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A friend of mine who is a repair tech is doing some minor repair work on an old trombone I own and one of my tubas. Nothing really crazy. He's doing this for me "pro bono" as we're friends.

What is a good amount for a tip?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I'm not exactly comfortable letting him do the work and not get at least some compensation out of it other than a pat on the back from me.

the elephant wrote: Again, allow him to feel good by doing this for free. He can afford to do so or he would charge you.

+1. I've always felt there's a slightly demeaning quality to tipping: upper-class doing some sort of 'favor' for their 'lessers'.

bloke wrote:

58mark wrote:I've overpaid my repair guy when I don't think he's charged enough. I don't call it a tip as much as a little extra appreciation.

My local welder charges me enough for "big" jobs, but tends to undercharge me for "small" jobs. I'll usually just add about ten bucks to what he asks for on a "small" job. If, though, he says, "Don't worry about it", I say "Thank-you".

I thought you worked on your own sousaphones?

Just do something nice for the guy that a friend would do. Keeping money out of it tells him that you don't just value him for his services.

If he wanted monetary compensation he would charge you. Show your appreciation with a bottle or six pack etc. of his favorite libation, or some other special treat, etc. Take him out to lunch, something other than a cash tip. It shows you took some time out of your schedule to repay his kindness and the time he took for you.

UncleBeer wrote:

the elephant wrote: Again, allow him to feel good by doing this for free. He can afford to do so or he would charge you.

+1. I've always felt there's a slightly demeaning quality to tipping: upper-class doing some sort of 'favor' for their 'lessers'.

One of the great things about America is that the class distinctions are non-existent compared to Europe. I don't think servers at restaurants feel as though they are our lessers and they work for tips. Working a job that pays mostly tips says nothing about their socio-economic standing. Does anyone consider their barber/stylist a lesser person because they cut hair for a living and receive tips? I hope not, not in this day.

Thanks for your opinions!

Sounds like beer is the answer here.

Dan Castillo wrote:Sounds beer is the answer here.

Always.

*

Alex C wrote:Working a job that pays mostly tips says nothing about their socio-economic standing. Does anyone consider their barber/stylist a lesser person because they cut hair for a living and receive tips?

Would you tip your lawyer, doctor, auto mechanic? These people have the power to set their fee, they don't depend on your gratuitous largesse.

Somewhat extreme but readable polemic Against Tipping.

"Polemic" is "a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something."

Donn wrote:

Alex C wrote:Working a job that pays mostly tips says nothing about their socio-economic standing. Does anyone consider their barber/stylist a lesser person because they cut hair for a living and receive tips?

Would you tip your lawyer, doctor, auto mechanic? These people have the power to set their fee, they don't depend on your gratuitous largesse.

Somewhat extreme but readable polemic Against Tipping.

Well, I have never tipped a Dr. or a Lawyer, but I was a Mr. Goodwrench at a dealership for about 4 years over 27 years ago. (I can't believe it has been that long!) I know that this is out of date, but I did get a few tips in my time, but not too many. At the time, I was making in the $10/hour range, so anything extra was greatly appreciated. Recently before Christmas time, I had my oil changed at the dealership I was a tech at, and I gave the gal (yes, a female) a $10 tip for the job. It was a nice way to say Merry Christmas, and she was very pleased, and I was glad to not have to crawl on the floor and have salt and snow drip on me.

As for professionals, now when I have my horn tech do something, I bring him some cans of Pledge, or my machine shop fellow some other items that he can use to say thank you.

Steve

Dan Castillo wrote:Thanks for your opinions!

Sounds like beer is the answer here.

I can't think of a situation when beer was not the answer!!

You might just want to say can I give you a little coffee money for your work? - and push it just a little. If he declines then you are done.

Three Valves wrote:

Dan Castillo wrote:Thanks for your opinions!

Sounds like beer is the answer here.

I can't think of a situation when beer was not the answer!!

Especially not in "the land of pleasant living!"

bort wrote:

Three Valves wrote:

Dan Castillo wrote:Thanks for your opinions!

Sounds like beer is the answer here.

I can't think of a situation when beer was not the answer!!

Especially not in "the land of pleasant living!"

You said it, Hon!!