If anything grisly happens to me, it was the tow truck driver.

Perks

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AKA: Are you supposed to tip the wrecker service?


Long story short, my neighbor needed his truck towed away this morning and didn't have the cash to give the driver. (Normally, they take credit cards, but his swiper was broken.)

My neighbor had somewhere he needed to be, so I said I would drive down the mountain to an ATM and get the tow truck guy his cash. On my way to the machine, I double checked the amount with the driver, got the cash, came back and handed it to him. He counted it and his entire demeanor changed. He looked very angry and his voice was much different than when I had exchanged words with him just a few minutes before, menacing even. He full-on gave me the creeps and I'm not one to walk around in goodebumps.

Did I break wrecker etiquette? I've, blessedly, never needed a tow truck.

Signed,

Backhome&nervous
 

Lavern08

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DANG!

That is weird. I've never needed a tow truck before either, but I didn't think the drivers got tips.

(Oh, and I'm a good tipper, too) ;)


ETA: Wish I had lovely neighbors like you. That was such a kind thing to do.
 

quickWit

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See? This is why I don't do nice things.

No tip for the driver, but tell your neighbor you gave him an extra $20.

win-win.
 

Kerosene

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No. He doesn't get tips when they tow cars and put them in impound, why would you have to tip them?
 

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No. He doesn't get tips when they tow cars and put them in impound, why would you have to tip them?
I don't know! I just don't know why he seemed so-- I can't think of another word-- menacing. I was kinda hoping that you guys would tell me that it's standard to tip a tow truck driver and that I'm just clueless and he's just insulted, not creepy as hell.
 

Chase

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Did I break wrecker etiquette?

I think you were the one owed a discount for your extra effort, certainly not ingratitude. Report the lout.

I think tip jars placed on counters are nothing but begging with a tin cup. I dislike tipping intensely and go out of my way to patronize places where begging and threats are discouraged.

At every school where I taught, tips were forbidden. One shouldn't have to bribe someone for the best service.
 

Kerosene

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I don't know! I just don't know why he seemed so-- I can't think of another word-- menacing. I was kinda hoping that you guys would tell me that it's standard to tip a tow truck driver and that I'm just clueless and he's just insulted, not creepy as hell.

Now, that'll be just tactless. But that wouldn't be worse than him just acting mean anyhow.

Maybe he was just expecting you, to expect that you'd need to tip him... playing a little mind game to fool you into pushing a little green his way.

Tow truck drivers aren't known for their shining smiles, so I'd think this.
 

Lavern08

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... I was kinda hoping that you guys would tell me that it's standard to tip a tow truck driver and that I'm just clueless...

I dunno.

If I was stranded in a blizzard/downpour/desert, and the tow truck driver was particularly helpful and gracious, I might tip him or her, but since you were just doing a favor for a neighbor, I don't think it was necessary to tip him too. :Shrug:
 

quickWit

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He probably knew you to be a rich and famous author, and stuff, Perks. Maybe he's just angling to be in your next book?

Yeah, that's probably it, probably.
 

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He probably knew you to be a rich and famous author, and stuff, Perks. Maybe he's just angling to be in your next book?

Yeah, that's probably it, probably.
As long as I'm alive to write it, I'll be sure to dedicate it to his restraint.

(Not to be confused with his restraints.)
 

dolores haze

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The tow truck driver had to wait before he got paid? He may have expected a little something extra for his time. Doesn't excuse his being "angry" and "menacing" though. I'd report him, personally. You seem a little shaken up. And all you did was a very kind favor to them both.
 

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The tow truck driver had to wait before he got paid? He may have expected a little something extra for his time.

I didn't think about that. I mean, it only took me a minute to get the money and it was on his way to the highway. Still, maybe that's what his problem was.

It just occurs to me, Perks, that if this guy does come looking, who's address has he got on the order? Maybe your friend should be nervous...
The truck broke down at my neighbor's house, so it was picked up here and they came to my door, erm, right there.
 

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And all it took was a stinkeye?

*glares menacingly at Perks*

That's 'Wit' with a capital 'W', toots.
You're already in the next book. You're the victim. And it was written so exactingly, let's just say I'm surprised your haven't felt a twinge in your, er, well, let's not spoil it...
 

Snowstorm

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I think I would have asked if there was a problem after I gave him the cash. I'm one of those "let's get this over with" kind of gals. Dolores Haze mentioned maybe he expected more for having to wait to his money (good point), but then it was HIS machine that broke.

If you're concerned, call the boss and mention it. Perhaps the boss will tell you what this guy's issue was.
 

Johncs

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Sounds like the truck (and employee) weren't equipped (or really trained) to handle cash.

Might be a case of misdirected stress "hope this doesn't bite me in the arse" sort of thing.

Or he's just another idiot with a truck.
 

quickWit

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You're already in the next book. You're the victim. And it was written so exactingly, let's just say I'm surprised your haven't felt a twinge in your, er, well, let's not spoil it...

And here I thought that was just my thong riding up on me...
 

Alpha Echo

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I've never had to call a tow-truck, so I couldn't say for sure, but that sounds just plain silly to me. Maybe he was just having a bad day.
 

cray

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*removes menacing demeanor from conversation.*















see how it works, perks?