Tipping Taxidermist

[DLD24]

I'm about to be getting my first mount back and I was just wondering do you usually tip the taxidermist (assuming it turns out good). My first thought was that you would..If so whats a legit amount...Thanks for any help...Can't wait to get it back

[Wanderer]

Call me tight, but after 20 mounts I can't recall that I ever have aside from "keep the change" from a cash transaction. I tend keep using the same taxidermist after I find one I like for certain things and give at least 1/2 down payment when I drop my prize off and pick up within a week of getting the call that it's done.

Taxidermists have commented they like the timely payments and don't have to sit on my work till I get around to picking it up. I pay their price without dickering either unless I have something to trade for credit like a prime buck cape. I have donated some extra driftwood and old barn boards when dropping things off too.

I'm interested to see how others handle it too. Good question.

[minnesotathorn]

I am a firm believer in a 20% tip for restaurants, hair cuts, ect. but wouldn't ever consider tipping a taxidermist. most own the business & set their own prices. I owned my own business for 22 years & the employees got tips once in a while I never received one.

[harvey lee]

They get paid what they ask for so as far as I am concerned, good enough. I would not tip for a good job as that is what you are paying for in the 1st place.

[DTro]

Its an interesting discussion because how is tipping a guide any different than a taxidermist?

In my opinion, when a tip has become expected (like it is in the service industy) it really waters down the whole idea of a leaving a tip and then when if receive horrible service and don't leave anything, you are the bad guy.

[maxpower117]

I wouldn't tip my taxidermist as I wouldn't tip the plumber. They are offering a service where a tip isn't expected.

Overall, I try and negotiate prices wherever I can, but when I find a quality service provider, I usually pay full price for piece of mind and for continuing a good relationship with them.

I really hate that most tips at restaurants are divided amongst the whole staff. Not that I don't like that they are divided, I'm just not sure what I'm paying for when I tip. All groups 6 or more pay 18% automatically, why not everyone? Why not roll it into the price of food and service??? If the food and service was bad, don't go back or recommend it to anyone.

[Wanderer]

Its an interesting discussion because how is tipping a guide any different than a taxidermist?

I guess I look at taxidermy as more of a product than a service. It truly is a service - they're turning something of yours into a lasting piece of art - but in the end there is an expected product to be received.

In guiding you can have expectations of success but there's no guarantee. Plus you're spending hours with a guide; sometimes days and their personality becomes as important as the game itself. If they make your outing enjoyable but the quest is tough and they go that extra mile to make you feel like you're getting the best experience possible for the conditions - they earned a tip.

I'd feel better about tipping a guide for that type of work than if one took me to a community spot for either hunting or fishing and we had average success but there was no real effort put out by the guide to make the outing anything special. Even if it just meant he told great jokes or taught me something new.

[dougger222]

Have had a few fish mounted and never tipped.

I'm a roofing contractor and although tipping a roofer is something you would never think would happen have gotten tipped dozens of times over the years. Tips have ranged from a case of beer for every crew member to $10 bills for every crew member to $100 tips for ever crew member to the biggest tip being a $3,500 tip last year. A lot of people tip from $100-500. Keep in mind most of the tipped jobs are insurance work if that means anything.

This year my one tip was a bottle of rum and coke!