Do you tip the ball driller?

[ArtVandelay]

Here's a question (and anyone on here who works for a pro shop will probably have an answer I can already guess... hahaha):

I just bought a new ball and haven't had a chance to get it drilled yet. It's been 6+ years since I last had a ball drilled.

Do you tip your pro shop professional for ball drilling? What's an appropriate tip, if any? I feel like this is something that would probably deserve a tip, especially if they take the time to really talk to you and work with you on drilling the ball properly for your purpose.

Discuss!

[Kudu22]

Good question. I never had. I only tip where the person makes their living off tips. To me if you give me good service I come back but if you give me outstanding service I brag about you and buy things I don't always need.

[billf]

This is a very good topic.
for me, it depends. If the driller owns the business then he will make money off of treating me right with referrals. However, if they are just an employee of the alley or the pro shop, then I don't mind leaving a $10 bill behind. I never charge a tip as some places take the fee that the credit card companies charge them from the tip. If I wanted to leave a $8.00 tip instead of $10 tip then that's what I would have written in! I learned that scam from a waitress I dated years ago.

[75lockwood]

when i got the marauder drilled i tried to tip the guy because he was so helpful and nice, but he wouldn't accept it, really great guy.

[ArtVandelay]

I almost feel like it's necessary to tip, ESPECIALLY if the driller makes an effort to assist you. He/she's providing a service that will last you years (likely... Unless you just tear through balls), and if he/she shows interest in making sure you are satisfied with the results then I think that should be rewarded.

6 years ago, quite frankly I didn't even think about it. Perhaps I've matured since then and now worry about things like that...?

But there's a great point:

...If the driller owns the business then he will make money off of treating me right with referrals. However, if they are just an employee of the alley or the pro shop, then I don't mind leaving a $10 bill behind...

If it's the shop owner (and do you just assume?) is a tip an insult (although... is a tip EVER an insult???)? If it's an employee, what amount of a tip is appropriate? A percentage? How much is too much? How much is not enough?

[billf]

I talk to the driller's too much so I usually learn if they own the place or what. Percentage wise, I've always used the restaurant method 15% if above average or 20% if outstanding based on the price of the drilling. I wouldn't include the ball but that's just me. I'm sure whatever you were comfortable with would be appreciated.

[scottymoney]

When I got mine drilled from what I had done and what the signboard said I should have paid $79 - ball drilling, fingertips, and ball cleaner.
He told me it would be $50, so I gave him $60 and told him to keep the change. In the end he got a tip, and he got future business!

[SouthpawTRK]

I've only purchased one ball so far, but yes I did tip the person that drilled the ball. He was extremely helpful, informative and did a great job. He earned a customer for life and will be getting my business for years to come.

[Zothen]

I've never tipped the pro shop guy for drilling my ball.

Zothen

[LonelyBowler]

Absolutely not! Way too many people in this country expect a tip just for doing their job. Just because it's a service job doesn't mean they require a tip. You're already PAYING for their service.