How much to tip car detailer Reddit

I'm not a detailer, just a casual observer but for me personally it would be based on a few variables:

How much and how deep a detail did you buy?

Is it a brick and mortar company with more than a few employees making it confusing to tip the person who did the actual work? Or is it one or two guys who do mobile detailing?

Ultimately it's a very personal feeling service. A good detail to me would get up into nooks and crannies. I'd take a look around the vehicle and focus on hot spots you pointed out or were concerned about. As someone who enjoys the feel of an immaculate vehicle it can really enhance your mood by getting a fresh detail.

If they did a good job and or they fixed eyesores I wouldn't hesitate to tip. Especially if I knew I was hanging the tip to was the one who put in the elbow grease. A brick and mortar company where I pay a cashier? Less likely.

To me, it's almost like getting a massage.

Interesting! I'll be honest, the thought of a tip didn't even cross my mind when I picked up my car from you. I guess it's just not one of those industries where I expected that to be a thing and it was my first time ever having a professional detail done. ('16 WRB WRX a month ago or so)

That said, I did give a couple cards out so far :) If I remember, next time I'll come back a bit early and bring some pizza or something haha

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r/AutoDetailing

Posted by6 years ago

Archived

Thought I'd take it here. Getting car detailed by someone who works for themself. They perform the work, in thier garage, with thier own tools and cleaners, ect. Do I tip in addition to the cost of service? My though is no, unless they are doing the work but don't own and operate the business. r/autodetailing, what's customary?

E: thanks all, I'll bring a little extra do re mi

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level 1

· 6 yr. ago · edited 6 yr. agoGlossworks Mobile Detailing - Nashville TN

I run a mobile business (one man operation) and occasionally I get tipped(usually $5-$20). It is certainly NOT expected, but it makes you feel you did better than they expected or anticipated when they tip you.

I mean, its your money, do whatever you want with it. No real detailer should expect a tip.

level 2

I like the idea that tipping is a gesture to say, hey, this is exception work. Perhaps ill go prepared to tip based on workmanship alone, independent of anything else.

level 1

Tips aren't expected but always appreciated.

level 1

· 6 yr. agoR5 Detailing - Nederland, TX

look over the work he's done. if you think it's met your expectation or over. tip is always nice

level 1

I run a detail business with multiple washers. At this point it is rare that I personally clean a customer vehicle so I understand where you're coming from. If I greet/meet a customer post-wash and they offer to tip me I politely say no thank you and tell them that if they love the end result they should tip the detailer who did the work.

With that said, we factor a built in tip into our price since the detailer and customer aren't always able to be in contact.

level 1

· 6 yr. agoMO Detailing - SE PA to MD

Its like any services outside of the restaurant industry its entirely up to you. Like others say we don't expect it but its always nice. I've gotten anywhere from 5-50 and I would say it happens about 20% of the time.

level 1

Tips are not expected but appreciated. Got no tips from a job and got $50 tip from another.

level 2

I agree. Tipping is a good gesture to show appreciation for quality work and car put into vehicle. The detailer was very appreciative of the tip.

level 1

So what you're saying is, you'll tip for the service if he doesn't own the business, but for the same service you won't tip because he owns the business?

level 2

I feel like there is a distinction, yes. One is providing a service, one is operating a business. The post isn't intended to cause distention. There isn't a tipping handbook. It's very subjective, individual, and often personal . Just seeing what the consensus says in case there is a flaw in my logic and so that I am being polite, prepared, and paving the way for a good relationship. I have come across many instances where it would be very innapropriate and if not insulting to offer a tip. I feel like tipping a business owner might be one of those instances.

How much should you tip a car detailer?

Are you supposed to tip a car detailer?

Do you tip auto detailers Reddit?

Do you tip a mobile car detailer?