Do you tip your FSO's?

[BirdManFSU]

Hey there fellow RC members. I'm an FSO, repair tech, and Salesman at a scuba shop here in northern FL. I've been working at the shop for a few months now and I've been somewhat surprised by the fact that no one ever even offers to tip. So, I figured I'd throw the question out there: Do you tip for FSO's? It an occurence that seems to happen every single day: we do air fills and partial pressure nitrox fills on everything from 3AL 80's to Double Steels, analyze the tanks, and then lug those heavy suckers out the the parking lot and load em into a car or truck. You'd think every now and again, a customer would offer to throw a few bucks you're way but for some reason it never happens. We've even got a few in particular that will bring 12-18 steel 120's at a time and ask for a 39% mix. Carrying all those tanks is never fun and just filling them can take up to 2 hours. No tip, and sometimes not even a thank you! Don't get me wrong, I love my job but I'm curious to see what people elsewhere do.

 

[Reefugee]

What is an FSO?

It seems like in our society, everyone is expecting a tip. I don't tip my mechanic. I don't tip the the acne faced kid who helps me at Walmart. Why should I tip a repair tech/salesman at my LDS?

I work in a service area, and I don't expect people to tip me. I just expect my employer to pay me fairly. It annoys me when someone expects a tip for doing their job.

 

[BirdManFSU]

FSO means "fill station operator." I understand your feelings about tipping but you have to hold it to a different standard. Does the acne faced kid at Walmart carry 100+ grocery bags out to your car (double steels weigh that much). Does he truly have to devote any time to his craft whatsoever or supply any physical exertion? Just to fill a customer tanks an FSO has to go through cylinder hazmat cylinder. To do inspections and hydro, even more training. For each individual regulator, seperate manufacturer courses and certifications. All this for....$7 an hour. Indeed, larger chains stores undoubtedly pay more but for your local, but your local privately owned dive center is anything but a well paying job. Like I said, I'm not trying to complain. I chose this job because I wanted to stay involved in an area that I love and have a huge commitment to. But, I was curious to see if the customer response I recieve at my store is an isolated incident or something that occurs everywhere.

 

[fppf]

Our shop does not carry tanks for anyone, there your tanks. They just hook up the whips and turn the valves.

So no I don't tip anyone there.

Also I'm sure the person that I trust to rebuild my life support equipment is getting paid more than $7/hour.

 

[thor32766]

get used to it. the world is filling up with more and more inconsiderate people. Keep up the positive thoughts about the job though and good luck.

 

[BirdManFSU]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7980167#post7980167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fppf
Our shop does not carry tanks for anyone, there your tanks. They just hook up the whips and turn the valves.

So no I don't tip anyone there.

Also I'm sure the person that I trust to rebuild my life support equipment is getting paid more than $7/hour.

Amen to that, but sadly its true. Its a real small business and we're one of only two dive shops in town. Since its not a chain store in a busy town, I don't expect much as far as pay goes. I'm a college student majoring in environmental studies so for me its works out alright, but for some of the other employee's (one guy is retired and in his 60's) I'm sure its rough. Nevertheless the best part about the job is getting dive gear at cost, can't beat that.

 

[Glove]

I get an occasional tip- very rare and totally unexpected.
Usually for a guided dive or for spending that little extra time trying to help someone become truly comfortable.

 

[davocean]

I've had guys repair my gear and bro me by giving me something from the random parts bucket or something.
That's about the only time I tip.(and probably more than what that part costs)
It does bug me that so many people expect a tip for just doing their job.
Good cusomer service is just part of the gig.

 

[Von_Rahvin]

i get between 300 and 400 fills a year and i think that if i tried to tip the FSO at my dive shop they would look at me i grew three heads.

i tip for personal service. a fishing guide, a waiter/ess, those type of things.

filling tanks is kinda what the shop pays you to do.

 

[csherlock]

I do not tip my FSO, because I believe that it is a service that they offer...like getting your oil changed...do you tip the oil change person? I feel that the best way I can help the FSO is by repeat business and telling others about the great job they do. I have another Scuba retailer that is closer to my home than the one that I go out of my way to use...because of thier superior service and thier overall friendlyness...I make sure that they know how much I appreciate them.

 

[mar-y-sol]

Seeming that they are only paying you 7/hr I'm going to guess you are working for Fleet. Tell him not to be such a cheap bastard. If its Richard tell him the same thing. I'm in the same position but at least I dont carry anybodys tanks especially in Tally where most people do double steels. Good luck. Karl

 

[Freed]

I would suggest that there be a surcharge for carrying/carting the tanks to/from the vehicles if they are over a certain size.

 

[csherlock]

Or better yet, have a cart available for the customer to use to transport their tanks to-and-from their car... then you would not have to do it...and I think most people would find it helpful.