Tipping for Valet
 

This is our first year doing valet storage for our boat at Shep Brown's. Have always tipped the gas dock attendants. Is it appropriate to tip the kids that help you at the dock and cover your boat? I would assume yes, how much would the going rate be?

I tip them if I have smaller ($5) bills in my pocket. Mostly, it's the forklift guy who gets the tip...he is carrying my investment around that yard and I want him to pay attention to my property.

My boat, kept on a trailer, is launched and retrieved each time out. I give $10
to the attendant and if it happens to be one for the launch and one for the pull out, they each get $5.

Tipping Valet
 

I'm sort of wondering...I pay their salary, why would I tip them? Do you own your rack? Are you part of an association? I have to think about this one:confused:

It's nice to be nice.

I guess times have changed. Back in the mid 80's I pumped gas at a dock that is no longer there for $2.20 an hour and not once in the 3 years did a get a dime for a tip! Now common day practice is tips are almost expected everywhere. I did boat rentals as well at a different location and again not a dime. I wish kids these days could walk in their parents shoes, it would be like getting a slap in the face with a row boat oar!

Tipping not next appreciated
 

We valeted for a few years after we bought our boat a few years ago and i had the same question so i asked the GM of the Marina. He said, in his words, "nobody's going to think you're a boob if you don't tip but if someone does a really nice job for you or goes out of your way to help out, then a modest tip is a nice way of saying thank you". I remembered those words and still do today every time i fill up. We don't valet anymore, we have a wet slip, but i still think about it every time someone helps out at the boat yard. It's nice to do and it's nice to recognize someone who's putting in the effort.

I tip a few bucks to 10 bucks if your getting great service at either a boat launch or fuel docks. I gave Naswa Dock kids $5 yesterday.

I used to work as a dock attendant and fuel pumps at a marina in the 1980's and I would get $100 a day in tips on a good day, big money in 1984! The amusing thing is the little center consoles and Bow riders would give me the biggest tips at the time, the bigger boats I would sometimes get nothing..

I've wondered in this age of plastic money if workers like these are taking a hit with tips. I know I almost never carry cash anymore and dont have to lie to the guy on the corner looking for money when I tell him "I only have plastic .:eek: I'm figuring they will ask me to swipe my card soon.:laugh: