Expert: Robert - 10/6/2009

Question
Hello Robert;
My mechanic, who I've been going to maybe once every 18 months for about 8 years, has always been good and kind, but, this time he really went above and beyond taking care of my car, tightening screws on my visor, changing my oil, fixing a short in my headlight I didn't even know was there - all of which I didn't ask him to do.
I *did* ask him to assess my breaks and he installed parts that I paid for. BUT, he refused to charge me for any of his time - upwards of 4.5 hours !!
He is married with at least one child. We never talk and I don't know anything else about him.
What would be an appropriate gift??
Thank you so much in advance.
Doreen

Answer
Hi,

It's really not easy to answer what would be appropriate without
knowing what he likes, as well as how much you are willing to spend.
Perhaps something that represents where you are from, and something
that he would not see available in Japan would be a good place
to start.
You might consider small picture books or calendars, posters, ashtrays,
chocolates, pure maple or berry syrups, t-shirts or pens/pencils with famous animation
characters, BBQ sauces, salad dressings like Ranch, flavored coffees,
key chains, postcards, liquor, caps, coasters, nice soap or shampoos, lotions,
etc. Even varieties of flavored green teas you can't see in Japan are an
idea. I am assuming you and the mechanic are in fact in Japan....

Hope this helps,

Robert