I'm getting my car detailed tomorrow, and since I've never hired a detailer before, I was wondering if it customary to give the detailer a tip? If so, what is a reasonable tip?

Now that you brought this up. I will be taking my car to Infiniti dealer for my 1st oil change soon. Do you guys tip the dealer mechanics?

No, no & no.

To agree with British Bloke, definitely dont try to tip the mechanics, but if the detailer is coming to your house for private detailing say-$100, you "could" give him like 5-10 bucks extra.

If you're satisfied with the job the detailer did then tip him.

I've never had my car detailed but I've done a lot of tipping and it's not a cut and dried subject. My gut tells me that if the detailer is self-employed (ie owns the business) then there's no need to tip. But, if he is working for someone else, I'll bet that employer has convinced him to accept a pay range that includes the expectation of tips. Now if you don't tip him, he's going to make less money than he's worth.

LOL.. I would never tip a dealer mechanic. However, IF I had someone detail my car, I would probably tip them $5 - $10. Better yet, tip the detailer before so that just maybe he'll pay extra close attention to those intricate areas or do something for you not normally included in the detail package you chose.

That is smart advice especially if its a one time deal.

But you would tip the regular mom/pop mechanics, gas station mechanics right?

As a former detailer (i still do it, just not as my job) i can say that tipping is a critical part of that profession. I would treat it like any other "tipping-situation" and tip according to the quality of the job...

Good job - maybe extra $10

Super job - maybe an extra $20

Thats just my opinion...considering having a car detailed IS a luxuary in the first place...


As for tipping mechanics, ive never done it...not that i wouldnt or have anything against it, its just it never seemed like a tipping situation to me...am i wrong here?

I'd have to agree w/ pearl on the tipping part. If the detailer seems professional/courteous/etc, then you should consider tipping him. Consider it a service and treat it as such.

Since this is a private session, snacks/refreshments are nice also but purely optional. Some will kindly decline it, while others would gladly accept it. In the end, it leaves them feeling a little better, and taking more care when it come to your pride and joy.

As mentioned earlier, if the detailer owns the business, there is no need to tip him. He's making all the money. If it's a big shop, and there are "workers", tip them since they are probably being paid a lower base expecting tips.

Dont tip mechanic... As for detailer, if they do a real good job go on and tip them ...

Thanks for the advice. I decided not to tip this time, as this guy was the owner and I felt he made a pretty good profit for about three hours work....

How much did he charge you?