New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

[dvan1901]

quick question; I am taking delivery of a boat this week. My question is, they are delivering the boat "free" meaning I didn't have to pay for delivery; should I tip the delivery driver? If so, what would you think would be appropriate?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

That's entirely up to you. You did not get "free" delivery. It was built into the purchase price. The person(s) making the delivery are very likely paid on an hourly basis so I would see no reason to tip them -- they are paid to do their job unlike other personal service jobs that rely on tips as part of their salary.

 

[Mike722]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

I will tip people like that if they have to bring it out on a Sunday or after normal working hours. As an example I purchased a boat lift from a company that is not normally open on Saturdays. I could only pick it up on a Saturday, so I gave the guy who had to come load me something extra for himself. Yes he was being paid an hourly rate, but who wants to go to work on a weekend that you were hoping to get to the lake early.

 

[dvan1901]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

I agree with you guys, he is getting paid, either hourly or for the job and isn't delivering out of normal business hours.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

Well,I would at least give the guy a 20 and tell him lunch is on me.I doubt he is making any big money hauling boats around.
A good deed may give the new boat good luck..

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

He's paid to do it, as others have suggested. But do what makes you feel right...

 

[rob711]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

i'd give him 20...unless hes a real douche!!! then tell him not to stare at the sun!!!..other wise like its been said i'm sure he's not making much..and u never know, he could be the guy to help u out of a jam down the road

 

[thunderroad]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

I agree with Gary and Rob. If he's a pleasant guy, slip him a 20. It may pay dividends later. Even if it doesn't, you'll feel better about doing it.
If he's a jerk, make yourself thank him but keep the Jackson.

 

[kyle f]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

I think it depedns a lot on the service as well. If hes a nice guy, brings you a clean boat, ask where you would like it, puts it their then disconects it for you, chalks your trailer, etc. Then handing him $10 or $20 for a Extra Value meal or two is a nice gesture.

I tend to tip people based on quality of service and attitude. If all he does is come to you house, back the boat in the drive way, dissconnects, chalks the trailer and says "There ya go"... screw it.

 

[Hashi]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

I agree with Kyle. If he goes out of his way to make sure everything is done to your complete satisfaction, then I don't mind slipping him an extra $20 to buy his next meal and a couple of beers.

It's also dependent on the condition it's in when they deliver it. If its really dirty i.e., from hitting a pothole with mud in it, then you'll have to wash it off that may be hiding some scratches or scuff marks. That's your time and your time's not cheap.

 

[country_bumpkin]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

In my prior life, I was on the other end of tip alot. I drove a moving van. Tips not only helped out, they told me that I was doing a good job.

Nowadays, I'm on the tipping end, and I remember the times when a 20 made my day. Unfortunately I use a debit card for EVERTHING! Rare that I have any cash in my pocket. I'm embarassed when the hourly guys bring out the new plasma and load it into my truck, or the guys in the mulch pit at home depot load up 20 bags in 100 degree temp, and I just say thanks.

 

[amynbill]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

I tip anyone who ever does anything at my home. Especially delivery and service people. For just small things, a small tip, if they go out of their way or do an exceptionally good job, then a larger tip.

As well, offering a drink.

Good karma.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

I guess it's a personal thing. I'm a tipper. I used to be a motorcycle mechanic. Sure, I got paid hourly, but not much. Not complaining, but thats just how it was. Some folks tipped. Some folks didn't.

Guess who always got a free detail with their oil change, and the best deals on parts? Guess who were always the first to test ride the new models when they came out (which is huge in the Harley world). Everyone was treated fairly, but some folks were treated EXTRA fairly. And we're not even talking big tips. Some people just brought in donuts for the shop when they dropped their bike off.

So, yeah, I'm a tipper. I don't see it as a tip so much as an investment in future service. But, it's personal.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

Just an idea!!!!!!!! CHECK the boat over BEFORE the delivery driver drives off !!!!! Look for scratches, etc. IF any are found, add a note to the delivery ticket, if NO ticket is presented, get a piece of paper, note, date, time, condition, and location of the problem. Get the delivery guy to witness the problem. If you have a digital camera, take a picture. BE SURE, to leave the function on that adds the date to the picture, in the ecent of a problem !!!!! (Just my $0.02 worth)

I GOOFED UP !!!!!!!!! I didn't notice the date of the original post !!!!!!!! Sorry!!!!!!!!!

 

[cordell]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

I work for Dish Network installing satellite systems. We work 365 days a year, yes Christmas too. I find that people that dont have much are the ones who tip. The rich NEVER tip! Kind of backwards dont ya think, lol. Anyway my point is yes that guy will be paid by the hour though he is living paycheck to paycheck busting his ares to put food on the table delivering boats and has a rubber raft in the backyard. A tip is the highlight of his day, give $20 for standard but if he goes out of his way to help with a more difficult delivery the tip should reflect that. If is wasnt for my luck on Craigslist I myself would not have my Glaspar but still be riding a 12ft with a 1960 9.5 rude grandpa gave me. These people of the lower middle class bust their arses and most of the time it goes unnoticed! Not sure if I answered your question but I feel a little better about my job, lmao.

cordell

^^^^^^
^^^^^^
^^^^^^
I DID THE SAME 2007 LOL MY BAD!!!!!!!!!!!! :]

 

[tommays]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

Having worked in TWO boatyards when i was young the FIRST thing you were told was to NOT take tips as most people felt they should be treated better than others after giving you one


When everybody has given you a tip and then exects better treatment it just cause FUBAR at the dock

 

[ovrrdrive]

Re: New boat delivery - tip, no tip?

When I pay for a service (believe me, you're paying) and the service is done the way I expected it to be done I don't tip. As mentioned if he goes out of his way to impress me or make my day I'll toss him a bone, but if the boat is supposed to be delivered and he delivers it, I just got what I paid for.

Food service is of course different, but with what we pay for these boats and the things they should be throwing in for free that they don't (a coast guard kit that I just paid $150 for with my new boat comes to mind) I don't usually hand out any more than I have to. Drinks are always in order, but cash is not.