General dock/gas pump question......

[dawgnautique]

This may be a "no-braniner" for some but I have to admit, I am somewhat struggling with where I come down on this question. Here goes:

Do you tip the kid at the dock who pumps the gas into your Nautique?

In general, I am a very good tipper (barber, restaurant, even Sonic) but for some reason, I have a very hard time with tipping these guys. I guess it may have to do with putting in well over $100 worth of fuel to fill up my tank when I am paying $4.50/gallon. I know it's not the kids fault that the fuel is so high and the marina is making some big cash off me while prohibiting any gas being brought onto the dock (I understand the danger, etc....I also understand a captive market as well). Anyway, just wanted to get a gauge of what everyone else does when getting gas at the marina.

[j2nh]

Keep in mind that the kid pumping the gas is more than likely working for minimum wage. Don't let your frustration at the marina in general get focused on the kid pumping the gas. I generally reward good service as well and might consider a couple of bucks if the person pumping showed some respect towards my boat when gassing it.

[AirTool]

Do they let you pump your own gas?

I've only been to a few marinas, but I've always pumped myself. There was no help (and I was glad). I'll also note on Canyon Lake in TX, that I'll only get gas there if I need a few gallons to finish the day. Otherwise, I'll put her on the trailer and head a mile or two down the road to save 30 bucks and ensure fresh/dry gas. They are usually a buck over the onshore price.

Now, back to the question. I'd treat it like any other service. I'm thinking the tipping needs to be for how helpful they are tying you up and making your day...not pumping the gas. That is what the paycheck is for. If you like him/her and they are helpful and do a good job and you are glad they're there, tip them more. If they are not so helpful and just get the job done, tip them less. If they don't do their job or treat your tender CC with respect, you need to tell the boss.

OT: I sold auto parts in high school and junior college. My dad came in one day and said loudly "great job kid" and "here's a 50 dollar tip" (which was really a lot of money then). All the other customers were pleased....but it didn't start a trend.

[dawgnautique]

Airtool,No, you cannot pump your own gas. The guys will push you off after you are done getting gas and paying. Nothing really out of the ordinary with regard to service...it's ok....not incredible. I realize these kids probably make minimum wage but isn't that the job they signed up for? Where does the tipping stop? Am I supposed to tip the autozone guy when he goes to the back to get my water pump that I ordered? I am not trying to be a jerk or a tightwad but for some reason, it gets under my skin when the kid stands there and looks at me when he hands me my ticket for fuel for $118.00 and wants another $5 for his effort. Sort of like the policy at (I assume most) Disney resort hotels. At the Animal Kingdom lodge, they will not allow you to use a luggage cart to carry your bags to your car yourself...you have to call the bellhop and use/tip them. It's the whole captive/you have no other choice thing that irritates me. Ok...rant off.

[mdvalant]

Also...the marinas I know make no more on the fuel than a normal gas station. The reason they have charge more is because it costs them more to fill up their small holding tanks. ie: one little truck comes out with 500 gallons as opposed to a semi with thousands of gallons. Don't think the the Marina's are trying to screw us all, some don't have a choice!

[MARK-S]

I get our 500 gallon tank filled for same price. We do not get a delivery charge.

[srock]

I don't think load size is a factor. 200 gallons of diesel delivered to my dock was 46 cents per gallon less than the local marina which runs about the same as the service stations (no road tax). I think many marina's hurt themselves by not being competitive. I don't expect them to compete with service stations but many are grossly overcharging and losing business. I will gladly lug fuel jugs for the prices I see and not buy ice, snacks or drinks either. McDonald's makes their money on selling soft drinks and gas stations on the convenience store stuff. I would think a marina would follow the same outline. Perhaps some marina owner can explain the rational.

[AirTool]

I realize these kids probably make minimum wage but isn't that the job they signed up for?

I agree - no tip.

If he spill gas on the gunnel, he cleans it.

[Kmayotte]

I'm on a big lake with many cruisers above 35 feet. The gas dude deserves a tip for pumping 200+ gallons into those suckers. Or emptying the sewage or filling the water tank. I don't usually fill up on the lake, if I do I tip lightly if at all.

[wildsv211]

In California... the marina attendant will hand you the nozzle and then walk away. I have never had anyone offer to pump the gas for me..

[jroyal]

I usually tip the kid when I get gas. Again, it's not his fault that the marina has to charge more.

[surroundsound64]

I tip for good service, doesn't matter where.

[SkiTower]

I tip for good service, doesn't matter where.

The bigger question is where is the line between 'good service' and 'doing your job'? There are some instances where I believe tipping is justified, but I believe it's gotten out of hand and it's expected for anything done. Tipping should be for above and beyond. On the flip side, though, I don't believe that pay should be reduced to account for tipping. Pay the kid pumping gas a fair wage, as well as the waitress busting to get her job done. The other thing that gets to me is in restaurants where it should be a percentage of your bill. I usually get better service at Waffle House than I do Outback. Just because the meal is more expensive doesn't justify a higher tip. The number of people in your party should and the number or courses (appetizer, desert, etc), but not the price of the food.

[CradGen2]

I've never tipped for pumping gas. I have a thing on tipping, but this isn't the place to discribe. As for the gas dock, they are paid to help customers pull their boats into the dock, fuel and push off. Basic stuff to me.

Now if they are pumping out crap and filling water, well I'd tip something.

[cedarcreek216]

I'm a good tipper as I worked in the service industry in college, but this thread has made me realize something that I had never thought about. It's amazing how the restaurant/service industry has put the responsibility of paying for their employess on the shoulders of the customer. I can't think of another industry clever enough to actually pull this off. I know all employees are paid for by customers/clients, but in these instances we as customers are paying for the restaurant to make a profit and paying for the staff that works there. Do like any other business and build it in to the price of your product.