BajaNomad
Not logged in [Login - Register]

Go To Bottom
Printable Version  
 Pages:  1  2  
Author: Subject: Gas Pump Etiquette
bajabound2005
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 2762
Registered: 10-15-2005
Location: Punta Banda, BCN
Member Is Offline

Mood: words cannot describe...

[*] posted on 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"



Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
View user's profile This user has MSN Messenger
BMG
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 1776
Registered: 6-10-2007
Location: La Paz / Bahia Asunci�n / Away from home
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 10-23-2008 at 05:37 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by MrBillM

Who Cares What Others DO ?


My guess is: most of us.




I think the world is run by C- students.
View user's profile
Udo
Elite Nomad
******


Avatar


Posts: 6364
Registered: 4-26-2008
Location: Black Hills, SD/Ensenada/San Felipe
Member Is Offline

Mood: TEQUILA!

[*] posted on 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.




Udo

Youth is wasted on the young!

View user's profile
lizard lips
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 1469
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: EARTH
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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:
View user's profile
cabokid
Junior Nomad
*




Posts: 32
Registered: 10-16-2004
Location: San Deigo, Escondido
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 10-23-2008 at 06:05 PM
buck a windshield


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 !
View user's profile
robrt8
Junior Nomad
*




Posts: 67
Registered: 12-14-2007
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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.........


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:


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!!
View user's profile
Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 8964
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline

Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury

[*] posted on 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.




View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 65298
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 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.




"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
Ken Cooke
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 8964
Registered: 2-9-2004
Location: Riverside, CA
Member Is Offline

Mood: Pole Line Road postponed due to injury

[*] posted on 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?




View user's profile
rogbag
Nomad
**




Posts: 124
Registered: 8-27-2008
Location: Los Barriles, BCS
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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.
View user's profile
Baja-Brit
Nomad
**


Avatar


Posts: 138
Registered: 8-28-2008
Location: London, England & La Paz
Member Is Offline

Mood: Happy in Baja!

[*] posted on 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.




M0CMF

Mexico - land of the free!

Swing by my place: http://www.baja-forum.com
View user's profile Visit user's homepage
ViajeraGal
Junior Nomad
*




Posts: 45
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Los Barriles
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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.:O
View user's profile
DianaT
Select Nomad
*******




Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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




View user's profile
CortezBlue
Super Nomad
****


Avatar


Posts: 2213
Registered: 11-14-2006
Location: Fenix/San Phelipe
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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:
View user's profile Visit user's homepage
Kell-Baja
Nomad
**




Posts: 360
Registered: 1-18-2003
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 10-24-2008 at 03:44 PM


I would think $1.00 or $0.75 and a cold drink.
View user's profile Visit user's homepage
Dave
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 10-25-2008 at 09:56 AM
I got the idea from...


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:




View user's profile
woody with a view
PITA Nomad
*******




Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline

Mood: Everchangin'

[*] posted on 10-25-2008 at 10:01 AM


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



View user's profile
schwlind
Nomad
**




Posts: 362
Registered: 8-30-2008
Location: Daytona Beach, FL/San Antonio Del Mar (Colonet)
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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.
View user's profile
Dave
Elite Nomad
******




Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 10-25-2008 at 10:20 AM
Don't know


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.




View user's profile
Bajafun777
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 1103
Registered: 9-13-2006
Location: Rosarito & California
Member Is Offline

Mood: Enjoying Life with Wife In Mexico, Easy on The Easy

[*] posted on 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



View user's profile
 Pages:  1  2  

  Go To Top

 






All Content Copyright 1997- Q87 International; All Rights Reserved.
Powered by XMB; XMB Forum Software © 2001-2014 The XMB Group






"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen. The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez

 

"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt

 

"You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them or to them." - Malcolm Forbes

 

"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." - Jim Rohn

 

"The best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer." - Cunningham's Law







Thank you to Baja Bound Mexico Insurance Services for your long-term support of the BajaNomad.com Forums site.







Emergency Baja Contacts Include:

Desert Hawks; El Rosario-based ambulance transport; Emergency #: (616) 103-0262