Tip your taxidermist?

[razorsharptokill]

I have a wild hog mount coming soon. Pics show it to be awesome. First mount I have ever had done. Is it customary to tip?

[KevO]

I feel that really good taxidermy work is somewhat expensive, so I've never really thought about it to be honest.

[Bjorn]

Not me.

not unless you tip your plumber ,painter,mechanic,and so on.....

[The Vanilla Gorilla]

I probably would some. Maybe 10%?  I know how much they hate to do boars it seems.   I also tip my tattoo artist and I'd like a good mount to last as long as skin art.  I don't mind kicking down a bit more for quality work after the job is done.

[razorsharptokill]

My thoughts also.

[A.S.]

I am good friends with my taxidermist. I just picked up my '10 mount yesterday. I can tell you that he, along with just about any other workin' guy out there (myself included) appreciates a tip now and then....no matter how small.

[Gun]

I gave mine a gift certificate at Xmas as he had did a Moose skull euro for me at no cost. Otherwise I don't tip.

[FerretWYO]

Having spent many hours working for them and have a couple that are good friend I will say this.

They apprieciate it as does anyone. I would say that if it is exeptional yes some. If it is good work and he does not go the extra mile no big deal.

By extra mile I mean, The taxidermist that does my work often dilivers to people if he can. Will spend hours helping arange a room and get it on the wall properly. If this is the case at least offer to help with gas or time on top of your mount cost.

[Carpmaster]

I wouldn't go out of my way to set a certain amount but who wouldn't appreciate an extra 20 or a bottle of wine as additional thanks???

[JimB]

No.

[Friend]

Could be setting an unaffordable precedence for some.

Spreading the word of endorsement, thus bringing in more business is a wonderful and possibly a more lucrative gratuity.

[McDave]

Tipping in the USA is complicated.  I was about to say that you never need to tip a self-employed person, but then I remembered taxi drivers, who are often self-employed.  I'm a self employed CPA, and people have even tipped me, and I've never turned it down!  I would think that a taxidermist is a professional, like me, and doesn't expect a tip.  But that doesn't mean that he doesn't appreciate it when he get's one!

[FerretWYO]

Originally posted by McDave:
Tipping in the USA is complicated.  I was about to say that you never need to tip a self-employed person, but then I remembered taxi drivers, who are often self-employed.  I'm a self employed CPA, and people have even tipped me, and I've never turned it down!  I would think that a taxidermist is a professional, like me, and doesn't expect a tip.  But that doesn't mean that he doesn't appreciate it when he get's one!

Well said

[House]

As usual I would say in my opinion McDave nailed it!

Travis

[elkken]

While I have been in many situations where I felt a tip was appropriate I have never thought to tip my taxidermist. I have used the same folks for years and they do outstanding work, but the price charged does not need a gratuity added. Appreciation does not always have to be in the form of $$, thank you's and praise work well too.

I just picked up last years whitetail deer and gave Sandy and Buzzy lots of thank you's and praise for their fine work and I paid the bill in full. Their work is awesome and they charge appropriately for it .... that said, maybe I'll bring them some fresh strawberries soon. Buzzy doesn't need any more $$

[TxAg]

Tipping is getting out of control in this country.

I'm a good tipper at a restaurant, but I hate the ambiguity of it in the rest of every day life.

I prefer to pay for service at a previously agreed upon price and everyone's happy.

[Lamey]

If any craftsman goes beyond its good to recognize that wether in a tip, or just verbal acknowledgment.  If I get an extra nice bow, and I know the bowyer went beyond and put extra time etc. into the work, I will send them something extra.

[Cherokee Scout]

The next time a Policeman gives you a speeding ticket, give him a tip. He may have just saved your life.

[ranger 3]

I worked in an auto plant for 20 years and I have never got a tip from anyone.