What's the best tactic to ask for a tip without getting a no?

Question

This is for a regular client who tips generously but after asking me to do extra projects that included driving several hours, he did not tip at all. I have emailed telling him how hard I worked but he just blows it off with a simple thanks and take care response and it's really pissing me off. Why should I be out of pocket for having done work for him, with wear/tear to my car and having not picked up other projects for him? How can I politely ask for a tip I am owed without the mooch getting away with having had free work done for him? I obviously don't want to lose him as a client either but I think if not addressing the issue now, it can only repeat and I can be taken advantage of again. The tipping is an unspoken agreement without which the rest of the job would cost a lot more and he'd have to hire someone else to do the driving and so on. Just because he's tipped in the past doesn't mean he can have a free license for the future and I no longer need to pay my bills. Please help!

Answer 1

you just may have to be "busy " for the next few times that he needs you

Answer 2

Not tipping for quality service is rude, however I disagree that tipping is an unspoken agreement, it is voluntary gesture of gratitude. If he has tipped well in the past then I would guess for the most part he appreciates your service. If this was a one time thing, let it go. If this happens again raise your prices.

Answer 3

Tell him that extra work incurs a fuel surcharge based on extra miles above what is considered normal. You may need to amend any contractual arrangement you have.He is DEFINITELY taking advantage of you.And you can charge him whatever you feel is right. I do handywork on the side and have a base rate of $25/hr. If I have to drive to get the materials it's an extra $50 for the work-time lost PLUS a $10 fuel surcharge. The customer also has to pay for the material as well as for any tools I may have to buy for the work ( they do get to keep the tools or I offer to buy them back equally if they don't want them ).

Answer 4

I wouldn't ask for a tip because then you could lose a client. Best to just gently remind him that gas cost so much and you don't know if you're going to be able to get his work done, because last time (the time he didn't tip, but don't bring that up) your car took so much wear and tear driving back and forth. He may not have it right now to tip you but your loyalty maybe rewarded when he gets back right. That happens from time to time in business.

Didn't you ask this yesterday?

Answer 5

A tip is a tip and offered freely. A fee is understood and to be paid. Raise your fee and fortge the tips. If you get one its gravy.

Answer 6

Simply tell him that you can't afford to do the work at the previous rate, and that you're actually losing money on the deal.

Tips are optional.  If you want more money, put it in the price.

Answer 7

I am sorry but this is the second time I've seen you ask about this situation, and I wish you would understand that there is just no polite way to ASK for a tip.  SHOULD he have tipped you?  Given what you stated, probably.  For whatever reason, he has made it clear to you that he does not feel he needs to tip you this time.  I have no idea why.

He may or may not have an alternative reward/way of expressing his appreciation in mind that you don't know of yet.  He may indeed think that he "deserves" your extra effort this time because of past (and possibly future) generosity, just as you seem to think you "deserve" a tip.

You can only be "taken advantage of again" if you let it happen.  Since it is now clear that your and his views on tipping differ, may I suggest that you stop trying to figure out how to ask for a tip (which probably WILL offend your client) and start considering what you may say to him the next time he asks for something extra?

Answer 8

This is an idea, a crazy idea but it just may work, make up a fake survey where he gets to give his opinion of the work you performe, you can make him him think it came from a opinion panel company, or a licensing service whatever having to dow ith what you do then make one of the questions: SInce Jane Doe work is based mainly on tips what amount did you tip for this workers services, and put at least 4 options of different amount, you can BOLD the mainly on tips part, he will get your drift and never be tip free againh.

Answer 9

Back it up with why you think you should get one, and how you've worked for it.