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[RC] Tipping the farrier - Kathleen

Title: Tipping the farrier

My farrier charges $45 for a trim; $100 for putting on NB shoes, $200 for winter shoes with pads, charges for the shoes and pads separately and charges mileage.  He does an excellent job; he is prompt and professional and handles the horses firmly but kindly.  I do bring him hot and cold drinks, I make sure my horses are caught, clean and well trained.  I listen to and respect his professional opinion regarding foot care.  I try to have some cookies or a snack handy for his breaks.  All that said, I don’t “tip” on top of my bill.  He is being well paid (the highest prices in our area) for a professional job.  Personally, I don’t think I should have to “tip” for someone to come on time, know their job and do it well.

It took me ten years to pay off my college loans.  I spend about $1000 per year on classroom supplies that are not reimbursed.  I have to go back to school and to clinics and seminars and conferences (all paid out of my pocket) every year to stay up to date with new federal and state demands in education.  I work 50-80 hours a week with over 150 students a day plus chaperoning dances, games, open gym nights and conferences for students, and writing seniors letters of recommendation for scholarships and awards; I spend a lot of time in the summer revamping curriculum and working with leadership students.  I do not get paid extra for any of the extra time I put in and my salary schedule is topped out even though I have 10 to 15 years to retirement and will continue to spend money on classroom expenses and further training during that time.  In my experience, this is a pretty typical schedule for a teacher.  And believe me, we don’t get tips (although  right after report cards come out we sometimes get our houses egged or TP’d and receive the occasional prank phone call)!

I also believe tipping is for minimum wage jobs and is a bonus for good service.  I don’t believe professionals should expect to be tipped.  My farrier certainly considers himself a professional.