Joined
Aug 23, 2018 · 11 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Apr 23, 2019 Does anyone tip their service advisor? I got the feeling my service advisor was waiting for a tip today. I may tip him next time back because he is ordering me a new steering wheel even though the only problem with it is a little nick in the leather. It seems like he may doing me a favor. Joined Apr 19, 2015 · 887 Posts
You do not need to tip your service advisor. Most all service advisors (or the better ones) are on commission. They have an alterior motive to sell you more than what you really need. They are not really on your side. Last I checked, a service advisor makes between 3 and 5% of the gross of what they write. The service manager often makes a percent of
what the entire service department brings in, let's say 5% of everything (not including parts or body shop). At the end of the month there is often a meeting with the service writers and service manager letting the service writers know their average RO (Repair Order) average. The goal is to get the RO average as high as possible. The shop doesn't want customers coming in for just a $29 oil change. This brings down the service writers RO average. Around $400 is a good RO average. Yes, I use to be
a service writer, dispatcher, service manager, parts manager, mechanic and shop foreman. When I was a teenager, working in a dealership was my dream job. Not all dealership are the same, but the above is the basic general rule for the payment in the service department.
Joined Jan 30, 2019
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441 Posts
I would NEVER tip them for exactly the reason stated above. He is NOT doing you a favor.
Joined
Jul 20, 2019 · 12 Posts
Actually it depends upon you. If you realise that you have to give tip to your service adviser then you can give it. But in general there is not need to give any tip to your adviser.
Joined Apr 19, 2015
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887 Posts
Better than tipping your service advisor, is to tip your technician. When I was a technician, I had this customer that would always bring me three chocolate donuts. When I worked on her car I did an over and beyond great job. I even sent the car to the washbay and had the porter clean it up. Yep, all for three chocolate donuts. I miss that lady. I
always highly recommend tipping (with donuts) your mechanic BEFORE (not after) work starts on your car. They will always do a better job.
Joined Jul 20, 2019
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12 Posts
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012) Discussion topics related to 2007+ ES350
Tipping service advisor
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 77
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I've had some other brand luxury vehicles in the past and usually gave a tip to my service advisor. I have
my ES350 in for it's first service and was just wondering what other Lexus owners do in regards to tipping.
Yes/No...any benefit to doing so or not in in regards to level of service given? Is it common for them to receive a tip?
I would expect all customers should be treated the same and service advisors not expecting a tip.
Driver
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: TX
Posts: 192
As much as Lexus service costs I couldn't imagine tipping the service advisor. Perhaps the mechanic since he did all the work.
You know times are tough when you see a tip jar at your SA's desk!
Driver
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: CO
Posts: 134
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I don't think they expect or should be expecting a tip. I find even the idea of it odd.
My vague and nebulous understanding of when to tip:
When the
is done
on you or for you, then it is appropriate to tip.
Examples: if they cut your hair, bring you food, carry your luggage, check your coat - then tip.
If they
fix your car, paint your house, teach your children - no service to you personally, no tip.
Or look at it differently - if you feel pity for the guy - then definitely tip.
I look at the service adviser as equal to me, and he works on my car, not toenails, therefore no tip.
Racer
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: AZ
Posts: 1,326
I can't imagine tipping a service advisor and if he/she were to accept it they should be fired. Just my thoughts.
Dave Mac
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 77
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I believe for the most part I do agree with you all. I've had Acura and BMW's before and on certain occasions have given the service advisor a tip, if having more service work done on my car, etc., and just felt the guy did a little more. Interesting responses here though, actually at my local Acura and BMW dealers it does seem like several people tip.
Maybe will try saving some money now here with my Lexus though and ignore the "tip jar". lol
After all, with the mess they got going on...Lexus/Toyota should be kissing our asses tip or not.
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: .
Posts: 6,611
I don't tip ours cause he's an ***. Every time i bring in my car he tells me why do you want to keep putting money into this old car, buy a new lexus. Besides him everyone is really nice
Rookie
Join Date: May 2006
Location: VA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Mac
I can't imagine tipping a service advisor and if he/she were to accept it they should be fired. Just my thoughts.
Dave Mac
I completely agree with you.
Retired
iTrader: (32)
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NY
Posts: 12,362
usually if u do, u get pushed in front of the waiting line or u get high priority status for your car to be worked on.
but at the dealership im working at (Mercedes Benz) your suppose to decline a tip TWICE..but i dont know if that appliers to SA's.
Pole Position
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: fl
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I am new to the world of Lexus. My wife and I got two CPO cars a little over a week ago. Hers had to go in for a couple minor things and this weekend, we brought it in for a free wash. I know the service writers that come out to the service lanes, they stand there like a bellhop waiting for the tip. But, for the free wash, vacuum etc, a tip is a small price to pay considering what car washes charge.
Racer
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NY
Posts: 1,269
They are not performing a service TO you but are doing a paid service. I would not believe that Lexus would allow this.
Rookie
Join Date: May 2006
Location: VA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ingoodtime
I am new to the world of Lexus. My wife and I got two CPO cars a little over a week ago. Hers had to go in for a couple minor things and this weekend, we brought it in for a free wash. I know the service writers that come out to the service lanes, they stand there like a bellhop waiting for the tip. But, for the free wash, vacuum etc, a tip is a small price to pay considering what car washes charge.
A car wash is automatic at my dealer when you bring the car in for service. In fact when I took my car in last week for the 1000 mile they filled up my tank because of the recall.
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard95
A car wash is automatic at my dealer when you bring the car in for service. In fact when I took my car in last week for the 1000 mile they filled up my tank because of the recall.
I picked my car up last night from the 1000 mile service and pedal recall. The pedal shaving was nicely done I must say...I was concerned before hand. Also very nice wash, vacuum and tire shine...just in time for tonights snow storm. And they filled the tank, which was very nice since I brought it in with 1/4 tank of gas. Had a brand new loaner ES for the day.
All in all, pleasant first service visit. Did just give the old guy a couple bucks that went and got my car and drove it around for me.
Lexus Test Driver
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I have given a tip to only one service advisor. He worked at the Acura dealer near us where we bought the car, he was always very nice and went the extra mile. He really out did himself, when we brought our theft recovered Legend into the dealership to get fixed. He worked with us and our insurance company to get our car right. It took a while to get it right, but he kept at it, until it was as good as new.
Pit Crew
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: de
Posts: 202
Here's my tip for the day...........DON"T TIP HIM/HER. Are you kidding me?
Pole Position
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Arlington TX
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The ONLY tip expected at a Lexus dealership is our rating of "EXCELLENT" and nothing short of "excellent" will do. That means bonus money!
Same with BMW, Acura and some others.