"Tipping" for PPT's

[FieldsofFire]

I always want to tip gun stores when they handle an in-store PPT for me since they only make a small profit on each, but in the interest of keeping things the "cleanest" legally, especially with stores I have never dealt with before, I figured I would start bringing them some nice cookies or refreshments instead. Do any of you do this? What is something tasteful, fun, and classy I could bring as a "tip" instead of putting cash in their pocket? I would offer beer since I know some guys would like that but tipping with alcohol doesn't seem the cleanest either.

[brassburnz]

Sometimes I give movie tickets (Costco), a box of Krispy Kremes, gift certificates to fast food places, big bags of candy around Halloween. It just depends how I feel. I don't always bring stuff when I pick up my PPT, but I do often enough for people to remember.

I tried giving the guys at Turners some stuff one time, but they said they couldn't take it. Company rules. Oh well.

[mike452]

Don't you start Tipping!

Just don't want to get ignored because you are there.

[halifax]

I would not expect any tips. However, I have received several bottles of wine and a couple of very fine cigars.

It's a little embarassing (not sure why) but I haven't refused them.

[norcal-ar]

at the very least i buy something with every PPT ive done.

[B Strong]

I always want to tip gun stores when they handle an in-store PPT for me since they only make a small profit on each, but in the interest of keeping things the "cleanest" legally, especially with stores I have never dealt with before, I figured I would start bringing them some nice cookies or refreshments instead. Do any of you do this? What is something tasteful, fun, and classy I could bring as a "tip" instead of putting cash in their pocket? I would offer beer since I know some guys would like that but tipping with alcohol doesn't seem the cleanest either.

It's a great iodea.

I give out Christmas "Bonuses" to businesses that treat me right as a customer. The universal green gift certificate makes people happy.

Two outfits on my list are gun related.

[Jerkdog]

at the very least i buy something with every PPT ive done.

Me too, if the guys are cool about the transfer. Even if it's just some cleaning supplies or targets or something.

[RedDawn]

+1 to buying something from the FFL's store.

[SCMA-1]

If they are courteous and perform the service without drama, then they will continue to get my business in the future. I don't feel sorry for dealers nowadays; they are charging huge margins for everything else so there's no reason to tip them for one service.

SCMA-1

[Aircraftman]

Same here, if I was treated well, I always will buy a few boxes of ammo for the gun I just picked up (that is IF they have any in stock )

[FieldsofFire]

Yeah, I usually try to buy one or two items from the store if the PPT went well. I also use PPT's to get a feel for how that business/store operates and how they take care of business; mostly if I have never dealt with that store before. If it's good, I will be back for sure. I guess that is praise enough for a store...getting return business. I just figure a little tip up-front would show my appreciation also since it's slightly menial work for them; although some stores still manage to screw them up somehow.

I'm just not sure what kind of refreshments or gifts to choose.

[j1133s]

I always want to tip gun stores when they handle an in-store PPT for me since they only make a small profit on each, but in the interest of keeping things the "cleanest" legally, especially with stores I have never dealt with before, I figured I would start bringing them some nice cookies or refreshments instead. Do any of you do this? What is something tasteful, fun, and classy I could bring as a "tip" instead of putting cash in their pocket? I would offer beer since I know some guys would like that but tipping with alcohol doesn't seem the cleanest either.

It's never even occured to me. I know in TX an FFL dealer transfer costs me $5 (individual, who I trust) or $15 (at a store that I trust); note in TX, PPT can be done w/o an FFL. So, to me, $35 for PPT isn't that cheap. (Maybe if I live in CA a bit longer, it'll eventually feel cheap, but not yet for me.)

If you think they deserve a little something extra, then maybe give the guy some ammo? That's always useful.

[jyo]

Interesting idea or (sub-title) how the rich stay rich. My wife is pro musician and must often rely on valet parking at very high class clubs to get the best load-in for her equipment. She and her piano player were waiting for their cars after a gig at a really exclusive private "rich guys club" and talking about how much they should tip the valet when a guy with all the money in the world overheard them and in a very snippy tone told them "Never tip the valets, once you get them started on that they will expect to be tipped for everything." Well, my feeling is that tipping people just for doing their jobs can get out of hand, however certain jobs like servers in restaurants should be tipped because of their very low pay they basically live by tips. People working in gun stores should have negotiated a reasonable hourly pay rate and don't require tips. Knowing that stores don't really make any money on PPTs, I try to buy items there such as holsters and other things I need at the store. If you took the state cap off of PPTs the stores would be charging $150 per in an eyeblink! Now having said the above, when I managed gun stores in the 80s and 90s, it was somewhat common for our more well-off customers to bring us things from time to time---like the guy who owned several McDonalds who also owned a farm used to bring us produce. Keep in mind, we performed many services for him like tracking down certain guns in the old pre internet days. Being friendly with your gun store guys is always a good idea.

[Snake eyes]

Tipping at a gun shop, with the prices they charge. It's bad enough getting bent over the counter and violated, I'm not gonna by them dinner as well.

If I like a shop I give them my continued business and reccommend them to others.

[Jonathan Doe]

I always try to give them something, nothing extra ordinary, but something to show them my appreciation. Most employees and managers of gunshops I frequent are like my friends. I don't mind giving my friends something.