't it even "feel" better driving it when its soo clean?

 

I haven't even sat in the driver seat since it was done. And, it snowed the next day. Awesome. LOL

 

you always tip those in the services - car wash, detailers -

 

Will give a few examples.

I do paint corrections on the side. Hobby of mine but on par with the best. really perfection details is what they end up being. Most of the vehicles under $150 reg detail (wash, clean as good as can be, wax(sealant)) no tips just a thanks and send more business my way is what happens. For a Paint Corr. That is a totally different customer. I price what industry standard is for top professional job. a E class is 700-900 pending on how bad the paint is. A tunnel car, 900 plus whatever coating they would like. Usually 22PLE for another 250 or so. If just a one step polish then 400-500 including the coating. Just to give an idea. These two pics were 1k + total and I got tipped 200 on ea. They said they were better than new. Well worth 1200 to have a new car after 6 years. But, would have been happy for $20 also. Just my opinion. My prices don't expect a tip, they are enough, which is not cheap to begin with.

 

were are you located at?

 

I am in Charlottesville VA for now. Was in SC near Charleston for awhile. Just moved, and will be back and forth for the next 6 months.

I was at MTSU in the 90's

If you would like tips, or help to do this yourself, I am happy to help guide you. It can be done and you won't hurt anything doing it. Anyway glad to help, even if it is a Porsche. (got two 918's lined up end of year)