Discussions

Do folks usually tip mechanics let's say if I get tires put on & the vehicle is on the hoist & I ask him to look at the exhaust system for problems would that be with a tip ? or is he not suppose to do the extra ?

Its not customary they are trained to do at least a minimal inspection, most shops perform a thorough inspection for your safety, and to find more work for the shop, if your car was on the hoist he would have done at the very least a visual inspection looking for problems and potential safety hazards.

people might consider it " up-selling " for the tech to find something else to mention to the customer. I would call it looking out for potential problems. It's a good thing for them to do. IMHO

I think it's like any other service in the way that you get what you pay for. Most mechanics do a great job already, but a tip will get you those "little extras". I say tip as much as possible and when ever possible.

Tipping isn't meant for getting preferential treatment. If you're doing it for that reason then you are trying to bypass the business-client relationship by establishing a relationship with the employee, which the business does not want. A business wants their employees to priorities the clients the business values, not the ones that are giving the employee extra money on the side.  
 
A tip is a thanks and a way to show your appreciation, and you shouldn't expect expect future benefits from it.

What about employees that do great customer service but there is no change of money involved? Aren't they just as deserving of a tip? Why should a waiter/waitress be tipped, but not a receptionist, store clerk or a nurse?  
 
Why should anyone in Canada get a tip for doing their job? If you do a good job, there is more chance of advancement or pay increases. If you do a poor job, you could be let go, receive less for pay increases, or fewer hours. Tipping in the USA was started for wait staff that weren't paid minimum wage. That is not the case in Canada as everyone should be paid at least minimum wage for their job.  
 
I have quit tipping. It is no reflection on how well they did their job.

Tip if you want to tip. Don't if you don't want to tip. There are no rules dictating tipping for any service profession. If you feel the person changing tires did such an exemplary job doing it that you want to throw a few extra bucks in. Go to town.