Left my lights on yesterday and came out to a completely dead battery. Freezing out too. I asked a mechanic from a shop a block away for help, and on his way home he stopped by my car and gave me a jump.
I figure I have to throw the guy a few bucks today--how much is appropriate? $5? $10? He saved me a lot of frustration, about 1.5 hours and an interaction with my mother in law.
Nobody has ever offered me anything for jumping them, towing them out of the ditch, etc...
Nobody has offered me anything other, but from being on the other side of tht fence (mechanic helping out on my way home/lunch), I would have been delighted to have someone offer anything.
Heck, there's been times I didn't even get a thank you.
Pay it forward and all that.
$5-$10 sounds reasonable. Maybe a handy if you’re frugal.
I feel like a jump start, unless there are complications, should be one of those things that pays for itself in good feelings. And of course a "thank you!" from the recipient!
If you want to give someone a few bucks, my gut says $10 with a pint of decent beer now over $5... Or $5 for coffee? Don't know why, but it always occurs to me as a "Thanks, let me buy you a $BEVERAGE!"
Drop off a 6 pack or some delicious baked goods or something. The guy isn’t expecting anything, it wasn’t really a hassle for him on his way, but shows you appreciate it.
I had a lady pay me 10 bucks once by sticking it in my trunk after i refused to take anything. I figure something that simple its free and maybe someone will help me out one day when i need it.
Never needed a jump myself but have jumped a few people and never expected anything in return.
Services rendered by a good Samaritan: $10
Not having to deal with your mother-in-law: Priceless
dropstep said:I had a lady pay me 10 bucks once by sticking it in my trunk...
OK, I had to re-read that a few times to overcome my first impression. 
I've had people offer to pay me every time I've jumped them, but never taken it.
I'd offer at least a ten spot. That's way cheaper than an official road call from anyone.
I've never accepted payment from anyone for that but I'm generally offered $10.00 or $20.00 depending on the part of town.
Since you know where the guy works, that sounds like a mixed sixer of some decent varieties.
I also have never taken anything for jumping somebody, but the offer is always appreciated.
Duke said:dropstep said:I had a lady pay me 10 bucks once by sticking it in my trunk...
OK, I had to re-read that a few times to overcome my first impression.
Well, since we are asking about paying someone to “jump” someone...
$BEER.50
Good karma. Pay it forward is all
I know the beer is considered a form of legal tender in automotive circles but unless you actually know the person I suggest against giving it as compensation. Not everyone drinks and some of us really can't but want too.
I would write a letter to the manager of the shop and sing his praises and mention that I will likely stop there next time I need service. Who knows, maybe the mechanic will get a Christmas bonus. I'd probably leave a thank you note with a fiver on his windshield too.
Duke said:Since you know where the guy works, that sounds like a mixed sixer of some decent varieties.
I also have never taken anything for jumping somebody, but the offer is always appreciated.
Maybe... but some guys don’t like the fancy stuff. A guy I know runs a high end jeep shop, and whenever I went by he’d offer whatever was in the fridge. He said customers always bring him something fancy, and he always tells them he just likes bud light lol. But everyone says “oh, you’ve got to try hoptronix or whatever, you’ll love it!” And of course he never does.
Best just pay it forward!
I'd have offered ten bucks, but you missed your window of opportunity. The time to hand him the money was right after you got your car started. If you come nosing around after the fact, he's going to think you're stalking him. In your case, I'm in the "pay it forward" camp.
I was stranded in the 914 in the spring. Stopped at a hardware store and got the death click when trying to leave. Nice guy that works there gave me a jump with his F-250, he wouldn't take money.
Next day I dropped off a dozen really good NYC type bagels with a pint of jalapeno cream cheese. Good for me, good for them.
Dan
I generally give them a tenner with the instruction to buy yourself 6 of something you like, or 12 of something you kind of like.
914Driver said:I was stranded in the 914 in the spring. Stopped at a hardware store and got the death click when trying to leave. Nice guy that works there gave me a jump with his F-250, he wouldn't take money.
Next day I dropped off a dozen really good NYC type bagels with a pint of jalapeno cream cheese. Good for me, good for them.
Dan
Switch to the starter for the 911. A few bucks more, but worth every penny.
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