I looked through the archives and read about dock hands, delivery captains etc. I'm new at this boat buying stuff. When it comes to the above, whether a new boat or spring commissioning, is it proper, expected, required, or what? If the answer is yes, who, what, and when? Every yard worker who lays a hand on the boat or just the yard manager? Before the job starts (doubtful), or when it's completed properly (seems reasonable). Thanks
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Tim
Not in a million years
I've never even given an ounce of thought to tipping people who I've paid for these kind of services. Would you tip the folks at West Marine? How about your auto mechanic? I'd say it just isn't done - although the admiral (looking over my shoulder) says it might be local custom where you live, but I think it's a bad custom if it is. The yards are already collecting a pretty penny from boat owners, and dealers are making a handsome sum on new boats - more than enough to make decent profits and no need to introduce tipping into the equation. If a particular person went way above and beyond on some point - say giving me a ride 30 miles to pick up my car, or staying open an extra two hours some Friday night because I had a car break down trying to come pick up the boat - I might consider slipping them a $20 - but often times I find that the people that will go the extra mile will also not accept the $20 - or their companies even have rules prohibiting the practice. My take: Don't tip 'em. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
I've never even given an ounce of thought to tipping people who I've paid for these kind of services. Would you tip the folks at West Marine? How about your auto mechanic? I'd say it just isn't done - although the admiral (looking over my shoulder) says it might be local custom where you live, but I think it's a bad custom if it is. The yards are already collecting a pretty penny from boat owners, and dealers are making a handsome sum on new boats - more than enough to make decent profits and no need to introduce tipping into the equation. If a particular person went way above and beyond on some point - say giving me a ride 30 miles to pick up my car, or staying open an extra two hours some Friday night because I had a car break down trying to come pick up the boat - I might consider slipping them a $20 - but often times I find that the people that will go the extra mile will also not accept the $20 - or their companies even have rules prohibiting the practice. My take: Don't tip 'em. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
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Tom S
I agree with Jim in general
I don't make it a habit. But if one or two "dock hands" are excepionally helpful, a small tip, in their hands is fine. I like to give it to the people that end up doing the most work and make the minimum amount, but deserve the most.
I don't make it a habit. But if one or two "dock hands" are excepionally helpful, a small tip, in their hands is fine. I like to give it to the people that end up doing the most work and make the minimum amount, but deserve the most.
I thought I've heard it all, but tipping, come on
I hope your pulling my leg. Maybe, next time I buy a car I should tip them too. Oh, and how about those realstate agents.... "no, 6% commission is to little, take another 1-2% as a tip". What will they think of next, a dozen roses. John, you wouldn't happen to own a boatyard do you? Please no nasty comments, just trying a little humor... although I do admit my blood pressure when up a little when I first read this. Just my humble opinion. abe
I hope your pulling my leg. Maybe, next time I buy a car I should tip them too. Oh, and how about those realstate agents.... "no, 6% commission is to little, take another 1-2% as a tip". What will they think of next, a dozen roses. John, you wouldn't happen to own a boatyard do you? Please no nasty comments, just trying a little humor... although I do admit my blood pressure when up a little when I first read this. Just my humble opinion. abe
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Jeff
Not so sure
I think that 17 yr. old boy that help load the cradle, backed me in to the lake and then ran over to my slip to help tie me up did deserve a tip. Sure that is his job but it is probably a little over minimum wage job. That kid doesn't get the dock fees or the commissioning fees or the storage. You tip the person that serves you breakfast and lunch at the marina, you tip the bagboy at the local club and all he does is wipe the bad shots off your clubs. Just my thoughts Jeff
I think that 17 yr. old boy that help load the cradle, backed me in to the lake and then ran over to my slip to help tie me up did deserve a tip. Sure that is his job but it is probably a little over minimum wage job. That kid doesn't get the dock fees or the commissioning fees or the storage. You tip the person that serves you breakfast and lunch at the marina, you tip the bagboy at the local club and all he does is wipe the bad shots off your clubs. Just my thoughts Jeff
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Larry
tip the lift operators
I always tip the guys that handle my boat. I don't find it extravagant. But then again I tip the guys at the car wash too. If they know your boat is special to you then it becomes special to them. In this time where everyone thinks that just showing up for works makes them a good employee I find it important to reward the ones that actually take pride in their work.
I always tip the guys that handle my boat. I don't find it extravagant. But then again I tip the guys at the car wash too. If they know your boat is special to you then it becomes special to them. In this time where everyone thinks that just showing up for works makes them a good employee I find it important to reward the ones that actually take pride in their work.
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Pete
tipping
Remember "tipping" is based on a well done job or service. It should be done based on someone doing above and beyond the norm.Poor or below average service does not mandate a tip,average service depends on you and how generous you are.I will tip a good waiter or waitress for example,but on the other hand I will not tip a waiter or waitress who was poor. I do think it is crazy that counter people (think Dunkin Donuts)have "tip cups" and think they should have a tip for pouring a cup of coffee.I think that most of the money in there cup was put there by themselves not customers!(to try and "shame" you into tipping them)Bottom line use common sence.
Remember "tipping" is based on a well done job or service. It should be done based on someone doing above and beyond the norm.Poor or below average service does not mandate a tip,average service depends on you and how generous you are.I will tip a good waiter or waitress for example,but on the other hand I will not tip a waiter or waitress who was poor. I do think it is crazy that counter people (think Dunkin Donuts)have "tip cups" and think they should have a tip for pouring a cup of coffee.I think that most of the money in there cup was put there by themselves not customers!(to try and "shame" you into tipping them)Bottom line use common sence.
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Spencer
It certainly has helped Me!!!
Our Hunter Vision 32 Inspiration and Play arrived on July 1, 2004 from Florida. The Yard manager had assured us that we wuld be in and sailing for July 4th. Little did we know the story that he was telling us. We were certainly in the water with our mast stepped, bt little else. The spring had been dreadful and now everyone wanted to be in that water and boating. We saw meny, many UGLY owners yelling at the yard workers because their boats were not to there satisfaction. We did two things, pleaded nicely, and when it was all done I brought two cases of cold beer for the men. That was the best investment I have ever made. Being nice and acknoledgeing the challenges that these guys face. Demanding owners, long hours and frankly I don't think any of them are making a killing. I read about the demise of the marina becoming condos. That is were the money is made. Making it hard to get to or on the water.
Our Hunter Vision 32 Inspiration and Play arrived on July 1, 2004 from Florida. The Yard manager had assured us that we wuld be in and sailing for July 4th. Little did we know the story that he was telling us. We were certainly in the water with our mast stepped, bt little else. The spring had been dreadful and now everyone wanted to be in that water and boating. We saw meny, many UGLY owners yelling at the yard workers because their boats were not to there satisfaction. We did two things, pleaded nicely, and when it was all done I brought two cases of cold beer for the men. That was the best investment I have ever made. Being nice and acknoledgeing the challenges that these guys face. Demanding owners, long hours and frankly I don't think any of them are making a killing. I read about the demise of the marina becoming condos. That is were the money is made. Making it hard to get to or on the water.
Tipping is simply a way of saying 'Thanks for a...
great job.' Generally, a tip should only be offered to the lowest person on the totem pole, and then only if their work was exceptional or somehow required them to go beyond their normal duties. Anyone who acts as though they are expecting a tip should not be offered one. (those stupid 'tip jars' on the counter at a donut shop or the like show a remarkable lack of class and any manager of such a business who allows one should be replaced) Then again, bringing some cold beer or other such 'treats' for a hardworking crew shows that you appreciate the difficulty of their job and/or the quality of their work and should be encouraged. A client who tried to slip me a fiver on a job site would merely insult me, but handing me a cold beer at the end of the day shows me that you're a cool person whom I'll likely want to work for again in the future. In my line of work, the attitude of the customer can make a big difference in the overall outcome of a project. I've had clients who will barely say 'hello' to you when they come out to the job site, and I've had clients that fixed me and the boys a bar-b-que steak lunch every friday for three months. Who do you think got the 110% job? That's not to say that we would cut corners or do less than excellent work for anyone (gotta show pride in your work no matter what), but if the client shows a good attitude, we'll show them a GREAT attitude and maybe even throw-in a few 'freebies'. It's really just a matter of respect. You show respect for what I'm doing for you and I'll make extra sure that I'm earning it! Jeff
great job.' Generally, a tip should only be offered to the lowest person on the totem pole, and then only if their work was exceptional or somehow required them to go beyond their normal duties. Anyone who acts as though they are expecting a tip should not be offered one. (those stupid 'tip jars' on the counter at a donut shop or the like show a remarkable lack of class and any manager of such a business who allows one should be replaced) Then again, bringing some cold beer or other such 'treats' for a hardworking crew shows that you appreciate the difficulty of their job and/or the quality of their work and should be encouraged. A client who tried to slip me a fiver on a job site would merely insult me, but handing me a cold beer at the end of the day shows me that you're a cool person whom I'll likely want to work for again in the future. In my line of work, the attitude of the customer can make a big difference in the overall outcome of a project. I've had clients who will barely say 'hello' to you when they come out to the job site, and I've had clients that fixed me and the boys a bar-b-que steak lunch every friday for three months. Who do you think got the 110% job? That's not to say that we would cut corners or do less than excellent work for anyone (gotta show pride in your work no matter what), but if the client shows a good attitude, we'll show them a GREAT attitude and maybe even throw-in a few 'freebies'. It's really just a matter of respect. You show respect for what I'm doing for you and I'll make extra sure that I'm earning it! Jeff
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John Richard
I think it's a sound investment
I tipped our guy for the following reasons: 1. I was joined at the hip with him to learn as much as possible. I took notes that have since come in handy to refresh one's increasingly senior moments. I'm sure I got in his way, but that't my nature. 2. I have called him to ask questions on how to do stuff. I brought along a six-pack of Heinaken every Friday. When finished, I shock his hand, told him thanks, and slipped a Ben Franklin in his pocket. He was very grateful. It never hurts to be considerate of others who are trying hard to do good work. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
I tipped our guy for the following reasons: 1. I was joined at the hip with him to learn as much as possible. I took notes that have since come in handy to refresh one's increasingly senior moments. I'm sure I got in his way, but that't my nature. 2. I have called him to ask questions on how to do stuff. I brought along a six-pack of Heinaken every Friday. When finished, I shock his hand, told him thanks, and slipped a Ben Franklin in his pocket. He was very grateful. It never hurts to be considerate of others who are trying hard to do good work. John Richard s/v Jack's Place
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Michael Angier
A Small, But Valuable Investment
This spring, I gave 20 lottery tickets to the yard manager to distibute to his crew. Had never een thought of it before. The look on his face was worth it by itself. My guess is it's a VERY uncommon occurrence--at least at this marina. These guys handle one of my most valuable material possessions and I really appreciate all they do.
This spring, I gave 20 lottery tickets to the yard manager to distibute to his crew. Had never een thought of it before. The look on his face was worth it by itself. My guess is it's a VERY uncommon occurrence--at least at this marina. These guys handle one of my most valuable material possessions and I really appreciate all they do.
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