+1. Actually, I have tipped before, for example: when getting a small item adjusted (off the clock, or not part of ticket). A while back I had a problem with soot building up on my rear bumper cover. I took my car to another dealership to get it looked at (friend's recommendation). A guy busted out an orbital with some solvent, and fixed in 10 minutes, while my wife and I just stood there in amazement. Gave the guy $40, and took his card for future detailing.

But I won't tip for them doing exactly what I just paid them $100/hr to do.

 

I have gone as far as routinely feeding and buying drinks for my service writer who is also a VAG master tech. When he and his fiancee broke up I let him live at my house for a year RENT FREE, while he was constantly attacking my liquor cabinet and leaving messes everywhere. He usually gets me a nice loaner and cuts me deals on prices and lets me work with him after hours. He is my brother, so I guess that's a little different.

 

I was wondering where in the hell this story was going...

Starting reading it - Hey... wait a minute... this sounds like more than just a service writer at some point. Rent free for a year?

Well told.

 

Agree.

 

There was an interesting freakeconmics podcast on tipping. http://www.freakonomics.com/2013/06/...radio-podcast/

Consider your motivations with regard to tipping a Porsche mechanic and service advisor. Are you concerned that your vehicle will not receive proper care unless you pay extra? do you believe that these folks are not adequately compensated? Are you feeling guilty that you can afford this car?

In the podcast a professor from the hotel school at Cornell discusses tip differences He discovered that blonde big breasted slim women receive larger tips. I'm not kidding. His research data show this. Others, do not regardless of the quality of service.

I agree with his conclusion, that it may be best to add a service charge and appropriately pay the workers. I suppose the only alternative is for Porsche to hire slim blonde big breasted tech and service writers

 

I've never heard of anything so ridiculous as tipping a service advisor!

Do they spit in your oil if you don't tip - like when you come in for the next service?

 

Once it's out of warranty I never see the dealers shop again. I do everything myself.
That's my top tip!

 

I do all my own service, so no opinion there.

However, when I am in one of the " Nice " cars, I tip 40-50 dollars to the valet. I know all of them, and let them park the car for me. It is at the entrance and parked before I am in the resturant.

Its kinda ****ty, but I love the fact that when I come out and there is a line, my car is pulled first.

Mike

 

I feel like a piker because I've only given a $20 here in Miami. But then, I don't go to hotspots like South Beach where expensive exotics are as common as dirt. I have never tipped a service writer and don't anticipate ever doing so. Valets, however, have a reputation and I'd rather curry favor with them since they live on tips. Mechanics at dealerships get paid decent wages and don't rely on tips.

 

I used to tip $20 per visit, but I felt it wasn't really appreciated... more like expected. And then it was a time to "treat" me, my adviser either didn't remember that I was a tipper (not like you get to visit your dealer very often), or just didn't care.......

I'm probably not going to tip unless I feel like I got a brake for something, or my adviser went an extra mile....

 

Completely agree. Out of control. They're getting paid well either way for that job. Should I be tipping $80 on a $400 oil-change/service?? I dont think so

They shouldnt get tipped, they should be more happy with a perfect survey score (if they indeed deserved it).

 

Fuuucck some of the service advisors, at least the ones I've dealt with in the past. They're just monkeys with a pen and a clip board. I now work with a guy who is straight up in your face and take it like it is and no bulls and no rants. Brought the car in for an oil change and he turn me away because it was not necessary.

 

I do - an occasional $20 bill as appreciation for a job well done or when they go out of their way to help me out. Sometimes I bring in breakfast tacos for the crew. I always get outstanding service and zero hassle with loaner cars, even on super short notice. I have also been given several repairs at cost for parts and no labor. To me it's worth it.

As far as valets - they will never touch any of my cars if I can help it. I don't care how they get paid or who they are, I am not handing over the keys to my car to some hooligan so I can worry about it while I'm supposed to be enjoying myself. If a valet told me it was $200 to park up front myself but I had to give him the keys, I'd tell him to go f*** himself.

 

I do only if it is a "high maintenance" or picky request of mine and they still do it with a smile on their face or if they go above and beyond my expectations on any other basis. $20 typically.