[coconutmama]

Originally Posted by CFrance

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]

Originally Posted by coconutmama

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]

Originally Posted by 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.....

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]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

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

Who's gonna know ?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I tip servers in restaurants because they make minimum wage.

[Kilmacowen]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

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!