Tipping at the gas dock
 

Is there any rule of thumb for tipping the attendant at the fuel dock? I joined the American Boat Club this year and must return the boat with full fuel every time. I generally use between $30 and $60 at each fill up and will tip $5 each time, regardless of the total.
Am I undertipping? Overtipping? Do you tip?

It depands on what I have
 

I do not have a rule... It all depends on how much cash i have left over.
If i fill the boat, $300-$400 I give about $20
If i fill the jet ski, $35-$45 I give about $5

Tipping
 

If the gas dock attendance is careful and pays attention to not spiiling the gas from a full tank then he/she is worth $10.

If the person is not paying attention and gas spills, he/she was not doing the job. No tips.

I agree with BroadHopper.......one kid ran to help us dock,stood by with a rag in case of a spill which= a good tip.
Another time the kid did nothing but hand us the hose while he was busy texting=no tip

Worked at a gas dock on the lake for years... Never got tipped.
Theses days the attendants are making 7-10 an hour,why would you tip?? It's their job. They aren't waiting on tables here.....

Interesting perspective. I usually pay with a credit card (points) so if I have cash on me I give a couple dollars.

It seems i fall into the majority as well --

When I fill up (usually $120 -$180) If the attendant is good I will Tip a $5 bill.

If the attendant is concerned with other things other than the job at hand -- Nadaa

If I can afford a $200 fill-up, then I can afford $10 for the attendant who does a good job. I could rationalize not tipping, but that is not my choice. Which makes the point, tipping is optional,not expected in this case, but always appreciated.

A few years ago at Y landing, someone refused a tip saying it was part of his job.
He was sincere and I suggested he share with co-workers.

Tips
 

I tip between $5 and $10 based on a variety of factors, at least partly on what cash I happen to have in my wallet at the time.

I am lucking that I have a 35 gallon gas caddy with a pump so therefore do not get my gas at a marina. I'm wondering where the tipping comes in. Do any of you remember when the gas station attendant came out washed you windshield and checked under the hood, if so did you or you dad tip the man. Mine never did and when I pumped gas for an afternoon and night part time job I NEVER got a tip. So what is the difference except for the occasional help tie up and a rag to clean up their mess, we did a lot more than that and our pay was way less I'm sure.
This is no way any type of a complaint, but just wondering the reason how it would have gotten started in the first place.:)

http://i54.tinypic.com/2e56yqf.gif

just the boat
 

If you get your car filled up at a service station, (yes, there are still some around) do you tip that person?

Good Question RLW

But back to the topic, I look at most of these kids as early years college students taking the initiative to WORK for their spending money.

If the attendant is courteous, engaging and seems to care & hustle ... $5 -$10 is not a bad encouragement.

Just beware, i believe some Marina's "Pool" tips !!

RLW -- But I do get your honest question. I too can remeber the gas station attendant pumping gas, washing the windshield and at least asking if you wanted the oil checked (woops - dated myself didn't I)

I will give a few dollers for a gas fill up and more if I get a pump-out.

When I show up at the gas dock, usually I buy $300 worth of fuel into two tanks. Plus they pump out two holding tanks, black and gray water. Plus I usually fill my fresh water tank. Often, they help me land the boat, so it's a project. I do tip every time, except once.

For $30 splash and go fuel up, I would worry about it, might give them abuck or two.

Looking at the other responses I may be a little light, I usually tip $5. May have to up that a bit. I know I don't have to, but they almost always are kids working for summer money. Yes I know most of them have parents in the boat business and don't really need the money, but this is small community, word gets around.

The one time I didn't tip, I pulled into WAM just before closing. The owner's son was working the pump and said something like you come in here when I want to leave you better give me a good tip. I didn't tip him and I've never been back.

JRC-- I think you may be mistaken --

WAM owner does not have a son to the best of my knowledge

Your point is on target, just don't want you to blame the owners od WAM

A bazillion years ago I was the gas guy at what is now Trexlers and never received a tip all summer long (and I really don't think that I was a slouch at the job). Consecuently I've got to admit that it has never even crossed my mind to tip! We've been filling up our boat at WAM all summer and frequently comment to one another about how outstanding the gas attendants are....and I still didn't think to tip. Thanks for setting me straight! I'll change my ways.

I'm retired and fortunate enough to be in a nice boat on Lake Winni. I've become much more giving of tips but it relates to service. Most young people in service-type jobs are on their way to further education which is sure costly these days. Why not help them out a little?

Phantom, my data may be old. This happened two boats ago. The women who owned WAM at the time, had a son, he ran the gas dock and the repair shop.

I guess there are new owners now? Anyway it's ancient history. He just broke two key rules, never ask for a tip and never show a customer you don't want their business.

I apologize to the current WAM owners, if my story unfairly tarnishes them with actions of previous owners.

If the gas joCkey helps us tie up and attends thevpump they get $5. If not then they get nadda.

don't forget...
 

after all that service, don't forget getting the G&H greenstamps from the attendant....wow, really dating myself there

Current WAM owners
 

West Alton marina is currently owned and operated by the original owners grandson and granddaughter.. They have run it now for several years since his passing. This has been family run and owned since the late 50's early 60's as WAM is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

I still remember the advice I received on this forum years ago. I usually charge my gas and bring about $10 in cash. the thank yous I have received are genuine. I agree that if someone just handed me the nozzle that would be different. But with the help I sometimes need with docking it is money well spent!:)

I took this picture of the friendly gas dock attendants at Anchor Marine last week. Your tips help get them through school.

http://www.anchormarine.net/images/staff2012.jpg

I'm sure they will get both men and women to go there for gas that never use to go there. I'm proud of young men and women getting summer jobs to help schooling or whatever they need the extra money. Good luck to our young adults.:)

http://i54.tinypic.com/2e56yqf.gif

To quote Steve Martin in "My Blue Heaven" - "In my line of work... I tip everybody"

I keep my boat at Anchor marine and get gas there and @ Lakeport... I always tip them a $5! regardless of how much/little gas I get! They all work hard! (I usually get $75 - $100 in gas, I like to keep my tank full)

I tip the dock attendants at the Naswa too....


Woodsy

Clearly I need to get fuel at Anchor.

Wait...I'm getting paid $3.27 an hour (plus tips) when I could be making $7.25 (or more) an hour to make the same in tips? I'm in the wrong job I guess...

The amount of tip depends on how cute the gas dock girl is :)

One of my favorite things about the lake!

You better stay away from Anchor Marine!! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

We should have a "Miss Gas Dock Girl" contest :emb:

For those who choose to tip at the gas dock, do you tip the guy/girl at the full service land gas station, Mcdonalds,Dunkins donuts,if not how come?

Fay's Wins
 

I think the girls at Fay's would win! ;)

They have full service gas stations still? LOL! If they did I would def tip if they checked my oil, tire pressure etc!

I tip because these kids (girls usually) are performing a service for me. They grab the rope, tie up the boat, pump the gas, make sure the bow numbers are on the reciept... untie the lines and push me off the dock... and its always done with a smile! Same goes for the Naz!

Woodsy

Apples and Oranges?
 

When I go to Dunkin's (I used to be a baker there in an other life) the person pours a coffee and hands me a bagle. That is not outstanding, just a job.

When I go to the marina for fuel, the dock attendant ( I believe that to be PC) watches me approach, fends me off (hazardous) grabs a line and makes me fast (hazardous). He/she then dilivers me a whole bunch of gas while, I hope, keeping an eye out for fire hazards and environmental concerns.

They do the paperwork and cast me off without damage.

While a tip is not necessary, if the dock boy/girl is attentive and professional then in my mind for the short money that they make a tip is not over the roof.


Misty Blue.

Wow. It has never even once occurred to me to tip at the gas dock. I guess I should think about changing that behavior since it seems like most people do!

Nice picture.
 

Great capture Don. It looks like they fought you tooth and nail when you tried to get them to pose.

Didn't notice the first time as I was busy looking at the girls but I just saw that the second guy from the left is cheating by standing on his tippy toes.:laugh:

I always tip at least a few bucks. Im only getting $40-50 at a time.
I buy mostly from the Trexlers as they are rite next door to me. They always have some friendly cute girls out there pumping gas. My favorites Jodi and Hanna are always very friendly and very carefull. On a side note though, I couldnt help but notice the pretty blonde girl pumping gas in the channel last week. Next time they may get my money. :)

I am always happy to tip but (like today) when they fuel me up and don't bother putting the fuel cap back on I say........"you get nothing, you lose, good day sir" (in your best Gene Wilder / Willy Wonka voice)