Tipping the gas station attendant?

[deedeetoo]

We have two full service stations in town and their prices are usually cheaper than the self-serve ones out on the main road. I always go to the full serve if I can and its never crossed my mind to tip. I've never noticed any one else tipping either.

 

[CarolA]

I can't recall the last time I saw anyone to tip.

LET ME TAKE THAT BACK.

About 3 years ago the homeless man tried to pump my gas for a "tip"

 

[tonilea]

I usually tip when I go to a full service station. Of course, I usually only use the full service station when it is so cold or nasty out that I don't wanna do it myself.

I don't think I would tip if I went in normal or nice weather.

 

[rt2dz]

I didn't know there were full service stations anymore.

However, back in the day, my family (I didn't drive yet) tipped. Not only did the guy pump the gas, he cleaned the windows while the gas was pumping. He also checked the oil and other fluids. If you wanted something from the store, he'd run in and get it and you only had to pay once.

If I ran into a full service station, I'd tip without thinking about it.

 

[eclairemom]

Pumping gas can't be that flamable, my mom and dad used to own a Exxon station in the 70's they offered full service and the guys working used to walk out to the pump with a lit cigarette in hand and put it on the pump while they pumped the gas and cleaned the windshield.

 

[Goofyzgurl]

I've never even been to a full service gas station...

 

[janni518]

I tip only if they provide extra service. Not just for pumping gas. Even back in the "old days" that's how we did it.

 

[vetrik]

We still have a few full service (well, really they just pump the gas) stations around. I used to tip if I went to them when I was first driving.

I go by one everyday now, and they are 5 cents off on Wednesday, which actually makes them cheaper then most others around. I stop there only for convenience and price - I actually prefer to pump myself. I do not tip there, since I pay by credit card and it doesn't even have an option to write a tip.

 

[nicki.momof3]

Haven't seen full service in YEARS - would love to on snowy cold days. Of course you tip them - they are like any other service industry. Don't be cheap - what a great option if you need it (so great for elderly drivers)

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

There is a full-service station very close to my work. If I am buying gas there I go to the self-serve pumps because that station tends to be about $.20 per gallon higher than anywhere else to begin with.
The reason I usually go there is to have them check the air in my tires, which they do for free. I always tip $5 for that because I have no idea how to do it myself.

 

[dzorn]

LOL!!! If it is such a hard skill to learn, how on earth are we in the other 48 states managing? I don't remember "gas pumping" on my driving test!!

I have to say in Michigan in the winter, I'd love to have someone else put my gas in, though I obviously have no idea tipping etiquette.

You just have to time it right. DH says I have a nack for needing gas when we are driving my car. Before my dad passed away I remember him having a conversation with DH about it. Use to do it to my Dad also as a teen. I've got good timing.

Denise in MI

 

[mjkacmom]

Haven't seen full service in YEARS - would love to on snowy cold days. Of course you tip them - they are like any other service industry. Don't be cheap - what a great option if you need it (so great for elderly drivers)

Just don't do it in NJ - I think they would think you are nuts! It would be like tipping your supermarket cashier!

 

[T. Lynn]

I live in PA and we have a full-service station by my house. I always go there so I don't have to get out of my car and drag DD out as well. Prices are either the same or lower than the 2 other stations near by.

I went up to Lancaster one day for class and made the comment about having to get gas and forgot how to pump it. Classmates looked at me funny...sorry, it's been over a year since I pumped my own gas (had to explain). They didn't know there were still some around.

"Tom" has been my gas man at least once a week.

 

[cruellababy]

I always tip the gas guy; when I get my gas I get it @ full serve; my DH will pump it if he notices when I need gas. As a former Long Island girl I wasn't aware that were stations where you could pump you own?! I was used to full service; so I do tip them about $1, $2 if they are willing to get me a diet coke from inside.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Wow...driving along the NJ turnpike and stopping for gas we always tip the guys. They wipe the windows and blades down. DH is from NY and always told me to tip them (being from VA I never used full serve).

So does this mean we shouldn't tip them any longer?

 

[ncbyrne]

I have lived in NJ my entire life. I have never tipped at a gas station, nor have I ever even heard of anyone tipping someone to pump gas!!
Wow, after reading thru this thread, I am ever so grateful for living in this state. I can't even imagine having to get out of the car and pump gas...especially if you're all dressed up...or if it's raining..or whatever!! Our state has the distinct "honor" of having the highest auto insurance of all 50 states, but boy, ya know what - I won't complain if I can sit in my car and have the guy just step up to the window and ask what kind of gas I want.
Way to go Garden State...oh and Oregon too!

 

[kaytieeldr]

No, it absolutely does NOT mean you should stop tipping! I'm not trying to change anyone's actions (well, I know it looks it from option 3 - but you see nobody's voted for that one ).

During the conversation, we had four "No, of course not"s (including one New Jersey native) and two "Always". The coworker with whom I was having the conversation went home and asked his roommate and the roomie's GF. She tips, he doesn't.

 

[LisaNJ25]

jersey girl here.. never have and before this never heard of others in other states tipping them.

 

[LuvOrlando]

-

 

[Kycha]

I live in Jersey so all of our gas stations are full service......we NEVER tip

It has to do with static electricity. They say you can create a static spark by sliding out of the car and when you touch the pump it ignites. That being said - I wouldn't mind pumping my own gas IF it was cheaper. But you know they are going to charge just as much if you pump your own (at least around here anyway).

I have lived in NJ my entire life. I have never tipped at a gas station, nor have I ever even heard of anyone tipping someone to pump gas!!
Wow, after reading thru this thread, I am ever so grateful for living in this state. I can't even imagine having to get out of the car and pump gas...especially if you're all dressed up...or if it's raining..or whatever!! Our state has the distinct "honor" of having the highest auto insurance of all 50 states, but boy, ya know what - I won't complain if I can sit in my car and have the guy just step up to the window and ask what kind of gas I want.
Way to go Garden State...oh and Oregon too!

That is true about the auto insurance. But, DH comes home everyday to tell me how much lower the gas prices are in Jersey(he works construction). And their prices are consistently 20-30¢ cheaper than they are here. And you don't have to pump it. Drives me nuts. That just shows me how much we are paying in taxes. And obviously that money isn't used to maintain our roads since PA is always voted "Worst Roads in the country".

I live in PA and we have a full-service station by my house. I always go there so I don't have to get out of my car and drag DD out as well. Prices are either the same or lower than the 2 other stations near by.

I went up to Lancaster one day for class and made the comment about having to get gas and forgot how to pump it. Classmates looked at me funny...sorry, it's been over a year since I pumped my own gas (had to explain). They didn't know there were still some around.

"Tom" has been my gas man at least once a week.

Yeah, I haven't seen a full serve gas pump in this area in about 3 years. All the gas stations had to dig up the old tanks(some EPA thing) to replace them. And rather than do that(too expensive), a lot of little mom and pop stations just closed up. They were the stations that seemed to still be doing full service. Last time we had full service was when we went to Atlantic City.