Community Forums

Red Rover · 10-20-2004, 02:46 AM

We recently finished a trip through the western states and were made aware that self service at gasoline pumps is not permitted in Oregon or New Jersey.
My question to those living in or adjacent to those states is, do you tip the pump attendant for the service provided? On one hand I tip Skycaps, Taxi Drivers,Waiters, etc. on the other hand I am being forced by those states legislators to use that service, like it or not.
Just wondering what you folks do and am feeling a little guilty for not slipping the guy a couple of bucks after he put $80 worth of gasoline on my truck.

Red Rover · 10-20-2004, 02:46 AM

We recently finished a trip through the western states and were made aware that self service at gasoline pumps is not permitted in Oregon or New Jersey.
My question to those living in or adjacent to those states is, do you tip the pump attendant for the service provided? On one hand I tip Skycaps, Taxi Drivers,Waiters, etc. on the other hand I am being forced by those states legislators to use that service, like it or not.
Just wondering what you folks do and am feeling a little guilty for not slipping the guy a couple of bucks after he put $80 worth of gasoline on my truck.

N8XV · 10-20-2004, 02:57 AM

If the attendant does full service, check oil, wash windshield, pump gas, maybe checks tire pressure, yes I give a tip. If I get a lazy one that just leans on the car and pumps the gas, no tip.

Hitchhiker · 10-20-2004, 03:21 AM

When we were in Oregon on our way to Alaska in '01, I didn't tip any of the attendants. I didn't get any of the full service, checking oil, air, cleaning windshield, etc., either; not sure I'd want them from the guys we encountered.

We went to one truck stop and it was self service, I presumed there's an exception to the law for truckers.

10-20-2004, 04:18 AM

I just had to read this topic, which I'd normally pass over, but I'm sorry this topic deserves a punch, thats totally ridiculous. Next thing your going to tip the grocery clerk, the fast food clerk at the window, the toll booth attentant, or the meter maid. Where did that notion come from?

If you want to tip a well deserving sole or anyone, compile those tips and send them to the families of our troops who are living at almost poverty levels, while their loved ones are off to war protecting your country. If it weren't for our troops doing that dasterly deed for us you wouldn't be able to take your coach anywhere, there would be 911s all over this country and terrorists perched on roof tops waiting to send a rocket your way. The Bell of Freedom would only ring when bullets are bouncing off it.

Tomcat F15

Lorna · 10-20-2004, 04:27 AM

All the "we pump" staions I've ever seen (and we actually have one at the bottom of our mountain) charges more for the gas per gall than the "self-serve". I started driving during the mid 70's when we were having the gas wars in FL and I quickly learned to pump my own. I'm also quite able to clean my windshield (I carry a spray bottle and squeegee), and check my oil/coolant levels. We really don't trust others to do that.

DriVer · 10-20-2004, 06:21 AM

Just think about this; If a sleeping cow worked at a gas station would you really want to tip it?

(comic relief)

Allegro Happy · 10-20-2004, 06:24 AM

I can remember when you did not pump gas. There was always an "Attendant" and he usually washed windows too. We never tipped him. NEVER. So why in the world should we do it now????? I like Tomcat's answer. If you have money to give away, do what he said

CyberVet65 · 10-20-2004, 08:10 AM

Being old enough to have worked in a "full service" station. I never expected or wanted a tip. You knew that your job was to check oil, wash all the windows, and check air in the tires. That was in the job description.
I guess young people today expect tips, want tips and demand tips. I do not tip for expected level of service. A tip is for extraordinary service. Be it a a gas station or a restaurant or any place that provides customer service.
And I do realize that many restaurants pay their service/waiters/busboys around $3/hr. I do tip them for good service.
Chet

Rich & Zara · 10-20-2004, 10:09 AM

They pump the gas for you because they MUST do so according to their state law. It is a job that has never required a tip just for the service of pumping gas. My advise is DO NOT TIP unless they preform other services that might warrant that guaranty.

Rich
Our RV trip to Alaska

Captain Bud · 10-20-2004, 11:12 AM

I am one of the older ones who have pumped gas at a service station during a gas war in N.J. for $.19 per gallon. Having been born and raised in N.J. I could never figure out why anyone would want to get out of their vehicle,pump their own gas and then walk inside to the cashier to pay for it, and pay more than we do. Fuggedaboudit, In Joisey we are treated like a valued customer. To answer the original question, No I don't tip the person filling my tank in my vehicles or my MH.

ArtB · 10-20-2004, 11:30 AM

Because I am also confused about who, when and amount of tipping, I did a search. I don't agree 100% with the author, but he certainly seems to know more than I.

Of note, service station attendants are referenced. Art

http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php

Red Rover · 10-20-2004, 01:15 PM

Thanks for the replys.
I feel better now that I didn't tip but was wondering what was customary.
My first paying job was bagging groceries in a big city supermarket and getting tips for carry out, usually $.05-$.10. I earned more from tips than employer wages. Just made me more aware I suppose.
Thanks again for the opinions.

Kablewizard · 10-20-2004, 06:53 PM

My first job was pumping gas in Chicago in the winter. I say if its snowing or poring down rain then slipping a few bucks would be a surprise and a welcome I feel. On the other hand we went Through Oregon a few years back and the attendant were all in bikinis and washing windows in the summer, I tipped.

Have a great day.