CC"Tip Line"?

[Waxman]

Do you have a line for tips included on your CC processing?

I have customers who pay by credit and want to tip but they cannot unless they have cash, which is rare with credit customers.

Thanks!

 

[MEP001]

Someone once mentioned using the "cash back" option rather than writing tips in.

 

[Waxman]

Well, MEP1, I didn't ask about that, now, did I???

What I would like to know is the question I asked about a 'tip line' on the cc slip the customer gets.

Thanks!

 

[Whale of a Wash]

I see that line on restaurant cc slips, so it may be something that can be added by the processor easily. Are you really sure they want to tip you??

 

[Waxman]

Yes, Whale they want to tip, you fargin skeptic. Who dares doubt Waxman?!?

Not every customer tips, but some do.

Some want to tip in hugs, so we also allow that! LOL.

Some tip in baked goods. None tip in free gym memberships, so it's a slippery slope!

 

[DavidM]

Your processor should be able to set that up for you. We looked into it years ago when we used a third party cc machine and they told us they could do it. We ended up going to a cc system that is integrated with the tunnel controller and neither ICS or DRB have that as an available option.

We do get a fair number of requests to use a card for tips

 

[MEP001]

Well, MEP1, I didn't ask about that, now, did I???

It was merely a suggestion that your customers and employees might prefer over writing in a tip. Don't worry, I won't bother you again.

 

[Eric H]

It was merely a suggestion that your customers and employees might prefer over writing in a tip. Don't worry, I won't bother you again.

I think Waxman got up on the wrong side of the bed.

I personally do NOT like to see tip lines on receipts that a tip is not generally expected on. I tip wait staff and delivery people. I do not tip the employees at Radio Shack, even though they give me exceptional service and have a low hourly wage. They get paid by the company to do their job. Your employees get paid to clean cars. You pay them to do so. If they do an exceptional job they may deserve a tip but to put a tip line on the receipt insinuates that they deserve a tip no matter what. If I leave that line blank I look like I do not appreciate their service, which I am sure they do but....

 

[Waxman]

It wasn't a bother and I get up on the same side of my bed every day.

The people that do not want to tip can leave the line blank. if you feel cheap maybe you are. I am; so what?

Many will just ignore it anyway, and that is fine.

Fact is some people want to tip, so why not allow them the ability to do so with CC?

Lets hear from some more guys with detail shops and not all you SS jockeys!

Oooooops! Too controversial? Did I bunch up anyone's panties?!?

 

[mjc3333]

Waxman,

I have a detail shop and do get tips from customers every now and then. Most if not all are cash directly to the detailer through me; some are in the form of checks for the "extra" amount for the tips. I never though about having a tip line on my CC receipt. I think it is a good idea. Maybe my detailer would be getting more tips in the future if I had that option. I will look into it myself. I use Link point Central First Data as my processor. I will call them this week.

 

[Whale of a Wash]

SS Jockeys?? I can't believe this tip line thread can stretch so long. I do it wrong I tip the customers!! The better looking they are ---they may get a blue towel, or even an air freshener, some get both.

 

[mjwalsh]

SS Jockeys?? I can't believe this tip line thread can stretch so long. I do it wrong I tip the customers!! The better looking they are ---they may get a blue towel, or even an air freshener, some get both.

Whale & others,

It is great when we reach the point where the customer argues with us to who gets to tip each other ---- that is best dynamic of all.

Having said ---- that I have great recent memory of a great lookeeen gal tracking me down in front of a bunch of laundry customers & actually in a totally non obscene way put a 5 dollar bill in my pocket as a tip for the unbelievable dog wash & also verbalizing it loudly that she appreciated the dog wash soooo much!

MJ -- kingkoin of the bismarck metropolis

 

[Waxman]

I knew the SS jockey line would get you. HAHA. It was a joke, as I am sure you know.

I think it's a valid thread because it is something customers want and employees can benefit from.

 

[Mr. Clean]

Tip lines are for food service. If a customer is intent on tipping they will ask you to add it to the charge or offer cash. Some have offered food. Wouldn't mind the occasional hug.

 

[Waxman]

Hugs notwithstanding, I had my CC processor re-configure my machine to include a tip line today.

I will update the thread as results are accumulated (ie; success, or failure like if customers hate it, me and everything since I added a tip line).

 

[mjwalsh]

Hugs notwithstanding, I had my CC processor re-configure my machine to include a tip line today.

I will update the thread as results are accumulated (ie; success, or failure like if customers hate it, me and everything since I added a tip line).

Waxman & others,

I am sure that many of you noticed this very heavy situation where "tips" actually turned out to be different than a "free will" offering. It was just sent out this afternoon by the Professional Car Washing Publication.

http://www.carwash.com/conveyor/article/bad-tipper-charged-with-killing-carwash-worker

I have traveled very little on the east coast but I have heard that tipping can actually be somewhat "mandatory". Chicago is somewhat midwest but I suppose it could happen anywhere ---- even in a much smaller community.

MJ

 

[Waxman]

Don't know what you are talking about.

My tip line has been a success, as it cost me zero and I got a $20 tip on an especially dirty full recon on a Mazda SUV. That $20, incidentally, is $20 more than I received all day delivering flowers in Boston, MA last Feb. 14 while working for a friend.

My customers are often so ecstatic that a tip is the least they can do and I can forsee many more tips coming my way because of the tip line on the CC receipts.

This customer also said she wanted to "kiss me on the lips". She was with her 8 year old son, so I declined her offer, thinking it inappropriate.

 

[Washmee]

Wax, I think there is a big difference between leaving a tip for a $$$ detail job versus a $6 car wash. To me the story illustrates the problem with operators who base their business plan on low wage laborers who have to make enough in tips to pay their bills. Paying less than minimum wage puts the workers in a position where they are really running the show as far as quality goes. A regular customer should expect a good level of service without having to tip.

 

[Waxman]

Sure, but I'm not talking about carwash tips. I'm talking about tips for detailing. There is a big difference IMO.

 

[Waxman]

Okay it's official. If you run a detail shop and it's a nice operation, you should have a tip line on your CC machine/slips.

Yes, many customers ignore it. Some, however will add in a tip. At my place, we added the tip line in late March and have already seen decent results from having it in place.

There are many of our customers who simply cannot believe how nice their cars come out after a detail. Not bragging; just saying that for the truly wowed, floored, impressed and blown-away customer, offering us a tip makes them feel very good.