Tips?

[completia]

As a locksmith, do you accept tips? I mean, today I opened a door and I obviously charged quite a bit, but in addition to that the person added a $20 tip because I was very quick to arrive and did an excellent job (no scratches/marks on door).

The door was one of the huge house on the hill in my town from very rich people who surprisingly have cheap - but good-looking - locks. It was a breeze to open, the house was close to my shop and I was there moments after the call. I charged $50 and the person gave me 70$, telling me to keep the rest. I've received tips in the past, particularly on the huge orders, but never for such a simple task. I've accepted it because I figured they could afford it, but now that I think of it, it wasn't very professional. The lock was a breeze to open and it took around 15 minutes of my time, and I already charge a lot.

What are your views on tips as a locksmith?

[unlisted]

Personally, I'm not a lockie, but I have service oriented jobs in the past. (which I consider locksmithing to be as well)

If someone offers you a tip for a job well done, well, if you did the job well, you deserve it. Its the clients choice to tip or not to, as long as they pay the bill. Most clients have no idea if you own the company, or if your just some guy at the bottom of the employee list.


I say the only place you should not accept a tip is if you "pressured" for it, which you did not.

[cryptocat]

Why not? When the plumber or electrician comes sooner than I'd hoped, or finishes quickly or does something otherwise impressive, I'm happy to give 'em a bit of beer money. They have a job to do, I paid the bill, but sometimes I want to say "I really appreciate the quality service."

[barbarian]

I hope you gave them a business card and mentioned that they should talk with you about better locks and overall security, since you proved theirs were so easy to open.

[completia]

I hope you gave them a business card and mentioned that they should talk with you about better locks and overall security, since you proved theirs were so easy to open.

Thanks for the advice!!!! You earned me a sale. I called them today and explained how easy it would be for... well, anyone, to break in and sold them a $300 lock

Thanks again for the sale, going to install that tomorrow.

[hydruh]

Barbarian, d00d, you need a tip jar!



S

[barbarian]

Thanks for the advice!!!! You earned me a sale. I called them today and explained how easy it would be for... well, anyone, to break in and sold them a $300 lock

Thanks again for the sale, going to install that tomorrow.

Nice !

But only one lock ? What about the back door ?

Seriously, if you try to get to be friends with these people a bit, maybe offer to do a "security evaluation", say that it's a free service whenever anyone moves to a high security lock. Take a look at their house and ask not too specific questions about security, mention ground floor windows, obvious things, maybe suggestions for general common sense type security things, outdoor lights, stuff like that. It's all about customer service.

Not the hard sell !!

If the people think you are being honest with them and not trying to sell them the latest gee-whiz new lock, they may mention you to their friends.

Also not sure what you sold them for a lock, but if you tell them the lock is difficult to open without the key, and that even you would have to destroy the lock or the door to get in, then mention that if they ever lose a key again you make a computer cut key for the low price of whatever, rather than the costly option of destroying the lock. This is almost like a bonus. It seems obvious to people in the trade, but to your customer, they are thinking, rather than pay the $75 or more for the lock to be destroyed, and then $300 for another new one, BONUS- They can call you and you zap them a new key on a computer for $10 or whatever.

Rich people are used to everyone charging them double cuz they drive a nice car. If you let them think they are getting a good guy deal, they will love it.

Take some business cards so they can share with their friends. If you install safes, kinda mention that too.

[vmikulich]

Unless your profession strictly forbids tips (eg police officer, fireman, or doctor) there is no reason you shouldn't accept a tip. A tip signifies gratitude for a job well done. In some cultures it could be considered disrespectful to refuse a tip. I do not know of any place where accepting a willing tip is considered offensive.

If you get a tip I think you should just say thank you and if possible you should spend sometime chatting or offering some good advice that the person could use.

That's my two cents.