BajaNomad - Gas Pump Etiquette

Gas Pump Etiquette

motoged - 10-23-2008 at 09:39 AM

Nomads,
What is the proper etiquette regarding gas station attendants pumping gas....some have suggested they expect a propina....?

I get the bit about making sure the pump is set to "zero", so please don't get into that issue....just want to know about the tipping thing.

I don't really think I should be tipping for that... :?:

Thanks for your replies.

BajaGeoff - 10-23-2008 at 09:52 AM

Usually they will clean your windshield, and when they do that I will give a tip....around a dollar. If they clean all of the windows on my car, they get a better tip.

Bajaboy - 10-23-2008 at 09:53 AM

Well, you'll get a wide range of thoughts on this. I suppose it's a personal preference. I usually tip about 10 pesos per fill up. I figure I'd be paying much more than that if I had someone fill up my truck here in San Diego.

No sweat off my back....

Zac

vandenberg - 10-23-2008 at 10:00 AM

Probably only us older folks can remember the days that all stations in the USA had full service, and, as far as I can remember, "NOBODY" tipped the guy who pumped your gas.
Now that pretty much all USA stations are prepaid self serve, the serve stations in Mexico are somewhat of a novelty and we look upon the attendant as a kind of waiter, who deserves compensation for his help. :?:

Just a change of the times. :biggrin:

durrelllrobert - 10-23-2008 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
Nomads,
What is the proper etiquette regarding gas station attendants pumping gas....some have suggested they expect a propina....?

I get the bit about making sure the pump is set to "zero", so please don't get into that issue....just want to know about the tipping thing.

I don't really think I should be tipping for that... :?:

At the station I go to they not only pump the gas and wash the windows, they check the oil and tranny level then wipe down the entire car because they know that this GRINGO will tip them $1. I couldn't get this level of service in the US for $5 and even the windows, oil and tranny check would mean going to full service station and paying $1 more/ gal. :?:

Thanks for your replies.

Sunman - 10-23-2008 at 10:25 AM

Only when they clean my windows...generally 5-10 pesos.

Barry A. - 10-23-2008 at 10:29 AM

I NEVER want any of the "services" you talk about here, so I NEVER tip. In fact, I am insistant (in a nice, but firm, way) that attendents do not touch my vehicle.

If I was asked by the attendent if I wanted a "service", and I said "yes, thanks", then I would tip if he/she did a good job (like washing windows). How much would depend on how I felt that day, but probably 20 pesos, or so for all the main windows on my truck.

lizard lips - 10-23-2008 at 10:34 AM

A lot of the service station employees do not earn a wage from the owner of the station. They only make tips.

I only tip is they clean my windows or ask them to check the air in my tires. I really can see giving a tip for gassing me up..

tripledigitken - 10-23-2008 at 10:37 AM

I will tip if they ask to clean the windows, usually 10 pesos.

Ken

Woooosh - 10-23-2008 at 10:37 AM

How about a poll on this?

I tip a dollar if they clean (or offer to clean and check) my windows and my tires. If they aren't friendly or just pump the gas without offering services I don't give them anything that time.

jodiego - 10-23-2008 at 10:48 AM

Why don't we ask Antonio at Baja Cactus about services, tipping, and wages.

Skipjack Joe - 10-23-2008 at 11:15 AM

I don't tip for pumping gas. I do tip for any other additional service. I believe that's what most attendants expect.

Pescador - 10-23-2008 at 11:48 AM

I don' know where this idea about not being paid to work in a gas station started. I have a lot of friends who work in the gas stations in Santa Rosalia and they all get paid. When I asked them about the tipping thing I get a wide range of answers, but mostly they indicate that they usally get a small tip if they do extra things like wash the windows or air the tires, etc. I give them yellowtail during the christmas season so I think I get a pretty clear answer on this.
It is interesting how most of the posts are responding to this issue from a "gringo perspective" and it would seem that we might be better off following the adage of "When in Rome". I have witnessed a guy who stopped with a big motorhome towing a nice 4x4 jeep who looked quite the pompous ass when instructing the attendant what he wanted. He did tip the guy $5 US but I don't need to repeat what the attendant had to say.

BajaGringo - 10-23-2008 at 11:58 AM

I always tip 10 pesos/one dollar for cleaning all my windows. If they check my fluids/air pressure too I double it. If they just pump gas I give them exact change in pesos and say thank you...

Then they aren't employees

Dave - 10-23-2008 at 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips
A lot of the service station employees do not earn a wage from the owner of the station. They only make tips.

It's illegal to hire someone to work for tips. Those that do are exploiting their fellow country-men. The lowest of the low.

BMG - 10-23-2008 at 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

How about a poll on this?

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=26484#pid2540...

Who Cares What Others DO ?

MrBillM - 10-23-2008 at 03:59 PM

Do whatever you're comfortable with and reap the consequences. Taking a poll seems pretty stupid. Who is it that feels like they need to be a part of the crowd ? Whoever that crowd might be.

I tip WELL North and South of the border. Too well according to many of my friends, but tough scheisse. That's what I do and it doesn't matter what anyone else does. Except when I'm with them, of course. I've got some friends in San Diego I trade lunch tabs with who are such poor tippers I feel embarassed. Dining at Chili's one day, they left such a piddling tip that I made up an excuse to go back inside and gave the gal an extra Ten.

I will continue to be one of those who raise the expectations of Mexican service people when it comes to Gringos. Period.

lizard lips - 10-23-2008 at 04:56 PM

Illegal Dave? Ask some of the pump jockeys in Tijuana.........

burnrope - 10-23-2008 at 05:09 PM

I usually tip. What's a little to me might be alot to someone else.

And the point?

Dave - 10-23-2008 at 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips
Illegal Dave? Ask some of the pump jockeys in Tijuana.........

I didn't say it wasn't done...Just that it was illegal.

Maybe it's OK with you that an Mexican employer would balk at paying the pittance that is the official daily wage. Along with no SS, medical or retirement.

It ain't with me.

Those "pump jockeys" would probably give you an earful.

If it wouldn't get them fired. :rolleyes:

bajabound2005 - 10-23-2008 at 05:26 PM

We live in Baja...we give nothing for just pumping the gas. If they clean the windshield, 5 pesos; if they clean the rear and front windows, 10 pesos. Always pay in pesos and don't ask them to fill the tank....pick an amount because they will overfill the tank every time on a "llenalo"

BMG - 10-23-2008 at 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM

Who Cares What Others DO ?

My guess is: most of us.

Udo - 10-23-2008 at 05:54 PM

I tip 5 pesos for front window and another 5 for back or side windows.
No tip for just pumping gas, although I will leave a 5 peso tip for a really polite pumping person.

lizard lips - 10-23-2008 at 05:55 PM

It's not OK with me Dave in fact I use only one station in Ensenada that I know the owner and he hires only women with children and no husband and he pays them better than the average wage for this type of work. :tumble:

buck a windshield

cabokid - 10-23-2008 at 06:05 PM

Not bad pay if u can do 7 or 8 an hour plus what ever you can short a dumb gringo. Now while were on the subject of money a mexican can make, last time fishing out of Cabo they were charging 5 dollars a bait. Now sign me up for that job !

robrt8 - 10-23-2008 at 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by lizard lips
Illegal Dave? Ask some of the pump jockeys in Tijuana.........

It isn't illegal to hire someone for tips. Where did you get this idea? Do you think those baggers at supermarkets are getting paid?

For me, ten pesos just for pulling up and not getting screwed. Five to ten more for extras. This felt better when NOB gas was pushing $5!!

Ken Cooke - 10-23-2008 at 07:31 PM

I tip about $1 to $2, and I ask others in my group when I lead group trips to do the same.

In El Progreso, outside of Mexicali as you approach the Laguna Salada, I spoke to one pump attendant, and he told me this was his job where he smelled gas fumes 10 hours a day. He looked tired, but was very courteous. I made sure he got his tips from us.

David K - 10-23-2008 at 08:26 PM

For gringos on vacation... be glad you get full service or even partial service for the price of Pemex. Gas is still a bit above $3/ gal. here and NOBODY puts it in for me, takes my money to the cashier, or washes my window. Now, stop being so tight and put a smile on the attendant's face with 10 pesos or a dollar... Good foreign relations and all... It sure makes one feel better than to get all that service and drive off with all your vacation wealth in your pocket and not reward good service. You can afford the dollar after a fill up!

Oh, and tipping is for good service too... They do get paid (at least at Antonio's station). I think if one gets tips for friendly, attentive service, it is more likely to cause repeated good service for others and us, again.

You tip the waitress because she gets minimum wage... well Pemex attendants make a lot less!

Again, it's my opinion for us gringos on vacation... not you Nomads who live there.

Ken Cooke - 10-23-2008 at 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David KYou tip the waitress because she gets minimum wage... well Pemex attendants make a lot less!

Again, it's my opinion for us gringos on vacation... not you Nomads who live there.

Excellent points, David. We have plenty of $$ to spend on vacation, why not directly help the local populace?

rogbag - 10-23-2008 at 09:34 PM

Have been in and around the "service" industry for a lot of years, and feel so much better when I tip well than if I stiff the guy. Usually base the gratuity on personality plus service, but that is just me.
Rode the length of Baja in May and tipped attendants 10 or 20 pesos for handing me the nozzle - there isn't much else I would let them do to the bike. And none of them tried to pump the gas for me.
Really enjoyed the guy in El Rosario Pemex...waited on me southbound one week and northbound the following - had no idea what he was saying, he had no clue what I was talking about, but it was all good.
And then there was the surly son-of-a-gun in San Ignacio that I did stiff - if you have an attitude that precludes social intercourse, it means you don't get no tip.

Baja-Brit - 10-24-2008 at 02:51 AM

I find the pump attendants to be in the main friendly and polite.

I always tip 10 peso's or similar, it really does'nt make a difference to me, but it helps make a difference to them!

Afterall, don't forget, they are providing a service!

As you were.

ViajeraGal - 10-24-2008 at 02:01 PM

Attitudes and service can be quite different from the north to the south as mentioned, so as other said, I tip accordingly.
Often, the guy who washes the windows is different from the one pumping the gas, so I make sure I tip the window washer.
Can't really recall tipping for just pumping the gas, regardless of WHERE in Baja, and I have made many round trips over the past 15 yrs.

And I agree that this attitude of "what it costs in the US" is of NO use; that's what has ruined the economy down here (BCSUR); because those with lots of bucks come here and throw it to build a house and think they have done well if it costs a little less "than what it would be in the US!!"
In my estimation, this economic downturn is not ALL bad......maybe we will get to feel as if we are in Mexico again for awhile.

DianaT - 10-24-2008 at 03:10 PM

We are in the if they clean the windshield group, and then it depends---usually at least 10 pesos and more for more windows.

At our regular gas station in Vizcaino, we are usually more generous with the two older men who are the regular window washers. If the attendent is busy, they help pump the gas---we just like them.

Diane

CortezBlue - 10-24-2008 at 03:33 PM

I have the best gas station story.

We just got back from Cancun, and during our trip the weather was very poor due to some off shore Trop Dep.

We decided to rent a car and drive the Cuoto (SP) to Chicha Nitza. The toll road was very expensive about $50 roud trip. Had a great visit to the pyramids until it rained like crazy. On the way back we stopped to get gas.

A very elderly man was pumping the gas and had very bad eyes. He finished pumping the gas. I opened my wallet and I had a 500 and a 200 Peso bill. I handed him the 200 peso bill. He took it and then glanced up to the pump and said "Amigo, 160 pesos"!
I looked back to his hand and he was holding a 20 peso bill. I think it was worth the 18 bucks to see a quick change artist that close. :barf:

Kell-Baja - 10-24-2008 at 03:44 PM

I would think $1.00 or $0.75 and a cold drink.

I got the idea from...

Dave - 10-25-2008 at 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by robrt8
It isn't illegal to hire someone for tips. Where did you get this idea? Do you think those baggers at supermarkets are getting paid?

Owning a business in Mexico, employing Mexican workers and knowledge of Mexican labor law.

Where did you get your ideas? :rolleyes:

woody with a view - 10-25-2008 at 10:01 AM

so the baggers do make an hourly/daily wage and the tip is gravy/gruel?

schwlind - 10-25-2008 at 10:18 AM

We don't tip for gas, but do tip for window cleaning... usually 10 pesos. I also agree with the poster who said to request a specific amount... say $250 pesos/Magna.

Don't know

Dave - 10-25-2008 at 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
so the baggers do make an hourly/daily wage and the tip is gravy/gruel?

Not being their employer. I assume most only get tips.

Again...I never said it wasn't done.

Just that it's illegal.

Bajafun777 - 10-25-2008 at 10:25 AM

I always tip even just for pumping the "diesel" as I do not have to put on my gloves or deal with the stuff on my hands. Yea, attitude is always involved but like Ken wrote here smell these fumes at this station all day and see if you smile each and every time. I normally give a dollar and when the B.S. was going on about not wanting to give any diesel then I tipped $2 dollars for giving me the diesel. Yes, again it was cheaper down here but once down here I always eat somewhere, buy something from a vendor in a store, visit the pharmacy for some medicines or do some nightlife entertainment. I feel lucky that we have been blessed in our life and able to basically go and come as we please. Besides that when I am down South I am usually less stressed in good spirits and even the beggers make out to some degree. Ah, life is great everyday when you wake up, can walk, talk, see and enjoy what it has to offer to its very best. Again, I am blessed, like to help where I can, enjoy good food, cold cold beer(my wife likes wine any way as long as it's in a glass), enjoy friends and relatives like everyday is the last and remember---------" No Hurry, No Worry, Just Fun." Later-------------------------bajafun777

chuckbolton - 10-25-2008 at 05:20 PM

im surprised at the number of respponses reqarding tipping--we tip for service in the US why not in mexico-- we dont get full service in the gas stations in the midwest. on one hand i dont care if a guy makea an extra $8-10 an hour in mexico-- i just hope he knows how to handle that kind of salary increase-- it seems that some of you resent tipping -- if seen americans do things in mexico that they wouldnt dream of doing at home in the US. and we wonder why we have a bad reputation? ive seen travelers in large coaches almost stare down young kids on the side of the road -- the kids were simply waving at passers by. i dont understand the superior atttitude that some US citizen have towards mexicans--

lizard lips - 10-25-2008 at 06:07 PM

Superior attitude--Staring down young kids waving at cars passing by--Resent tipping--Get a grip Chuck. I don't understand what the heck your talking about my friend.

The one line I like the best is that if they make 8$ to 10$ per hour you hope they know how to handle it?

You must be joking........

Bajaboy - 10-25-2008 at 06:23 PM

I'm just curious...of those that don't tip, are you quick to hand out a soda to the soldiers?

Zac

Barry A. - 10-25-2008 at 08:24 PM

-------I tip when I think it is deserved, both in the USA, or where-ever-------I never have any sodas, nor beer, in my vehicle (hate sodas)------so no, I never hand out "sodas" to the troops.

Barry

robrt8 - 10-25-2008 at 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
so the baggers do make an hourly/daily wage and the tip is gravy/gruel?

Not being their employer. I assume most only get tips.

Again...I never said it wasn't done.

Just that it's illegal.

Tell that to Walmart, Mega, Soriana...

postholedigger - 10-26-2008 at 08:55 PM

I normally tip but if the attendant tries to rip me off or run some kind of scam in any way he can forget the tip.

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
I'm just curious...of those that don't tip, are you quick to hand out a soda to the soldiers?

Zac

marv sherrill - 10-27-2008 at 05:25 PM

Interesting - I always stop at the last Pemex before the toll road to fill up and top off, so I have enough gas to get back to Baja, and not fill up in the states. At this new station there seems to be attendants assigned to each pump station! So they give good service, wash the windows etc. So the incentive to do a great job comes from a little gratuity from the customer - I don't mind that at all.

Iflyfish - 10-28-2008 at 07:41 AM

CortezBlue
Had the very same experience on way to Tulum out of Cancun in rented car. Happened to me THREE times, third time so pi.... that I went and got a cop. Cop made the guy give me 20 pesos....so much for complaining. I guess it is a typical scam down there and easy to do with the 200 and 20 peso note. This never happened to us in the Baja. I now declare "this is a 200 peso note" just to be sure that don't happen again.

Iflyfishandamhumbledatthecreativityofpeoplearoundmoney