How do Villagers do it ?

[jcvdd1]

Greetings -
Now that the holiday season is approaching, I'm seeking guidance on how most here tip / show gratitude towards those who serve our needs all year round.

Does the typical Villager tip during the holiday season and if so, how much and to whom? As a point of reference, where I came from I always tipped the garbage guys, post man, UPS guy, pharmacist, grocery employees, accountant, house cleaning lady and lawn guy.

Any constructive advice appreciated. Thanks

[rjn5656]

We tip the cleaning lady, landscape guy, post man.

[BobnBev]

Newspaper delivery guy--Postal station manager--maybe the lawn guy, not sure on that one.

[Chatbrat]

Tip my trainer, cleaning lady, mail person & news paper deliverer

[dewilson58]

????????????




It doesn't matter where you are or what others do............You do what you want to do.




:duck:

[Bogie Shooter]

????????????




It doesn't matter where you are or what others do............You do what you want to do.




:duck:

Good advice....

[villagetinker]

I have not figured out a good way to tip the recycling and trashmen, I do not like the idea of leaving an envelop of cash clipped to the bags, any ideas?

[dewilson58]

I have not figured out a good way to tip the recycling and trashmen, I do not like the idea of leaving an envelop of cash clipped to the bags, any ideas?




I hand it to them and I throw my own trash in the back of the truck (I do this a dozen times per year). They seem to appreciate it.




:)

[Daniele]

Postal workers are government employees. They are not suppose to except tips. This coming from my mother who was a lifetime career government employee.

[Chatbrat]

Postal workers in TV are independent contractors, not gov't employees--just like rural mail deliverers

[dewilson58]

Postal workers are government employees. They are not suppose to except tips. This coming from my mother who was a lifetime career government employee.






They can accept up to $20 per customer, per occasion. So, they could accept $20 per day or ~$700 per year. :MOJE_whot:

[villagetinker]

I am never home or asleep when they come around, so handing to them will not work, but thank you for a great suggestion.

[retiredguy123]

They can accept up to $20 per customer, per occasion. So, they could accept $20 per day or ~$700 per year. :MOJE_whot:
Federal Government employees, including postal workers, can only receive a gratuity of up to $20 per occasion per customer, not to exceed $50 per calendar year per customer.

[dewilson58]

Federal Government employees, including postal workers, can only receive a gratuity of up to $20 per occasion per customer, not to exceed $50 per calendar year per customer.


Yep.


$50 from me, $50 from my wife, $50 from each of my three kids, $50 from each of my pets who get mail..........:a040:



Not the point.............the post was "They are not suppose to except tips. This coming from my mother who was a lifetime career government employee."


No body is going to jail over a gift card at Christmas.


:ohdear:

[TheWarriors]

:ho::ho:Yep.


$50 from me, $50 from my wife, $50 from each of my three kids, $50 from each of my pets who get mail..........:a040:



Not the point.............the post was "They are not suppose to except tips. This coming from my mother who was a lifetime career government employee."


No body is going to jail over a gift card at Christmas.


:ohdear:

[CWGUY]

:ohdear: Those of us that want to tip..... find a way! Those that don't..... find an excuse! :ho:

[justjim]

Postal workers in TV are independent contractors, not gov't employees--just like rural mail deliverers

Good point. Low pay I hear and few if any benefits. I have always tipped them.

[perrjojo]

:ohdear: Those of us that want to tip..... find a way! Those that don't..... find an excuse! :ho:
I guess I am one of the latter. These people all get paid a salary that they agreed to when accepting employment. Some go above and beyond for me an those are the people I will tip, otherwise I feel they are getting paid to do job.

[Velvet]

People who provide personal service should always be tipped (according to their service). Not sure about garbage collectors, some people, like teachers, for example, would be surprised if you tried to tip them.

[npwalters]

People who provide personal service should always be tipped (according to their service). Not sure about garbage collectors, some people, like teachers, for example, would be surprised if you tried to tip them.

to each their own. I don't tip my barber. I don't tip for a lot of personnel service. If the job description includes expected tips as a part of the pay (food server for instance) I do. otherwise I figure their employer is paying them a fair wage.

I do try to tip those that have gone out of their way to assist me somehow.

[Velvet]

Greasing the wheel.... :)

[EdFNJ]

Here, this should keep you all busy and save your typing fingers :D :D

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/yuletide-gratuities-tipping-279384/?highlight=tipping

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/gratuities-sanitation-folk-250523/?highlight=tipping

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/tipping-mail-carrier-222196/?highlight=tipping

[retiredguy123]

Good point. Low pay I hear and few if any benefits. I have always tipped them.
I understand that independent contractors delivering mail for the USPS make about $21 per hour. They do get benefits and time off, but I don't know what that includes.

[dewilson58]

Here, this should keep you all busy and save your typing fingers :D :D

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/yuletide-gratuities-tipping-279384/?highlight=tipping

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/gratuities-sanitation-folk-250523/?highlight=tipping

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/tipping-mail-carrier-222196/?highlight=tipping






or refer to post #5................it says it all.




:clap2:




:clap2:




:clap2:

[Nucky]

How about the sometimes forgotten scheduler at the Doctors Office and the Doctors Assistant and The Moderators, Ooops that slipped out! Spin Away! It's a Yoke!!!!! :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Give your normal gratuities and then Rock Somebodies world who doesn't see it coming who has kids or you know is in a challenging situation and consider our collective good fortune.

C.L.T.W. = Cut Loose Tight Wad. SPEND. LET IT FLY!

If your finances are tight and you are just trying to figure it out then come up with a bottom-line number, divide it into the amounts you want to give each person then short yourself something you really want and give it to someone in need. It's good for your Soul! Blues Brothers: Soul Man - SNL - YouTube (https://youtu.be/FTWH1Fdkjow)

[Topspinmo]

I use to work in grocery store in high school for 60 cents hour in the mid 60s. All the rich old ___ I packed their groceries out for and even delivered once we wouldn’t even tip dime. The lady that live not to far from me and knew my grandmother always tried to tip me. I told her I get hourly wage and no tips are necessary. I once tipped pool hustler for the wonder lesson I got above the bet. So, IMO you have to earn tip for exceptional service. But, that’s me, I alway valued dollar cause I had to work hard to get them.

[billethkid]

There must be a different requirement for "tipping" at Christmas than the rest of the year.

Most of us conduct our daily lives with many others providing us services of one kind or another. For the exceptional/memorable/above the usual service or satisfaction, et al, we are inspired to reward such "distinguishing" effort.

At year end it must be the Christmas spirit that drives it.....not the usual measure for tipping the rest of the year.

Another to each their own....no right or wrong!!!

[600th Photo Sq]

Postal workers in TV are independent contractors, not gov't employees--just like rural mail deliverers

100% Correct...We take care of the " Mail Room " employees @ Xmas. :ho:

[DAVES]

Greetings -
Now that the holiday season is approaching, I'm seeking guidance on how most here tip / show gratitude towards those who serve our needs all year round.

Does the typical Villager tip during the holiday season and if so, how much and to whom? As a point of reference, where I came from I always tipped the garbage guys, post man, UPS guy, pharmacist, grocery employees, accountant, house cleaning lady and lawn guy.

Any constructive advice appreciated. Thanks

The postman? First of all postal employees are not allowed ot accept tips. "Where I came from." as far as postal employees we used to have delivery to the door of our home. Here, we pick it up. Aside we did not pay any more for more expensive to the door delivery.
My opinion as stated. On your list, I would tip the lawn guy and the cleaning person. Your accountant? He is of should be a professional not someone fishing for tips.

[CWGUY]

Posts # 5 and 16 say it all!

[DjinGA]

Postal workers are Not Gov't employees. USPS is a private company now.

[600th Photo Sq]

I have not figured out a good way to tip the recycling and trashmen, I do not like the idea of leaving an envelope of cash clipped to the bags, any ideas?

Actually what I do is pretty simple for the recycle/trash usually 3 people I stop them and give each one a " 6 " Pack of Budweiser.

The reaction is ...well amazing. Totally unexpected ..:)

[CFrance]

I have not figured out a good way to tip the recycling and trashmen, I do not like the idea of leaving an envelop of cash clipped to the bags, any ideas?


We've usually left a case or two of beer out with the trash bags. One time we got a note on it that said, "Thanks! We'll be back to pick it up." I'm assuming they couldn't pick it up on the job. Other years they have taken it with them.


I'm wary of the idea of leaving money out on the driveway. I don't mind if the beer gets lifted.

[CFrance]

Postal workers are government employees. They are not suppose to except tips. This coming from my mother who was a lifetime career government employee.
I thought the people at the postal stations were private contractors, not government employees.


I have our beloved postal station worker's home address. 'Nuff said. She's an angel.

[CFrance]

Actually what I do is pretty simple for the recycle/trash usually 3 people I stop them and give each one a " 6 " Pack of Budweiser.

The reaction is ...well amazing. Totally unexpected ..:)
Our yearly "beer tips" have always been welcomed! Been doing that for 50 years.

[big guy]

Postal workers are government employees. They are not suppose to except tips. This coming from my mother who was a lifetime career government employee.

They are now contractors but no matter, we always tipped ours, especially in Ohio where they had to slog through ice and snow. It used to be I would leave candy or cookies in the mailbox with his name on it. My grandfather was a rural mail carrier and got lots of cookies, citrus, candy, cakes and the like. However, when we had a single mother with 2 children as our carrier and she always went above and beyond, I started tipping her cash. I didn't leave it in the mailbox with her name on it, I waited for her and handed it to her. During the heavy load days sometimes the carrier stayed in and sorted and the subs went on the route so I never knew who was coming. We tip our paper carrier since they bring it to the door if it is raining, and we tip the lawn guy if he has done a nice job and come when he is supposed to. I also tip my hairdresser. They suggest that you tip what it cost you for your service but I just give her an extra $20. I was a hairdresser and I would have been happy with an extra $5 (but that was in the '60s).

[jcvdd1]

I'm the original poster and my "PRIMARY" purpose of this thread was to increase awareness that the holiday season is quickly approaching and for each one of us to support and spread joy to the mostly younger worker that supports our lifestyle here at The Villages.

With a great deal of certainty, I am sure that most here living within The Villages are financially secure and are financially able to tip those who work diligently each day throughout the year to support our community. Please Tip ! Thanks ....:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

[ColdNoMore]

I'm the original poster and my "PRIMARY" purpose of this thread was to increase awareness that the holiday season is quickly approaching and for each one of us to support and spread joy to the mostly younger worker that supports our lifestyle here at The Villages.

With a great deal of certainty, I am sure that most here living within The Villages are financially secure and are financially able to tip those who work diligently each day throughout the year to support our community. Please Tip! Thanks ....:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2:

Exactly! :thumbup:

I can only shake my head in disgust at those people, who can well afford it, when even a small tip would be appropriate and the decent thing to do...suddenly act like the can actually take their money with them when they die. :ohdear:

[graciegirl]

Our yearly "beer tips" have always been welcomed! Been doing that for 50 years.

A very good idea. We will use it.

[Byte1]

If you need advice on tipping, then perhaps you should contact the Federal Gov and ask them how it should be done. The Gov loves to advise us how to spend our money,.....or how they should control it.
Seriously???? Let your charity dictate to you how much you should tip for good service. If I get bad service, I tip low and if I get good service I tip high. If it is a NON-tipping service, and it is good then I give a good review of the company and mention the employee by name in the review.

[Sunshine80]

We greet the trash men and hand them the cash. They are very appreciative.

[SandeBeach57]

I have not figured out a good way to tip the recycling and trashmen, I do not like the idea of leaving an envelop of cash clipped to the bags, any ideas?

My village (each house) gives $5 to each of the 3 haulers on board the truck. The collector (who collects the money ahead of Christmas week) watches on trash day and hands an envelope to each trash hauler when they come to the neighborhood to pick up our trash.

[Rob&Brooke143]

I don't think you are allowed to tip some of those people. You may want to check. Lol. I am from here... So, lawn guy, cleaners, trash guy, hotel staff. Also, there's no post men waking anywhere around here.

[fastboat]

Greetings -
Now that the holiday season is approaching, I'm seeking guidance on how most here tip / show gratitude towards those who serve our needs all year round.

Does the typical Villager tip during the holiday season and if so, how much and to whom? As a point of reference, where I came from I always tipped the garbage guys, post man, UPS guy, pharmacist, grocery employees, accountant, house cleaning lady and lawn guy.

Any constructive advice appreciated. Thanks
You got them pretty well covered, keep up the giving spirit.

[Rob&Brooke143]

P. S.. If they make a decent wages.. we don't tip well. We too the poor. Just how it is down here! I've been a waitress, hotel staff, lawn "guy". And have always got tipped. I hear of garbage guys too.

[Rob&Brooke143]

Newspaper delivery guy--Postal station manager--maybe the lawn guy, not sure on that one.

Why would you tip those people? The lawn guys are the ones busting their butt, dying of heat, for like $50 a month! Lol.

[bmit16]

I am not sure how you get they are not government employees. They work for the post office and drive a government owned post office vehicle. I asked my carrier after reading this and she said she worked for the post office not an independent contractor.

[Inkyfingers]

We tip the postal folks and the Daily Sun carrier. That paper is in the driveway EVERY DAY!!

[Texased]

Postal workers in TV are independent contractors, not gov't employees--just like rural mail deliverers

:1rotfl: BS

[zigzag]

We tip our pool technician $20 but might increase that this year as she's done a great job. We put an envelope in our mail slot and a Christmas card taped to the trash bag. Both $20.

[joananna]

I tip the postal girl, the garbage men (I go out and thank them and ask them their name.) Make sure they are the ones that are there every week, not the temps. We tip our bar tenders at the places we go to most. The newspaper person. The lawn guy (one months amount) If you can afford it, make someone happy. If you can not afford it just give them a card with maybe $5 or $10.

[dave2485]

Tip no one they get paid to do the job, some of them quite well.

[JSR22]

Newspaper carrier $50, postal $20, pool guy $50, garbage 20 each

[NavyVet]

The holiday season is an expensive time of year for us and tipping is one of the biggest expenses that we have to actually budget for.
Our list includes the paper carrier, mail carrier, hair dresser, dog groomer, housekeeper, lawn guy, pool guy, sanitation employees (if we can catch them), etc. I'm probably missing someone. It really adds up! I don't know how people living on just SS do it. Good thing we only do xmas gifting with two of our relatives - the rest are very low contact (for good reason.)
Also, after all the postal greeting card theft, we no longer send gift cards through the mail. If I can't hand it over personally, I guess I'll go back to impersonal checks.
Season's Greetings, y'all!

[Ljaprea]

I have not figured out a good way to tip the recycling and trashmen, I do not like the idea of leaving an envelop of cash clipped to the bags, any ideas?
We usually waited for them on trash day and ran out the envelope when we saw them or we put a note on the garbage bag pile to knock on the door when they got here and we could give them their tip.

[New Englander]

Postal workers in TV are independent contractors, not gov't employees--just like rural mail deliverers

:agree:

[Kountry]

i don't get the paper but I would tip if I had a newspaper delivered. I only tip the garbage man. And I tipped him last week because I had a lot of bags out from a party. If the driver has to help him I give them each 5 dollars. Spring cleaning and Christmas I give them 10 each. They have to work in the hot weather and rain. Not an easy job. picking up that weight all day. Never even thought about it. I also tip my tree trim people.

[rmd2]

[QUOTE=dewilson58;1691909]I hand it to them and I throw my own trash in the back of the truck (I do this a dozen times per year). They seem to appreciate it.




:) I wait for them to come in the morning and run out to give them tips but I don't throw the trash in the truck :) LOL

[rmd2]

If you really want to surprise a lower paid employee try my way. I don't do this at Christmas. I pick some other time. I walk into a fast food place and tell the manager there I have something nice for all of them. Then I hand each employee an envelop that has $5 and a special encouraging note inside. They are so pleasantly surprised! I have done several times over the years for every fast food place on 466 and some on 441.

[coconutmama]

Postal workers are government employees. They are not suppose to except tips. This coming from my mother who was a lifetime career government employee.

My coworker, who also delivered mail full time, said they could accept gifts up to $20. This was back in the 80's. Also, every year I have lived in The Villages I have received a holiday card from both my mail station person & my newspaper deliverer. I take that as a reminder for a tip, which I happily provide,

[coconutmama]

Our yearly "beer tips" have always been welcomed! Been doing that for 50 years.

Unfortunately I recall one year that someone else picked up the beer thinking it was being thrown out

[CFrance]

My coworker, who also delivered mail full time, said they could accept gifts up to $20. This was back in the 80's. Also, every year I have lived in The Villages I have received a holiday card from both my mail station person & my newspaper deliverer. I take that as a reminder for a tip, which I happily provide,
It also gives you the mail station worker's home address so you can mail the tip. If there are any covenants against leaving tips in your mailbox, this is a way to get around it.


Our mail worker goes above and beyond. Comes to the house with large packages, brings treats for the dog, engages with us. She's a treat.

[ts12755]

I always tip those you mention except, UPS, Pharmacist, accountant, and grocery clerk, they are random.... How much, usually 50 or 100.

[Mumbles]

IMHO, it's not how much you give in tip, either. My understanding is that most employees that do not provide a service--even if being paid-- well, there's no reason to tip them. But a small giftie (home-baked brownies) would probably be equally happy-making for them.

[BMJDM]

According to the Postal Service, federal regulations allow all postal employees, including carriers, to accept a gift worth $20 or less from a customer per occasion, such as Christmas or a birthday.

[Slmtraveler]

I'm happy to see that most of the people that respond to this leave a nice tip. For those that don't, you will be the first to complain if there isn't enough staff to take care of you. People will leave the area and find better jobs elsewhere if everyone is too cheap there. Lighten up the wallet and be generous! Merry Christmas!

[Velvet]

As far as postal workers go, I didn’t realize what they do. I got a box from Costco last week that was 20 lb or so. It was delivered to the house. How does it get to the house, does Costco deliver it to the Mallory postal station and the postal worker brings it to the house? What do the postal workers do exactly? I would like to know so I can compensate them properly.

[retiredguy123]

It depends. Most packages start out as a UPS package with a tracking number that begins with "1Z". Then, UPS will either deliver it directly to your house or transfer it to the USPS. If that happens, the tracking number will change to a number beginning with a "9". The postal people will place the package in your mailbox or in one of the large, keyed boxes at your postal station. If it won't fit in the large keyed boxes, then the postal worker will deliver it to your house. So, you can tell who delivered your package by looking at the final tracking number on the package.

[LadyPenO]

CORRECT! GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ACCEPT MONEY OR GIFTS OVER CERTAIN AMOUNT. LAWN MOWERS: WE GIVE EQUIVALENT TO A MONTH'S PAYMENT (i.e. if monthly service is $75.00, then a $75.00 thank you at Christmas is given. Servers always get at least 20%, more at Christmas. Hair dressers an equivalent amount also. Each person is different. Always, whatever one can afford.

[LadyPenO]

Postal workers here in TV are NOT government workers! They are contract employees. That's why they put a Christmas card with their name and address in your postal box....for tips.....

[retiredguy123]

Postal workers here in TV are NOT government workers! They are contract employees. That's why they put a Christmas card with their name and address in your postal box....for tips.....
You are correct that most postal carriers in TV are independent contractors, not Government employees. The independent contractors make about $21 per hour, and the Government employee carriers make about $25 per hour. Both receive benefits, but the Government employees get much more generous benefits, and they have more job security then the independent contractors.

[karostay]

They can accept up to $20 per customer, per occasion. So, they could accept $20 per day or ~$700 per year. :MOJE_whot:

Who's gonna know ?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I tip servers in restaurants because they make minimum wage.

[Kilmacowen]

I tip servers in restaurants because they make minimum wage.

Actually, they make less than minimum wage. I think the OP question refers to a Christmas tip for workers.

[mtdjed]

So why do we tip? Is it a thank you for what someone has done? Is it an expectation of continued service more than what should be expected? I got my mail when I expect to get my mail. I paid for my trash removal and it was removed. What is the true reason for a tip? Do I want my mail first? Do I want some unacceptable trash removed? Do I want my hotel room cleaned first?

I tip well and sometimes to get something in return. That could be Quid pro quo or bribery. Woe is me!

[Velvet]

So why do we tip? Is it a thank you for what someone has done? Is it an expectation of continued service more than what should be expected? I got my mail when I expect to get my mail. I paid for my trash removal and it was removed. What is the true reason for a tip? Do I want my mail first? Do I want some unacceptable trash removed? Do I want my hotel room cleaned first?

I tip well and sometimes to get something in return. That could be Quid pro quo or bribery. Woe is me!

Sometimes just to say thank you for work well done, -for work we ourself either rather not do or cannot do.

Lately I tipped my house minder because they consistently think of things I don’t and do it before I ask, and the plumber who came out immediately even though I caught him when he was looking after his young children. My locksmith helped me with the fridge, the mover rearranged my very heavy furniture for free.... it just goes on and on.

[CWGUY]

:icon_bored: We do this every year. We will do this again next year in Oct. or Nov.

From post #16 over a month ago - "Those of us that want to tip..... find a way! Those that don't..... find an excuse!"

I think that says it all. :ho: