Tony M

A few thoughts on comments in this thread from an Australian perspective:

1. I'm really glad service personnel/hospitality workers etc in Australia receive a wage that makes tipping unnecessary. It's the exception rather than the rule here and is generally unexpected. Saves a lot of unnecessary decisions on how much (if any) is appropriate.
2. I expect and receive a loan car whenever I have any work done on any of our vehicles, even a 16 year old farm truck at a local, independent garage.
3. I choose the vehicle I drive on it's merits as a car. Any lurks and perks arising from a flashy dealership/service department are somewhat irrelevant. As long as they are able to provide comprehensive and competent service at reasonable price and a few basics like the aforementioned loan car, that's all I need or want. I've always been happy to pay for my own coffee.
4. Despite point 3. I must admit we enjoyed a very pleasant day in the Audi corporate tent at a recent local motorsport event. However, the value of that perk would pale into insignificance in comparison to the purchase price of the car I bought from them and that sort of peripheral benefit just doesn't factor into my car buying decisions. I don't need or want a car dealership to try to make me "feel important". especially as their motives for doing so are purely business oriented.

Slides

While I do agree with you on your points, you do tend to realize the value of a good dealership network when you deal with a bad dealership network. It does make a difference that is not insignificant.

The G Man

I have never tip a dealership's valet, although some of them looked like they were expecting a tip. As a society, I think we tip way too many occupations, sometime unnecessarily.

IvanLZ

Im not aware if Canada has such service. They are really tough when it comes to giving you a loaner. I don't mind if they give me a non audi, it's all about convenience really.

Nikon1

IvanLZ

It's actually not permitted to accept tips in China. If you do force your tip onto the waiters or waitress it will end up on the boss pockets.

The G Man

I am an Asian American, while in Asia, most people were surprised and very grateful when I offer them tip. While in Italy, some restaurants included tip in the bill and for the restaurants that don't include tip in their bill, people were not tipping 15% - 20% like we do in USA. it is usually much lower.

Nikon1

arrtewwx

18A5SB

In Japan tip is considered an insult - they consider high quality and friendly service as standard. I worked for a Japanese company for 15 years. In Europe in many cases they add a service charge so the front line worker does not have to depend so much of a tip. Stateside the expectation and dependence on tips to make a living wage royally screws up the work ethics. IMO there should be a National Law that require all employers to pay all employees a living wage based on the Cost of living of that area. A tip should be exactly what it is - a voluntary token for appreciation for a service done above the expected high quality. It really irks me when restaurants simply add a 20% tip automatically to a bill for a large party. In DC last year a Bill got passed that required restaurants to pay a living wage to all employees - it was overturned due to opposition from restaurant owners, and even surprisingly from the waiters and bar keeps, specially the bar keeps. So the busboys, dishwashers etc lost out.