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December 11, 2008
Tipping the Postman
Does anyone tip the postman around xmas time ? If so what, if anything do folks give.
Comments
Legally, I believe, they cannot accept a gift valued at more than $20, and they are not encouraged to accept cash -- HOWEVER, personally, I tip my mail carrier $20, and our downstairs neighbors do the same. It's a two-family house, so he is tipped $40 total from our house. It's worth every penny, as he goes out of his way for us on many occasions throughout the year.
Posted by: parkslopemom at December 11, 2008 8:39 AM
Legally, I'm not sure they can accept any gift. But I do same: $20. Because our route is often served by PTFs, some of whom are terrible, and some of whom are great, I leave a note on mailbox to ring bell to make sure I can deliver tip to intended carrier.
Posted by: vinca at December 11, 2008 8:47 AM
I live in a single family house and give my mailman $40 each Christmas.
Posted by: Giovanna at December 11, 2008 8:58 AM
I usually tip $20-50 (depends if they delivered many packages during the year vs. normal mail) and a card.
Posted by: FenFen at December 11, 2008 12:26 PM
Never done it and I don't know anyone that does.
They are unionized government workers.
Posted by: Petebklyn at December 11, 2008 2:02 PM
And what about the subway conductor? And the booth worker? And your college professors? I'm sorry, but aside from the general tipping insanity of New York, it strikes me as ridiculous to be tipping people who have what are, in essence, guaranteed jobs--gubmints ones at that. (Also, our postal carriers were switched midway through this year and out went old reliable and in went some new angry, somewhat illiterate person who has an obvious hatred of Netflix DVDs judging by the number she's broken so far. I'll be damned if I'm going to reward bad behavior ... and shame on you if you suggest that I should tip her in hopes of better treatment further down the line.)
Posted by: RaginCajun at December 11, 2008 2:08 PM
Petebklyn: It's pretty amusing to skim one of your previous posts concerning who gives a rat's ass about shift workers paying bridge tolls (I'm a shift worker who supports tolls), and then see that you don't give much of a rat's ass about the person who slogs through all kinds of weather to deliver your mail. Yes, they're unionized, on salary and have benefits. But however you collect your pay, and whatever protections you have or don't have at work, I bet you like to be acknowledged for a job well-done, too (and $20 is hardly more than a quick pop at a local bar these days...or do you not do that either?). RaginCajun: unless your college professor is driving you door-to-door, your post was far less amusing.
Posted by: vinca at December 11, 2008 3:05 PM
Spend 30 mins in line at the 15th St Post Office and tell be if you still want to tip ant postal worker
Posted by: jasetheace at December 11, 2008 4:01 PM
Rajin,
I'm not sugesting you should tip, just asking if you do or not. Less of the bad karma bro.
Dont tell me, xmas is cancelled !
Posted by: 10thStreetReno at December 11, 2008 4:07 PM
If people go out of there way for you, you should tip them. The train conductor doesn't. Your super does. So does your postal carrier. Unless they don't, in which case you shouldn't tip them. Or you should try tipping them and see if that might have been the problem all along.
Posted by: amanda at December 11, 2008 7:13 PM
sorry. their way. not there.
Posted by: amanda at December 11, 2008 7:19 PM
amanda: Your comment: "Or you should try tipping them and see if that might have been the problem all along." Seems a little backwards.
Isn't the tip to thank for good service, not the other way around? Not a bribe?
Posted by: SenatorStreet at December 11, 2008 9:57 PM
It is not legal for letter carrier to accept cash gift and value of non-cash must be less than $20.
Remember they are government employees --- so just like not acceptable to 'tip' your congressman.
(and I am government worker so I know - we get memos every year stating the policy).
Posted by: Petebklyn at December 12, 2008 9:26 AM
They might get the memo but they still take the tip.
In fact the only one to decline a tip was a garbage man I ran after one year. "Ma'am I cannot accept a gratuity." I'm like "Dude, it's 2 in the morning, no one's watching." Would not take it, unbelievable.
Posted by: pattunia at December 12, 2008 1:18 PM
Tip my Congressman? Never done it and don't know anyone that does. When he starts carrying my mail, I'll reconsider.
Posted by: vinca at December 12, 2008 1:58 PM
The forum had this discussion last year. (time flies)
If you like your postal service worker why not show your appreciation.
You don't have to be extravgant just appreciative with a small gesture.
It doesn't have to be money. Although money is always helpful.
Maybe you have a hidden talent you would like to share for the holidays. A personal touch is always good.
Posted by: Ysabelle at December 12, 2008 3:40 PM
The forum had this discussion last year. (time flies)
If you like your postal service worker why not show your appreciation.
You don't have to be extravgant just appreciative with a small gesture.
It doesn't have to be money. Although money is always helpful.
Maybe you have a hidden talent you would like to share for the holidays. A personal touch is always good.
Posted by: Ysabelle at December 12, 2008 3:40 PM
The forum had this discussion last year. (time flies)
If you like your postal service worker why not show your appreciation.
You don't have to be extravgant just appreciative with a small gesture.
It doesn't have to be money. Although money is always helpful.
Maybe you have a hidden talent you would like to share for the holidays. A personal touch is always good.
Posted by: Ysabelle at December 12, 2008 3:40 PM
The forum had this discussion last year. (time flies)
If you like your postal service worker why not show your appreciation.
You don't have to be extravgant just appreciative with a small gesture.
It doesn't have to be money. Although money is always helpful.
Maybe you have a hidden talent you would like to share for the holidays. A personal touch is always good.
Posted by: Ysabelle at December 12, 2008 3:40 PM
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