This question might be subjective but just wanted to know how you guys generally handled paying autobody guys

I was quoted $700 to paint install a front bumper and sides

is it customary to tip them on top of this price quote?

Do you guys do the regular 15%? Which would make it another $100

Just wondering haha, thanks

 

umm, no. theyre making their "tip" by including it in the quote. if it was someone doing it on the side for half the price, then yes.

 

I agree. They are quoting a job based on the time they think it will take and the profit they want to make on it, so that the company makes money and to make payroll for the painter/installer. The guy at the shop will make his hourly wage and whether he is painting and installing your bumper or buffing out scratches on someone's Buick, his hourly pay is what it is.

Where I think it diverges a bit is if the guy somehow goes above and beyond what the contract says he is supposed to do....for instance, let's say he paints and installs your bumper and side skirts and does a good job (i.e. does the job that was quoted at $700.00), but in the process he also decided to touch up a few rock chips that you had along the front edge of your hood or front fenders, but doesn't charge you extra for it. That's when maybe you throw the guy an extra $40 or so to show your appreciation, and in return he won't forget you and then you've developed a "guy", like "yeah I got some paint scratches but my guy will take care of it". I know this is a pretty unlikely situation but I'm just saying that if it were to happen, that's when I would be inclined to tip.

 

If your feel they are treating you right send a pizza or 2 down to the shop...
Everyone will appreciate it more than the one guy you slip some extra cash to

 

^ Awesome advice, and then they will remember you every time you bring your car back everyone will take extra care, the guy who moves it, everyone who drives it, everyone who is just generally around it and passing by it taking care not to rub against it or scratch it, not just that one tech. When you leave it with them, you leave it in their care to treat it how they please, you don't get to supervise and you would want them to treat it how you do.

 

Good idea, I like that.

 

good call with the pizzas, maybe donuts if its an am drop off!

 

but you know what would be the funniest of all? if you dropped your car off early am with a box of donuts, sent pizzas for lunch and slipped the worker 40 bucks to take "good care" of your car and they still did a shiddy job!

 

they already rape you on their hourly labor rates. tips, imo, are for those who provide exceptional service but do not get compensated enough from their employers. many disagree with this and tip anywhere they receive good service.

I personally wouldn't do it.

 

thats a great idea, food makes people happy. if i ever take my car to a shop i think im gonna do that

 

That is similar to paying to get raped....

Ont hat note here is a question. If you force a hooker to have sex with you and then don't pay her, is it rape....or shoplifting?

 

 

I think the pizza (or donuts) should come after the job is done and you're satisfied with the work. Up to that point I think just being a nice guy is sufficient.

 

i work in a bodyshop and what i would do is when your dropping car off ask the whos working on your car.go over and shoot the shiit with the guys and let them know if your happy with the work you will take care of them.your already thinking of doing something to say thanks ,so let them know before hand so they know up front if your happy they will be happy.

 

ok i see

so the general consensus is, tippin is not necessary

but if exceptional job is done, slipping a little bit extra money or other kinda of benefits i.e. food, drinks etc is sufficient?

 

Ive been working in body shops for 9 years. We get food all the time for happy customers. I even got a $25 gift card to Texas road house last month.

 

^^so you guys dont get money tips?

ok then, no money tip it is

if paint comes out good ill treat them to something haha