Another Tipping Question -- Full Serve Gas?

[Loves Vintage]

I usually pump my own gas, but have recently been going to a full serve place because: I am pregnant, I am tired, it is my least favorite task and it is very, very cold!!! I have not been tipping. I assumed I was paying more for the gas, but when I pulled out of the station yesterday and looked at the prices across the street -- GASP -- they were exactly the same! There are very few full-serve stations around here, and I really don't know what the protocol is. Thoughts?

Should I be tipping the attendant??

I think there are 2 states that do not allow drivers to pump their own gas -- NJ and ??? What do folks in NJ do? I used to tip there because the gas was so much cheaper than CT gas anyway, and I figured I wasn't being up-charged for full-serve because every place is full-serve.

 

[Autumnovember]

I don't. I know some people that do. I think this whole tipping thing is seriously getting out of control.

 

[soocool]

I sometimes crossover to NJ to pay for cheaper gas. I have never tipped a gas attendant in NJ. I live in PA and there are 2 full service stations near me and I have never tipped there either. Truthfully, I prefer to pump my own.

 

[zoebartlett]

It's never occurred to me to tip the attendant if he/she pumps gas for me. I'm not in a state where that's common (or mandatory).

 

[Loves Vintage]

Hmm, I guess I just feel lazy for not doing it myself, and therefore, would want to pay someone if they are doing it for me. I thought I was paying by being charged more, but apparently not.

 

[Autumnovember]

I sometimes crossover to NJ to pay for cheaper gas. I have never tipped a gas attendant in NJ. I live in PA and there are 2 full service stations near me and I have never tipped there either. Truthfully, I prefer to pump my own.

Ditto. I'll usually fill up just a quarter if I know I'm on my way to Jersey and then I'll fill up the rest. I've never tipped any gas attendant in NJ.

 

[swingirl]

Never. Pumping gas is the job the attendants are are being paid for.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I would tip.

 

[Octavia]

I usually fill up in Jersey on my way to/from work, and I don't usually tip. I was actually talking about this with a co-worker recently because she just moved here and we were both unsure of protocol. So the next time I filled up, I gave the guy a dollar along with my card...he looked at me like I was nuts and was like, "um, thanks..." Then, when I was riding with my coworker to lunch the other day, she tried to do the same (at a different station) and the attendant wouldn't take it! So at least in our area, I don't think they expect to be tipped.

 

[junebug17]

I've lived in NJ my entire life and have never tipped an attendant. Honestly, it's never even occurred to me. I really don't think it's expected.

 

[Miss Sparkly]

I don't. I know some people that do. I think this whole tipping thing is seriously getting out of control.

I agree. They do get paid to be there and besides the elements I can't imagine that it's a tough job.

 

[Jessie702]

I think its good to tip, if they are doing other things than filling up the car. If they check your fluids, wash all the windows, than yeah i would tip, but if it is just gas, i wouldnt. Maybe im slightly different comming from Vegas, were a lot of people live off their tips, because pay sucks.

 

[radiantquest]

I have never in real life seen a full service gas station. So I am no help there, but if the OP doesnt mind I have a tipping question of my own.

We have a pellet stove and I go to the place and get them. I usually only get about 5 bags at a time. I go in and pay and then there is a strapping young man that loads them into the car. I give him the loading ticket and I assume he gets paid some sort of bonus when he turns those in. Should I be tipping him for putting wood pellets in my trunk??

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

There was a time when tanking up at a full service station came with additional amenities such as checking the fluids and washing the windows. Hence the term "Full Service Gas Station" Like a bus person at a restaurant or the person washing your hair at a salon, they are providing a service and therefore should be tipped either directly or via the other more senior service provider they're working under (the waiter would tip the busser, etc). I can't tell you the last time I've gotten gas at a FSS and had them check my oil or wash my windshield without me asking. On the rare occasion where they have (and when I've had $ on me), I've tipped a dollar or two. Sometimes I'll tip for just gas (again, just a dollar or two) if it's particularly cold or rainy out. However it's rare that I have even a dollar cash on me, I'm a debit card user. So for the most part, no I don't tip for full service gas.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Thanks everyone for your replies!! I think I won't tip in NJ, though I don't plan on being there anytime soon. But, if it's cold or rainy in CT, then I will tip a small amount.

HH - I remember back in the day when they used to check oil, etc., but haven't seen that in a long time. Just having someone pump my gas feel like such a luxury!!

RadiantQuest - I don't think I would tip the pellet guy. I go to a local feed store to buy my 30 lb bags of dog food (I usually get 3-4), and they ALWAYS put them in my car. I totally *heart* them for doing it, and I tell them everytime how NICE it is that they do this for me and everyone else! Can you imagine someone at Petco helping you with dog food bags to the car? I am lucky to ever find an employee in that store who doesn't divert his eyes as soon as he sees me!!! Anyway, it is soooooooo nice not to have to drag all those bags out to my car, but it never occurred to me to tip them, and I tend to want to tip everyone, so I don't think you need to tip the pellet guy because it sounds like he's providing a very similar service. Also, employees at garden centers will often deliver soil, etc. to your car. I don't think they expect a tip, and I have never offered one.