Yoshi 0 #1 June 3, 2003 I guess this is for anyone who uses packers now and then. I usually pack my own stuff, (unless someone owes me a packjob from a bet or something)...But I do pack a handfull for others and I have noticed that usually the tips are slim. There are a handfull of people that I pack for that always tip and do it well. so also (unless you are trying to hide something) put in how much you usually tip. btw: at boogies I sometimes hire packers and for 5 pack jobs Ill pay anywhere from $27-$35 depending on the OPENINGS. -yoshi_________________________________________ this space for rent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 June 3, 2003 Hell yeah I tip. That also depends on if they pack for me a few times that day and if they gave me good openings. Then again, I've been a packer for about a year and have packed a lot of different rigs, so I tend to respect other packers (atleast ones who take pride in their work and not just sticking the canopy in the bag).--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andy2 0 #3 June 3, 2003 sidenote, as a packer do you honestly expect a tip? Or are you genuinely surprised when someone tips you? I don't have much experience with skydiving, but it seems like the payrate for packing is already good enough to not warrent a tip. Whatdya think? --------------------------------------------- let my inspiration flow, in token rhyme suggesting rhythm... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mccordia 74 #4 June 3, 2003 I'm not against tipping anyone, but you are already paying a packer to just do his/her job. A compliment...sure...but a tip..doubtfull.. If someone works his/her ass off to keep you jumping all day I see nothing wrong with buying him/her a couple of beers after jumping is done...but tip for packing sounds too much like a bribe for good work to me...tip is just not personal..I think buying a beer (or cola, if he/she doesn't drink:) is a much nicer gesture...JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #5 June 3, 2003 I don't expect tips, but I definately notice who gives me one and I'll tend to take care of them. I'm not saying that I'll jip any other customers, but lets say one guy tipped me $10 yesterday. Now I've got two rigs infront of his and he's trying to make a load. There's a chance his will be done first. You haven't packed much if you think the payrate is already "good enouh." Packing for money is very hard work, it should cost more, but people wouldn't pay it, so it doesn't. Try something. Go to your DZ and pack 20+ rigs a day. See if you still think that $5 is enough.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 1 #6 June 3, 2003 Quotesidenote, as a packer do you honestly expect a tip? Or are you genuinely surprised when someone tips you? I don't know any packers that expect a tip. I certainly didn't. However, Packers earn their money fair and square. I don't buy pack jobs very often, so when I do, they are actually doing me a favor. Heck yeah, I tip them, Deservedly so.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoshi 0 #7 June 3, 2003 I dont expect a tip persay, but I (like aggie) give a little more "love" to the people who do tip. thiers will come first if in a rush. paying for the work... so do you tip waitresses and waiters? they get paid a very minimal hourly wage... do you tip a valet parking guy? they get paid hourly. do you tip the guy in the bathroom giving towels and gum..perhaps a sprits of smell good at a nice restraunt or club? Like I said though...I dont expect a tip and I wont by any means not do as good of a pack job even if I am shorted money, but when in a rush the "good customers" come first... and the Mr. Pink's come last:) (I think it was Mr. Pink... in resevoir dogs at the beggining... you know who I mean) -yoshi_________________________________________ this space for rent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #8 June 3, 2003 Because I jump a larger canopy, I tend to get charged a little more. But because I am a slow mover, I tend also to only jump three times, and generally have not had a need to "get it right now", like I've seen others do. Additionally, I have developed a decent relationship with the guy who packs for me over at Elsinore, and there are several who I know that pack for me at Perris. Sometimes I ask them questions, and they take the time to answer them. It's not only about putting the canopy in the bag...at least for me. Do I tip? Yes, because they do take care of me, provide me a luxury. Last time I jumped, did 4, paid my packer, tipped him $1 per packjob, and handed him a beer at the end of the day. Hey, I didn't say I tip much... At the moment, if (hrmmm....perhaps I should say "when") I get a wonky opening, it is generally because of me, not because of the packjob. Just my thoughts... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #9 June 3, 2003 I usually only use one packer, and I like to think I take pretty good care of him. I tip. I also set my own brakes and cock my pilot chute when I lay my rig down. I also will sometimes buy him lunch or bring him water or gatorade during the day. He's a nice "kid" and he works hard, and he does a good job. If I need to make a quick call, I know he'll take care of me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #10 June 3, 2003 QuoteI also will sometimes buy him lunch or bring him water or gatorade during the day. That is absolutely kick ass!--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #11 June 3, 2003 QuoteHeck yeah, I tip them, Deservedly so. Me too. Been there, done that - packing is damn hard work and those few extra bucks are appreciated at the end of the day. How much I tip depends on how much cash I have. I jump at Perris where pack jobs are $6. I usually "round up" - so if I did 3 jumps I owe $18 but will give them a $20. If they took extra good care of me - making sure I was packed in time for a load, brushing off the evidence of my last landing, putting my rig out of the sun when it's done, etc. - then I try to tip at least $1 per pack job for the day. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoshi 0 #12 June 3, 2003 pack jobs I have always seen at $5. Michele: you pay more for a bigger chute? wether its a 120 or a 288 manta pack jobs are $5 from me... bringing packers lunch and water?!?! that would be awesome.. I dont pack for pay all day long that often, but when I do lunch and drinks and stuff would be cool... I do ask that when I pack to have your brakes set and the slider unstowed, but if they are not done Ill do it:) -yoshi_________________________________________ this space for rent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #13 June 3, 2003 Well, my guy and I both take pretty good care of the packer we use. Its more like an "adoption" arrangement- we jokingly refer to him as our surrogate son! He, in turn, takes pretty good care of us. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #14 June 3, 2003 I tip $1 for every pack job. The packers do me a huge favor, treat me well and do all the grunt work in the hot, FL humidity that I don't want to do. My favorite packer, Chris, is nice enough to let me get my cheap thrills and he lets me put the money in his pocket by myself. But, now I've deicded I need the money for jumps, so I'm going to start packing. I'm even practicing in my apartment now at night. I never thought I'd do that, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I've got it down to half an hour now! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Clownburner 0 #15 June 3, 2003 Out here in California, they charge an extra buck for 'big' chutes, usually over 190 or 200, at least at Perris and Elsinore this seems to be the norm. I don't care, if I'm too lazy to pack my chute the extra dollar doesn't bug me. And I usually tip, especially if the packer was fast or the openings sweet. I have a 'usual' packer at Elsinore and I try to take care of him when the opportunity presents itself. Lately I've been packing my own more though, which as I get faster will probably continue to be the trend.7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez "I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,442 #16 June 3, 2003 I (after asking about it -- I have no innate "clue" seeker) do tip for multiple pack jobs. I almost never use packers, but when I'm tired and it's a boogie I might; then I just round up at least $1.00 per pack job. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #17 June 3, 2003 You know, I once had a packer complain that my Spectre 150 was too big! He was the teenage son of one of the camera flyers, (his dad taught him to pack so he'd have a packer all summer, plus his kid would earn his own money- smart dad, huh?) and he's used to packing those itty bitty hp canopies that all the video guys seem to fly at my dz! (Whining doesn't earn the tips and cold drinks!) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mustard 0 #18 June 3, 2003 QuoteDo I tip? Yes, because they do take care of me, provide me a luxury. Last time I jumped, did 4, paid my packer, tipped him $1 per packjob, and handed him a beer at the end of the day. Hey, I didn't say I tip much... I don't tip exactly, I figure every pack job costs me $6, even though the packer charges $5. I cannot imagine doing that work for less than $6, and yes, I get taken care of by my packer. At boogies, when I've been using a packer for several days, just before I leave I give him or her a tip over and above the $6. They look for me when I come back (I like that!), and I always get someone to pack for me even when it's busy. And I also set my brakes and unstow the slider. *** DJan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #19 June 3, 2003 QuoteI'm not against tipping anyone, but you are already paying a packer to just do his/her job. A compliment...sure...but a tip..doubtfull.. Exactly. Packers are paid to provide a service. The packers on this dropzone make more than I do as the manager and AFF/tandem instructor. If a packer here has a shoddy opening record, then we are going to releve them immediately. That being said, there is an incredible shortage of packers here at Raeford. Who needs a job? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #20 June 3, 2003 Good thread - always wondered about this. As good habit - I always stow brakes and fix slider but then I also ALWAYS ask whoever is helping me out during the day if they would like a drink or snack - actually I ask the whole packing mat. It is hot as hell here in FL and I appreciate ALL THERE help! Plus I like watching cute sweaty boys lay all over my canopy.... sometimes - just depends on the angle I am standing as to how much I like it....... Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HRHSkyPrincess 0 #21 June 3, 2003 I'm poor, but have been paying for pack jobs, but haven't tipped actual money. I completely respect my packers, stow my brakes, unstow the slider, bring them drinks sometimes, or food, whatever. They take care of me all the time, every time. Like you, I need to get with the packing program and really give you a high five for learning to pack faster! I'm a small person and my biggest challenge has always been bagging the bugger! Closing isn't the problem. And my frustration has come from so many 'helpers' each showing me their own special way to bag it. Whaaaaaaaaaaa, quick someone call the whaaaaaaaaaammbulance for me! I need to go to remedial packing school, very soon (right Brandy, Jeff, Kevin?).***************** Attitude is everything! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoshi 0 #22 June 3, 2003 with enough practice the pack jobs get MUCH FASTER.. I timed one this weekend 9and though it was a bit sloppy, but had a nice opening) took me 4.5 minutes to pack... fun fun fun! -yoshi_________________________________________ this space for rent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 0 #23 June 3, 2003 When I find a packer that does a good job-gets you packed quickly with consistant openings, and willing to take care of you on a short call once and a while, I definately tip. Those guys or girls are harder to find that you think at many dz's and when I find one I try to take care of them. I think tigra and I are using the same packer now and I'm definately glad to see him back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brains 2 #24 June 3, 2003 I ALWAYS tip my packer. I pay her $6 per pack job and tip at the end of the day/weekend. I also make sure she has a cold beer at the end of the day. When we are cooking, i make sure her veggie burger is done when she is ready to eat. In turn, when i come in and drop my rig, it gets done first. If i'm not in a hurry, or if i'm done for the day i let her know so she doesn't rush to get me done before someone else. She appreciates it and so do I Never look down on someone, unless they are going down on you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #25 June 3, 2003 absolutely!! i always tip at least a dollar/pack job, and when they get on on short calls etc i make up for it too.. i also bring water & gatoraid around..i'm sucking it down alot at Eloy anyway and they are working alot harder than i am..i also always try to say thanks. i've seen people just throw their canopy on the mats and walk off without a word..maybe its just me but that seems rather rude for someone who just saved your life.. that said i try to find one packer i get along with, who knows my jump habits and gets to know my gear, and i stick with them the whole time i'm there ..i always try to stow my brakes, slider and cock the pilot chute, but i want someone to double check me everytime as well, its saved me twice when i did something stupid like stow a brake above the ring, because i was talking instead of paying attention like i should have been..____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
