Ive got almost 30 years of taxidermy behing me, but all bird work, other than some bases I've built for the bigs over the years. Ive been remembering some of the tips Ive gotten and some Ive given as I have been following this thread.
Back before college doing finish hardware for a big construction company and once on a million dollar home the owner handed me an old timer pocket knife-with "thank you" and my name laser etched on the blade. Simply the fact that he knew my name was important at the time and he took some time to do something nice meant even more. Years later, as a general manager for the same company, driving through a subdivision later one night and I notice the sheet rock crew still hard at work at almost 0200 hours. They didn't speak much English but pretty sure they understood my gratitude when I handed them a couple six packs of beer.
Now much later, had a guy bring a couple ducks in a small yeti cooler. Told me he had won the cooler at a banquet and that I should keep it. I told him the cooler cost more than the duck mount would cost and he told me to enjoy it. We still do, though it goes to the pool more than the mountains.
Another guy came to pick up a project, showed up around dinner time with two pizzas, "for your wife and kids." Some guys just really understand.
Donated a turkey mount as part of a hunting package at a banquet years ago. A local nba superstar bought the package and called one day to arrange the free mount part. He came to the fire dept where I was working that day. Stayed awhile shaking hands and just talking with the guys-very cool. Then at pick up time he asked me to deliver the bird to a restaurant kind of mid way for both of us. And bring my wife and please join them for drinks and dinner. He did not owe me any money but his gestures of time and gratitude to myself and my friends was above and beyond for anyone. Another great guy-talked lots more hunting than basketball.
There have been a lot more through lots of years, some from high school kids who couldn't afford it and some from guys who really could afford alittle more. I don't ask for tips, don't expect them and don't rely on them.
What I am saying is that a tip can be occasional, doesn't have to be cash and doesn't have to be extravagant to be greatly appreciated.
It is not exactly the same, but take or bring your wife a diet coke or flowers or whatever to work (or home from work) for no reason at all sometime and see what happens-not that much different than tipping your taxidermist!
