[och]

When I service my car at a local repair shop, I always tip the technician that performs the work. But at the dealership I dont actually interact with the technician at all, they just take my car and I only interact with the service advisor. Is it a common practice to tip the service advisor or there is generally no tipping at the dealership?

[bimmerfile]

I always leave my spare change (approx $30 in loonies and toonies) in my cup holder, so they can help themselves.

[och]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

I always leave my spare change (approx $30 in loonies and toonies) in my cup holder, so they can help themselves.

Lol do they actually take it?

Years ago, I had one of my old cars broken into on two separate occasions - they look a bunch od stuff including my audio setup and even my old ice skates from the trunk, but didnt touch the ashtray that was filled with quarters.

[overcoil]

It's nice to show gratitude
I ask to see tech for the purpose of...and the service writer always seems delighted to oblige.
Or ask the service writer to hand to tech

[DanG]

I've never heard of tipping at a BMW dealership. I've owned BMWs for over 40 years and I don't think I have ever been introduced to the tech that worked on my car.

[Sportstick]

I don't tip per visit but every year end season, I send the service department a large gift basket. They love it and several from the SA to Shop Foreman express appreciation. Seems more personal and builds a good relationship!

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by DanG

I've never heard of tipping at a BMW dealership. I've owned BMWs for over 40 years and I don't think I have ever been introduced to the tech that worked on my car.

Same here...I would never tip a professional auto technician. They are well paid professionals not minimum wage wait staff. I think I would be insulted if I was a professional and somebody tipped me.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

Same here...I would never tip a professional auto technician. They are well paid professionals not minimum wage wait staff. I think I would be insulted if I was a professional and somebody tipped me.

I always think the techs think the car owners take the garage work for granted. Some of the work can be dangerous and complicated - to offer a tip to get lunch or to buy some tools when the 'tool trucks' drive by always seemed liked a nice jester.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

I will tip the kids who wash the cars and when deserved give outstanding ratings for service.

Even more important is leaving quotes on the surveys.

[NVHoo]

Henderson Audi in NV is the worst dealer service organization I have ever experienced in my life. Totally incompetent.

[zkeeper]

I have a great dealer and service...in fact many are friends...so tipping would be out as it would exclude someone for sure.

I take in a couple doz. KrispyKreme about 2-3 times a year...especially at holidays--usually on a Tuesday so it brightens the week a bit--or on a Friday when things get weary. They love it...writers, techs and parts.

Once when the work was really needed on a problem, and they would not let it go till solved, at no cost, I brought in 5 large pizzas. They appreciated it. BUT then I have a dealership relationship that is top notch and they give us great service.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by och

Lol do they actually take it?

Years ago, I had one of my old cars broken into on two separate occasions - they look a bunch od stuff including my audio setup and even my old ice skates from the trunk, but didnt touch the ashtray that was filled with quarters.

I've had ragtops for more than 25 years (2 Camaros, Firebird, Z4, 128i, 228i & M235i).
I always had change in the cupholders, doors were always left unlocked with the top-down when parked in the summer (restaurants, shopping centers, etc). Never had a dime taken from the cupholders in all those years.. $30 in change is cheaper than a broken side window or a sliced softop, n'est pas?

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by sstarrx3

I think I would be insulted if I was a professional and somebody tipped me.

Not sure about that. I work as a lawyer, and occasionally I've had clients who have added a tip onto the bill for a job well done. I'm not insulted at all. A little extra money is always nice.

[huma]

All they did was an oil change on my maintenance trip. Not sure if that constitutes a tip.

Tbh, I would've rather purchased the oil/filter and changed it at home in under 30 minutes. Save me the 35 minute trip back and forth, and the 1.5 hour wait for them to do it.

[BEM-S4]

Always work with the same service advisor, gift at the holidays bottle of something. When one of the guys does me a favor I leave a case of beer in the trunk of the loaner.

[merlin3008]

When I had my Audi S4, I did a few mods that Audi probably wouldn't have smiled upon in terms of my CPO warranty. Every time I brought my car in I would leave one 12 pack of beer marked "Steve" for my service adviser and one marked "tech" for whoever worked on the car in the back. They appreciated it.

[sstarrx3]

Originally Posted by MikeT

Not sure about that. I work as a lawyer, and occasionally I've had clients who have added a tip onto the bill for a job well done. I'm not insulted at all. A little extra money is always nice.

OK...that is a little different. I do not know what type of lawyerr you are...but if your job was to get me money and you got me allot more than I was expecting...then yeah I can see an extra thank you may be warranted. If you are a trial lawyer and kept my gulilty ass out of prison....then yeah....I little sumpin may be in order!

[uberspeed]

I usually get my SA a gift card to Dunkin Donuts as he expressed this was his preference. That along with high marks on the survey should cover it.

[pz619]

Only when I'm wearing my top hat, cane, and monocle. Honestly these are well paid professionals. I might gift something if there is exceptional and beyond duty service, but otherwise they get a survey and gratitude for a job well done.

[doccyber]

I have never tipped anyone at the dealership. They charge more than enough, so great service is what I expect.

Does anyone tip their doctor??

[snaketh]

No I don't tip either. I tip waiters, delivery guys, and parking attendants (begrudgingly; I'd rather park and retrieve the car myself). I don't particularly like the tipping culture because it's so inconsistent and unfair.

My dealership, experiences have been average at best. They would have to do something exceptional to warrant a tip.

[Kiwi]

I live in a country who don't tip as they all receive full wages with overtime and 4 weeks holiday minimum.

If service is excellent a gift of a few beers or a bottle of wine or flowers is better than money as some thought has gone into the gift, We also say please and thank you which seems to be missing we notice in America. We also notice some are outright rude to staff and if this happened in my country they would be asked to leave or apologise to the stuff member they were rude to.