Need some advice on how to compensate for "free" service

[GMTruckGuy74]

Okay, so the engineer at my fire station is installing the remanufacturered alternator on my step-son's '98 Regal LS tomorrow. He asked for nothing in return but I want to compensate him. Would handing him an envelope with cash at the end be acceptable? How much should I give? Never done anything like this before, so I don't want to offend either way (no cash given or too little/much cash). Thanks!

[Robert Hall]

Beer?

[Camino LS6]

Cash and beer are both good in this situation, but is there something you can do for him that he can't/won't do for himself?

That sort of exchange is the best if you can determine a way to make it happen.

I've done similar things for friends and felt more than compensated by being fed a home-cooked meal - which is something I just don't do for myself.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, he's a young guy (early 20s?) that's into Jeeps. He has a newer lifted and decked out Jeep Wrangler, so I know he enjoys working on that. I know he goes to bars and gets chicks, but that's about it. While I seen him around the station, he took over the job as station engineer in December so I only knew him as a firefighter/EMT prior to this year. Without asking, I don't know too much about his persoanl life.

[G. David Felt]

You could always invite him over for a home cooked dinner or go with the beer or better yet, if there is a 4wheelparts store close by, give him a gift card so he could get something for his jeep.

[z28luvr01]

Food

[balthazar]

Swapping an alternator is what- a 15 min job (pop off the belt/wire, undo 2-3 bolts, reverse procedure)? Via an online pic, it looks like you don't even have to remove the engine cover (if so equipped).

I would think $25 is excellent vs. time spent (if it's around that for him), then he can decide what to spend it on.

[daves87rs]

A few bucks and some good beer!

[Intrepidation]

Food

[ocnblu]

I'm going with food as well. Good answer.

[SAmadei]

Trip to Hooters gratis with a few beers.

[caddycruiser]

Trip to Hooters gratis with a few beers.

I like this idea, or anything similar after "hey lets go grab a drink and food, thanks" kind of thing.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Well, "Steve" installed the remanufactured alternator last Saturday and the car sounds and operates much better. A $25 gift card for a local sports bar/grille was given as my token of appreciation. I can cook but I don't think that is something he'd want. I figured a lot of the firefighters talk about the bar and wings at this place, and it's a local business, so I would support them by having him go there for some "refreshment".

Thanks to all that offered your suggestions and advice

[caddycruiser]

Good move. The gift card sounds nice too, can go whenever.