Do you tip your paint and body guy?

[Caddy Dad]

I found a local shop to do the body work and paint on my Mk IV. Over the past 6 months I would stop by on a regular basis and check on progress. I couldn't believe how much grinding, filling and sanding was involved just to get the car ready for primer. Now, the car is almost done, just finishing up polishing it this week and I should have it back home soon. The car looks fantastic and I'll be sharing photos when complete. These guys are perfectionists and the results speak for themselves. But they also charge accordingly. So I'm thinking of showing my appreciation to the body guy and paint guy for all their hard work. Has anyone else done this or am I just being too generous? I mean the shop charged me a LOT, but they also did a lot of work so I think it was money well spent.

Thoughts?

[Jeff Kleiner]

I've been tipped as much as 4 figures and been told that I don't charge enough. I've also often done additional work unrelated to body & paint which I didn't bill for.

Jeff

[skidd]

I did my own paint and body work.. so.. I tipped myself in the form of "don't do that ever again" :D

I did however, tip my "voice of reason" (he knows who he is) ... a bottle of
https://www.paulsdc.com/images/sites/paulsdc/labels/glenlivet-18-year-single-malt-scotch-speyside_1.jpg

[NiceGuyEddie]

Yes, $50 and lunch for Jose, Da Bat's helper (2005) per Da Bat's suggestion (I think.)

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Do what you feel the most comfortable with. Some painters do all the work themselves but bigger shops may have a number of guys who do different functions work on the car....Will you tip the workers or the owner? If you tip the workers how do you determine who did what or do they all get the same share regardless of their contribution to the finished car?

Mine was done by a big shop was reasonably expensive & I did not tip.

[narly1]

In my book a deal is a deal. You agree to a price for the job and the guy does it for that.

Based on that premise anything else you offer up after the fact as a tip should be unexpected gravy to him.

So then the tip becomes a matter of expressing appreciation. It's a gift so to speak and with gifts it's the thought that counts.

You should do what you feel is right for you. Nothing more or less.

Earl

[ggunter]

I just finished the body work on my car and I shot the sealer on it and I have a guy to shoot it next week. He does warranty paint work for Harley Davidson and does custom painting as well and Iv'e seen his work over the years. He is shooting it because my home made paint booth (aka wedding tent from amazon that I put intake and exhaust fans with filters) isn't large enought to get the body and all the periferal parts in to shoot at one time because it's pearl paint. But I have mucho respect for the body guys who can do this day after day and deal with all the dust and sanding and time it takes to do these cars. Everytime I shot a coat of sealer I would find another pin hole. I'm so sick of sanding.This past Saturday I found a crack on the body up where the door closes. Got behind it and ground it out only to find an air bubble void with no fiberglass in it. So add another couple hours to grind out glass up and rework the area and seal it. My hats off to the Jeffs of our world for turning out such beautiful work. If my guy does a good job on my car I will tip him handily and I told him thaat up fron hopefully as an incentive. I'll post when it's done.

[phileas_fogg]

Yes, $50 and lunch for Jose, Da Bat's helper (2005) per Da Bat's suggestion (I think.)

Not every boss considers his co-workers. My esteem for Mr. Miller just went up a few notches. Don't get me wrong...I've heard enough stories that it's still in the gutter... :p


John

[GoDadGo]

Yep! $200.00

[rich grsc]

My painter got some fine craft beer, and breakfast. Although the breakfast may have been moot, as I did stay at his place.

[Fman]

I gave all my spare parts to my painter (Simpson belts, carpet kit, FFR cooling fan, mirrors, vintage steering wheel, switches, etc...). Probably a few hundred dollars worth of parts. He is restoring a Mk3 right now and could use all the parts on his build. Body and paint guys earn there money and the final product from a piece of red gel coat fiberglass is impressive. I am sure they appreciate anything extra you are willing to send there way.

[Jeff Kleiner]

My painter got some fine craft beer, and breakfast. Although the breakfast may have been moot, as I did stay at his place.

AND...drank half of the beer! But even with that you’re still the only customer who has ever been invited to stay and participate in the final assembly :)

Jeff

[egchewy79]

Are we sure one of the paint guys didn't open up a burner account and start this thread? ;)
Honestly, what I've seen from some of the paint guys on this forum have been nothing short of an art masterpiece. They definitely earn every penny they charge. Can't wait for my turn to have a cobra DaVinci put his finishing touches on my project.

[j.miller]

Not every boss considers his co-workers. My esteem for Mr. Miller just went up a few notches. Don't get me wrong...I've heard enough stories that it's still in the gutter... :p


John

I've worked hard to get my "gutter" reputation and intend to keep it thank you very much ! We never expect a tip, it's just what we do. I do really like it when the guys get tipped but for myself I prefer not (as I get older it just take so much more effort to get back up).... "Painter Tipping".....when did that become a thing. ...da Bat

[rich grsc]

AND...drank half of the beer! But even with that you’re still the only customer who has ever been invited to stay and participate in the final assembly :)

Jeff
Wow, is that really true, I'm honored. But I think you were drinking like two to my one, in fact I know it. :rolleyes:


I've worked hard to get my "gutter" reputation and intend to keep it thank you very much ! We never expect a tip, it's just what we do. I do really like it when the guys get tipped but for myself I prefer not (as I get older it just take so much more effort to get back up).... "Painter Tipping".....when did that become a thing. ...da Bat
Thats a good one, but I always thought the rum was the cause.:eek::p

[Railroad]

AND...drank half of the beer! But even with that you’re still the only customer who has ever been invited to stay and participate in the final assembly :)

Jeff

Locally they will not let patrons out on extended furlough, work release or parole without a high bond, unusual.