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great2bahokie
Joined: 01/05/2001
Posts: 30,438
Likes: 8,046
great2bahokie
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Interesting perspective on tipping for home repair service

I have a large generator that needed repair (carburetor) and I hired a local small enginge repair guy to come to the house to get it running again. I tipped him 20% on top of the repair invoice, as I thought that was the standard. My neighbor...the same guy who has a team at his place to take a large tree down...was questioning me about the generator repair. When he asked about cost, I gave him the repair number and my tip. He thought I was nuts for tipping the guy. His rationale was that the guy owns his own business and he plugs his profit into the repair fee and that's enough. I understand that he builds profit into his rate, but are we no longer tipping for service visits? Especially those that go well?
Posted: 03/05/2026 at 12:15 PM ET

Thread Replies (29)

Full Thread →
Interesting perspective on tipping for home repair service ◄
great2bahokie • 03/05/26 12:15 PM ET
I once offered the Door Dash girl a tip and she refused
VaTechie • 03/05/26 08:41 PM ET
One consideration. Tips are now not taxable. Ofc how many have actually
DonHo-kieHi • 03/05/26 08:20 PM ET
…Tip: Shut off the fuel valve and let the engine keep running
chumley • 03/05/26 08:13 PM ET
This...and changing the type of fuel I use. **
great2bahokie • 03/06/26 08:19 AM ET
I helped my neighbor with his generator by replacing the carburetor...
EDGEMAN • 03/05/26 05:12 PM ET
Your neighbor is technically right on the etiquette; you don't have to tip
VTVOICE • 03/05/26 04:15 PM ET
Depends, I think tipping the girl a Pappa Johns when I pick up the pizza
section11hokie • 03/05/26 03:43 PM ET
Tips depend on the hotness of the girl.**
EDGEMAN • 03/05/26 05:14 PM ET
That is ridiculous.**
great2bahokie • 03/05/26 03:54 PM ET
I tell you whay is ridiculous, a freind of mine was out with his wife and
section11hokie • 03/05/26 04:14 PM ET
This is satire, right?
MP4VT2004 • 03/05/26 07:13 PM ET
I wish it was satire.**
section11hokie • 03/09/26 11:31 AM ET
Wow, that is truly incredible.**
MP4VT2004 • 03/09/26 12:27 PM ET
"Here's my offer. Nothing!"**
TomTurkey • 03/05/26 04:45 PM ET
WTH...!?!?!?!?!?!
great2bahokie • 03/05/26 04:17 PM ET
Thoughts on tipping appliance delivery?**
DoYouLiftHokies • 03/05/26 03:32 PM ET
Just went through that. Didn't tip.
great2bahokie • 03/05/26 03:53 PM ET
Not routinely, especially for something like that.
No Clue • 03/05/26 02:50 PM ET
Its really up to you- but here is the thing, for a specialized service like
PWR2LZ • 03/05/26 02:07 PM ET
I usually tip 5-10 dollars and say have a beer on me. Found I get a better
Hokies81 • 03/05/26 01:54 PM ET
Exactly!**
PWR2LZ • 03/05/26 02:07 PM ET
I generally do not tip HVAC, Electrical or Plumbing guys. They got a
jdkhokie • 03/05/26 01:30 PM ET
I never knew that was a thing. I tip movers and I tip my house cleaners at
vt90 • 03/05/26 01:15 PM ET
The whole concept of tipping just needs to go the [bleep] away.
Freddyburg Hokie • 03/05/26 12:49 PM ET
Those same businesses whine and cry about not being able to find help.
reestuart • 03/05/26 12:52 PM ET
Never ever thought of tipping in that situation. I don't tip my trash man
HokieGator • 03/05/26 12:48 PM ET
The general rule of thumb I've always heard is that you don't tip the owner**
Nova Hokie 95 • 03/05/26 12:27 PM ET
The guy who was here is the owner. Oh well...**
great2bahokie • 03/05/26 12:29 PM ET
I still tip for good service, regardless of the circumstances.
Hokiel • 03/05/26 12:24 PM ET