Tipping for sharpening

[rachael7 1]

Question for the pro sharpeners here… do you put a tip jar on the counter? Kind of feels tacky to me, but a couple people have suggested I should. Your thoughts?

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

Question for the pro sharpeners here… do you put a tip jar on the counter? Kind of feels tacky to me, but a couple people have suggested I should. Your thoughts?

I didn't. I always thought it was tacky.

[DarkStar50 679]

Rachel asked about a tip jar for the sharpener. So let's take a poll.

[Chadd 916]

I didn't. I always thought it was tacky.

agreed

[Law Goalie 147]

Fairly often. My understanding is that putting some FBV cuts on goalie blades can be tricky, so I feel a bit obligated, but they also do a flat-out amazing job.

To the tip jar, I'm not sure. It would be necessary in a shop where the sharpener's not in contact with customers, but generally, I've just handed it right to the guy.

Cash aside, the best-received thing I can recall was bringing a case of beer to a goalie-specific shop when a buddy and I were going to spend the entire day trying on gear in preparation for his move overseas, to a locale where hockey was thin on the ground. That was a riot.

[technophile 0]

If they had a tip jar I might at least consider it, but I've never seen one with a tip jar.

Heck, 90% of the time I never even directly see the sharpener, I just drop my skates off in the back, pay at the cashier, and pick them up again a few days later.

[BarDownGinos 3]

Does beer count? I worked out a deal with my buddies who sharpen my skates. They sharpen, I buy a few rounds at the bar or bring a 12'er to pick up

[Chappie 0]

If I know the sharpener and trust his work, I would definitely do it. Never really had the opportunity to though. There's two guys in this area alone I can immediately think of as whom I'd tip.

[Tubesteak 1]

Usually have a good beer in each skate as I hand them to him.

[wrangler 157]

I never thought of it, and generally have a negative reaction to tip jars at establishments in businesses that historically have not been tipped.

Strangely, though, I know of a sub shop that decided against it, and changed its mind, due to customer requests.

[Apes44 7]

If they had a tip jar I might at least consider it, but I've never seen one with a tip jar.

Heck, 90% of the time I never even directly see the sharpener, I just drop my skates off in the back, pay at the cashier, and pick them up again a few days later.

not to mention ive had them look good in store then when i got on the ice they were crap sharpening job. I mean if I had a guy who consistantly did a great job id probably consider it

[JoeyJ0506 192]

Absolutely... at one location. I've come to know the kid that does them for me. Tipped extra this last time because he fixed a real hack job on one of my pairs.

[mug25 2]

They're not allowed to accept tips but I do slip them $$ on the side every now and then.

[AIREAYE 248]

I'll bring in donuts for my boys occasionally, I suppose that counts. But in the past? I've never experienced an outstanding sharpening/service that would warrant extra.

[Vulcan7905 88]

I tipped my sharpener with a I love boobies bracelet last time. Not sure what he did with it though.

[badger_14 601]

I probably would, if I had the money. I think he's technically employed by the school that owns the rink, so cash tips are probably frowned upon and alcohol is definitely not allowed. Donuts, though...

[Davetronz 109]

I bring in a case of beer or a round of Timmy Horton's coffee for the guys every couple months.

[DarkStar50 679]

Often the beer or the coffee goes a longer way than a few bucks. Speaking from experience.......

[SouthpawTRK 1]

I always tip the person sharpening my skates; they virtually sharpen them on the spot and the person doing the sharpening always does a solid job.

[JR Boucicaut 3801]

I tipped my sharpener with a I love boobies bracelet last time. Not sure what he did with it though.

It's in the same spot...in my garage.

[watchgreat 4]

I think its a good idea because most people dont know that they should tip for a sharpening. If they think you did a good job they should tip if they see the jar available.

[DigDug 5]

What's an appropriate tip amount?

[Larry54 243]

I found a place that gives me great sharpenings. They're $5 each, but they sell cards that give you 10 sharpenings for $30. So I take the card and directly tip the sharpener $2. It still comes out to $5 each but I like the fact that $2 of it goes directly to the sharpener.

[Morten 2]

The sharpeners are volunteers at my rink, limited days and hours open, not a 100% consistent job on the grinds and I haven't found one that does the best job, no fixed days as who is there to sharpen. But when I do, mabye I'll buy him some cake or coffee.

[Law Goalie 147]

Often the beer or the coffee goes a longer way than a few bucks. Speaking from experience.......

...And following this authority, as sharpeners across North America are treated to constant influxes of liquid depressants and stimulants, there's an outbreak of drunken yet jittery sharpenings on Hockey Day in Canada.