Tipping for delivery?

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sierra

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I recently had my boat relocated by a delivery captain. While the selling dealership covered his fee, I handpicked him, was very pleased with the job he did and plan to send a gratuity.

I am just curious if this is customary/expected in the industry and, if so, is there a standard?

Thanks.
 
Can't help you, but you may want to add how long of a trip, days etc.
 
No idea if it is customary to tip the captain. My gut feeling is yes, tip the captain ( and crew). I like to reward folks that do their job well. You said you were " very pleased" so throw him some cash.
 
Of course you arranged for him to get the job for which he was probably well paid including expenses, so perhaps he should tip you? But I'm sure your plan will be well appreciated, especially if there were any unforeseen difficulties encountered during the trip.
 
Last time I had a delivery I paid their fee (2 people, I was not aboard), paid train fare back and since they were ahead of schedule, I picked up the tab for a nice lunch and beers after delivery.
 
I don't tip professionals like lawyers, doctors, even plumbers and electricians. I assume a delivery Captain is a professional.
 
I do this sometimes, and while I don't expect to be tipped, it is always welcomed...after turning it down 2 to 3 times.
 
So people do and some people don't. While I never expect a tip after a delivery it's always nice to get one.
 
As a general rule, I would not normally tip a professional.

There are exceptions. If something "unexpected occurred" and the response was "very well done" ( especially if the result was success ) then a nice Thank You is appropriate.

Examples include your lawyer winning a case that did not have a snowball's chance in heck of winning, an MD who, by thinking fast, save my life ( or that of a loved one ), or, as in this case, a Captain who delivered service well above the expected ( and/or required ) level. For "straight up professional service" they get a handshake, my personal thanks, and possibly a referral ( or two, three etc )

-eidt-

What to tip? Sometimes cash is appropriate, but more often a "very nice bottle of their favorite adult beverage", or perhaps a GC to, say a mail-order top-of-the-line prime steak outlet ( Omaha Steaks ). It depends. If you are truly thankful of the exceptional performance, put a few minutes of thought into it and make it special ( and individualized. ie: for HOGAN, tickets to a Yankee game... :) )
 
As you stated, you were very happy with the service and your boat was delivered safe and sound. I'm sure a nice gift such as a Dinner for two at a nice restaraunt or a gift basket of several bottles of wine would be much appreciated.

I have a buddy that has his boat Captained from the west coast of Florida to Baltimore Inner Harbour and back every year, and he has had some real horror stories with different Captain's that he used.

The gift is not so much the amount, but a show of your apprreciation.
 
Thanks for the feedback. As I mentioned in my original post, it has always been my intention to show my appreciation to the cap. Just wasn't sure if there was a "standard" in terms of percentage of fee etc. if that was even common place.

Thanks again.
 
I would be inclined to write a nice note or letter thanking him for the job well done and throw in a gift card with $50 on it available to use anywhere.
 
i dont' expect it either but dont' turn them down. In my opinion it's not necessary if the delivery went to plan and the boat performed as it should. Now if I'm going to spend some time troubleshooting issues and making repairs, saving the owner $100 an hour mechanic bill and delays, then i guess something extra is well deserved...or if in case of significant savings by using less fuel, spending less on dockage etc...
 
Had similar thoughts about the need to tip the driver that delivered my boat over land to Norfolk. Especially since he had to spend Easter weekend in a truckstop with my boat as he couldn't cross Maryland from Good Friday until Monday A.M.. Bottom line is I did not tip him for several reasons: He picked the boat up one week late ( got another contract that paid him more), He showed up to pick up the boat and hadn't even applied for his Pennsylvania permit. He had to sit at the marina for 24 hrs after he was loaded until he got his permit. No tip for him despite delivering the boat in good condition. I had heard good things about this transport company from folks at BEd, but I don't think I would use them again. Apparently, they broker these contracts out.
 
Sorry to hear that Greg. Far different than my experiences with them. My boat had a 12' beam, and all needed permits for all states were in place prior to picking up. I'm waiting on a buddy's boat right now that was picked up in NY yesterday morning, and is scheduled for delivery in to Myrtle Beach around noon-time. Seems like your guy spent Easter week-end in a truckstop by his own doing.

That's why I hate to reccomend, as often times the party does not live up to your praise.
 
That's OK. Just wish the original Co. would mention that they really aren't the ones doing the job. Boat got here safely though and that's all that counts in the long run, and the price was right. Maybe i would use them again only, expeect pickup and delivery when they get arounf to it.
 
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