does anyone tip their shaper and if so, what percentage?
I have never technically had a custom shaped that I picked up directly from a shaper. So have had no need to tip. However, When picking up a board I have had glassed, I typically like to show up with a 12 pack and hand it over along with the cash I owe. And I will not stick around and make him share a beer with me unless prompted to. Give the beer and the money and scoot. This will ensure he knows you are a good paying customer and not a time sucking lingerer.
I would say tip if you feel the need, but not necessary unless you just have lots of extra cash.
I have shaped a number of customs for people. Somewhere near 85 so not too many in the grand scheme. I shape, glass, sand…complete job. I have received tips from 2 people. It was a pleasant surprize. In both cases the people where in industries where tipping is the norm. Hairdresser and restaurant owner. $50 and $150 respectuvely. So I ask myself is it a tip or am I charging too little? haha Either way it was a nice guesture.
As a glass shop owner and glue spreader my favorite tip from a customer is that smile of stoke. I also love a nice frosty 6 pack at the end of the day but I never expect a thing. But what even better than a tip is not being ground down on price of my glass work .
When I worked @ Dick Brewer, saw many customers tipping with large celophane bags of green colored herb.
Or good beer.
Drink Good
Smoke Goood.
HA!
a 12 pack 'll do just fine…
Many Years ago I got a board done by a very well Know shaper who also at that time had a love for Scotch wiskey I was all set to give him a case of St pualy Girl when he gave me a reverse tip of sorts It was the holiday season and at that time I was managing a small surf shop in Cardiff. My tip was a nice bottle a Scotch. I could say it was a night I’ll never forget but I can’t remember anything about that night
DT was one of a kind.
I never expect a tip but routinely get a small baggy.
its always nice to get a little something extra
try something meaningful - your shaper is giving you something made with his skill, so maybe give him something made with your own skilset (tshirt if you screenprint, beer if you brew, cd if you play music, etc).
Made Andy a board at Harty’s garage hovel and we shared a spliff and laughs watching onshore Woolamai…dont really call it a tip, but I don’t really expect a tip…r.i.p. Andy.
I picked up my new board two weeks ago ( loosely based on a rusty pirahana but with some more foam). I could tell right away that my shaper did an incredible job. I paid him and tipped him and then he mentioned that he read this thread. Whoops!
The board rides so well