Tipping don't get me started! I despise the whole tipping scene. I don't mind tipping to show appreciation, but appreciation should be voluntary - not solicited, suggested, added to the bill, or a subsitution for wages. Years ago, I worked in service jobs - fast food and a truck stop; While at the truck stop, I did many small requests and never asked for a tip, nor expected one. Occassionaly, I would get a tip, but that was always an unexpected bonus. I always tried to do any small requests - not to have an angry truck driver was enough of a bonus for me.

Let me share with you a time when I gave a tip that is true to what I feel is the meaning of a tip...

When it comes to mechanics, I am horrible - probably the only person to crack an engine block while changing oil - yes it really happened to me! So, when my alternator on my VW went bad, I figured I could replace my alternator myself. Returning from the parts store with a replacement alternator, I proceeded - but wouldn't you know it - one bolt to go and nothing but a inverted socket wrench is going to budge it (not a common tool). I walked down the street to the nearest auto shop and explained my situation. The mechanic working agreed to loan his socket if I would leave a deposit to cover its value - $40. He also gave me some advice - site unseen, he told me that the alternator was probably ok, but a small piece(regulator or solonoid - I forget) was likely the problem. After replacing my the alternator, I returned the tool and gladly gave the mechanic $5 to show my appreciation for loaning me the tool. However, I did indeed discover that my $300 alternator was fine afterall, only the $20 part was bad. Now, when a mechanic knows whats wrong without ever seeing the car, that must be someone who knows what they are doing. From that point on, I gave all of my business to the mechanic, also the owner (small shop at the time). Over the next 5 years, I probably have spent $5000 - $8000 on repairs(including an accident).

So, initially I gave a $5 tip for a small effort, but I ended up giving all of my business because in only a few minutes, he demonstrated that he new cars and he was the kind of person that treated people fairly. I have never seen a tip jar at his shop. A good mechanic is hard to find! BTW - his business has gone from a 1 or 2-bay to a 12-bay garage - and still growing. (If you live in Atlanta and need a good mechanic, the repair shop number is 770-804-8200)