Tip the fork lift operator?

Do you tip forklift operators?

  • Yes

    Votes: 51 41.5%

  • No

    Votes: 69 56.1%

  • Other ($20 a month etc)

    Votes: 3 2.4%
  • Total voters
    123
M

mvoellinger

Member
Aug 26, 2008
618
Jacksonville, FL
Boat Info
2002 260DA
Engines
350 MAG w/ Bravo III
I just moved my boat to dry storage today, do you guys tip the fork lift operator? Its a small marina, looks to be about 4-5 employees total, so it will probably be the same one or two guys doing it.
 
We had one guy do most of the forklift last year and we gave him $75 gift card...he was real appericiative. This year they have changed the set up ant there are 3 operators, we've talked about getting them each a $25 gift card, but I certainly don't want to be cheap to the guys who handle my boat...
 
Thats my feeling too. They took the time to introduce me to the one guy today, so Im pretty sure they're a close group. If I treat him well, Im sure it will pay itself back in terms of getting me right in and out, and not fussing about me asking to put on the wash rack everytime rather than just back to the storage racks.
 
There are 3 operators at our marina. One is a part timer, and also the area bottom scrub diver. I have not been around to see it if he has ever moved my boat. The other 2 are the brothers that own the marina.

I tipped them back in January (paid yearly fees). I can't see tipping the owners. They make good money. If I ever am around to see the other guy move it, I might tip him.
 
I tip with a case of beer a couple times a year or share ice cold beer at end of day.
 
You have a choice.......tip them when their service warrants it or take the time to get to know them, their wives and kids names, hobbies, et., then treat them like equals not your servants and tell them thank you. They appreciate the last approach as much or more than $.
 
We have 4 guys that run the lift and some show more interest than others. I tend to reward them with shared beverages at the end of the day, buy them pizza every now and again, and thank them everytime. And like Frank said, talk to them and treat them like a friend or family, not just a hired hand. I believe that goes a long way in making sure you are taken care of at the end of the day.
 
I wrote a letter to the owner of our dealership when I got outstanding service a few times. I hoped that helped the employees at raise time. I have also continued to receive great service.
 
I tip only for some over and above service. Like when they work long hours during our Mississippi River Tug Fest between Leclaire iowa snd port Byron Illnois. Or, when my "check engine" message came on in the middle of Lake Pepin and I called and got a remote diagnosis that saved me from having to hire a boat mechanic to come look at it. And, treating them like the good guys they are or brinnging some home baked cookies now and then is a good thing too.

Dennis
 
I tip a few times a year , $20.00 each time, for each guy,, plus I throw a few bottles of Blue label to the Manager of the Marina. They are good guys and work hard.
We Always thank them and treat the guys as friends,, they appreciate it and am treated great..
 
We keep our '97 270DA drystacked, so we don't tip every time (we don't always know who splashed it for us, and they don't always take it out while we're still there.) But we try to tip when we can. Our guys do a nice job, always rinsing off the boat and running fresh water through.
 
I try to give `100 dollars on the special days when they work hard and stay late to get all of us back into the dry storage building.

Memorial Day-
4th of July,
Aquapalooza
Labor Day Weekend

I know the team works hard and they take good care of us.
 
If you are in a hi-dry, amazing how much faster you can get your boat on a busy day if you routinely tip. Or on a windy day how quickly they show up to catch your line. It does not have to be a lot and we proved it to be worth it!
 
I always tipped the forklift drivers and dockhands until they ripped my boat cover today. I will not be tipping anymore.
 
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