Commission Question

[Sidehatch]

So it finally happened. I found a carver whose work I liked. Sent a note. Got the discussion going. Boom 2 weeks later a 2 pipe set is done and they look fantastic. Looking forward to getting them in the mail after the money was sent. Then I started thinking . . .oh man. Am I supposed to tip? I feel like everything these days has an option to tip so maybe it’s just being pushed into my skull. I wasn’t sure so I thought I would ask others who have done a commission before if the carver expects a tip or it’s just a pay the price and done deal.

Thanks in advance.

 

[boston]

Pay the price and done. You can pay more of course, but this carver is not a waiter getting $2 an hour and living off tips. And, the carver may not be wealthy, and the work may be worth more, but he/she set the price presumably. But you can still be nice, and promote the person, and send tobacco or whatever. Not tipping doesn't mean you can't be friendly.

 

[georged]

Absolutely yes.

The standard "tier" of tipping is a superyacht if you were delighted, a Lear 85 if you were simply happy, and a Bentley limo if only satisfied.

 

[mortonbriar]

I think they will want tips like:

'Hey I think you should try drilling the chamber in reverse, I read on reddit it creates a better draw'
and
'It's no big deal, but if you could sandblast by hand that would be better for the environment, like just throw a fistful at a time'.

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

If you and the carver agreed on a price, then once you've paid then your parts done. Now when you receive your pipes, and feel the carver went above and beyond your expectations, then you can absolutely send him/her additional funds if you choose, but it's not expected. The choice is yours as there is no expectation for a tip.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Pipe Carvers or watchRepair men do not usually expect having tips at least here in the old continent.

 

[burleybreath]

Is a pipe maker a professional? They set fees, so I think so. As a general rule, one doesn't tip professionals. Tipping a judge after a ruling in your favor might be a looked on askance. A barber, though, would be an exception to this. There must be others.