Mailman and Holiday tipping

[Trentmom]

It is that time of the year, Christmas is upon us.

Does everyone here tip your mailman? If so, how much do you tip?

When we first moved into our house 5 years ago, we had no idea people did this and didn't leave a tip for him in the mailbox.

Well, we know better now and like to tip $20.00 a year.

What does everyone else tip?

Just thought it would be fun to see what the rest of the world does...

 

[DVC-Don]

Nothing. We have 2 or 3 different carriers who constantly leave mail for the wrong street here.

The carrier at work we give cookies to. We have her for 4 out of 5 days and she's nice.

 

[Trentmom]

Nothing. We have 2 or 3 different carriers who constantly leave mail for the wrong street here.

The carrier at work we give cookies to. We have her for 4 out of 5 days and she's nice.

Don't blame ya there then.

We have had the same mailman for 5 years and he is great

That is nice you give your carrier at work cookies for doing a great job

 

[disney4us2002]

Maybe I'm wrong but postal workers are federal employees and are not allowed to accept tips. I suppose some may ignore that. We have a PO box so don't have a mail carrier.

 

[Trentmom]

Maybe I'm wrong but postal workers are federal employees and are not allowed to accept tips. I suppose some may ignore that. We have a PO box so don't have a mail carrier.

Have no idea, but an friend of my DH, who works with him, was a postman before he became a police officer for 15 years and he made out like a bandit around Christmas. He got tips for 15 years

 

[Disneymommom]

Our old neighbor was a postman all his life and he used to come home with all kinds of money, cookies, bottles,etc. I think they make darn good money and have excellent benefits and make more th an I do but either way I only believe in tipping people who go above and beyond. The mail lady we have no is very nice and she goes above and beyond as she brings packages or things that won't fit in our mailbox, which is down on the street, up to the house and puts it under our carport to be protected and not stolen being on the street. So yes I do tip her about $10 or $15 each year. If she gets that from every customer she'll do quite well so that is enough. I don't believe in tipping everyone just because it's Christmas.

 

[Snow_White]

My mail lady is truly horrible. I can't tell you how many times I've had to hand deliver mail that she has put in the wrong box. Happens all the time. And then there was the time the DEED TO MY HOUSE was mailed to me and instead of putting it in my locked box she decides to shove it next to my front door for some unknown reason. The deed got wet...we're just lucky it didn't blow away. This lady owes me money, not the other way around. Ugh, I wish we had a new mail lady. For our old mail lady, we used to give her cookies/candy at Christmas time. She was wonderful

 

[Trentmom]

My mail lady is truly horrible. I can't tell you how many times I've had to hand deliver mail that she has put in the wrong box. Happens all the time. And then there was the time the DEED TO MY HOUSE was mailed to me and instead of putting it in my locked box she decides to shove it next to my front door for some unknown reason. The deed got wet...we're just lucky it didn't blow away. This lady owes me money, not the other way around. Ugh, I wish we had a new mail lady. For our old mail lady, we used to give her cookies/candy at Christmas time. She was wonderful

Oh man, she sounds awful....Wouldn't be giving her a thing

 

[Snow_White]

Oh man, she sounds awful....Wouldn't be giving her a thing

Yeah and I'm afraid to complain because a neighbor who did so now has even more trouble with her! What a witch!

 

[Kathi OD]

Tip someone for doing their well-paying job??? UMMM.....I think not!

I don't mind tipping those who aren't paid well a tip (servers, valets, newpaper carriers, etc), but the mailman?? Nope. Never!

 

[va32h]

Mail carriers are not permitted to accept cash. According to the post office, anyway:

his is from the USPS website:

Question
Can US Postal Service employees receive gifts from customers?

Answer
Gifts to Postal Service Employees
While many Postal Service™ customers have traditionally thanked their mail carrier with gifts of cash during the holiday season, this practice puts our employees at risk of violating federal law. The Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch ("Standards"), specifies that Postal Service employees may not accept gifts from outside sources (including Postal Service customers) or gifts given to them because of their official positions. Postal Service employees are also prohibited from soliciting gifts from outside sources.

There are a number of exceptions and exclusions to the general gifts rule. Postal Service employees may accept the following items:

* Snacks and beverages that are not offered as part of a meal.
* Items with little intrinsic value (i.e., greeting cards, plaques, pens, coffee mugs, etc.).
* Perishable items (i.e., flowers, chocolates, cookies, etc.); if the items are clearly worth more than $20, employees should share them with others in the Postal Service workplace.
* Items with a market (retail) value of $20 or less.
* Gifts motivated solely because of a personal relationship.
* Gifts for which the employee has paid market (retail) value.
* Gifts paid for by the Postal Service.
* Postal Service employees may not accept cash - in any amount or form (bills, checks, money orders) - from an outside source.

For further information, please contact the U.S. Postal Service® Law Department’s Ethics Helpline at 202-268-6346, or send an email message to ethics.help@usps.gov.

I'm sure people do it anyway. I have given our carrier cookies for the holiday. I really can't afford cash tips.

 

[Trentmom]

Yeah and I'm afraid to complain because a neighbor who did so now has even more trouble with her! What a witch!

Don't blame ya there.....Don't need your mail anymore messed up then it already is

 

[Trentmom]

Mail carriers are not permitted to accept cash. According to the post office, anyway:



I'm sure people do it anyway. I have given our carrier cookies for the holiday. I really can't afford cash tips.

Interesting......

You are right, I am sure plenty of people do it.......

I think if your mailman is doing a great job, friendly, puts packages on the step for you, doesn't jam things in your mailbox, and always has a smile for ya, then why not give them something to show your appreciation

 

[Trentmom]

Items with little intrinsic value (i.e., greeting cards, plaques, pens, coffee mugs, etc.).


I always give my mailman a greeting card for the holidays, I can't help it if a 20 dollar bill accidentally falls in there..

 

[lucas]

$10.00 in a card.

 

[Tink_Or_Belle]

When we had home delivery I gave the mail carrier a card with cash and he brought it back kept the card but said they were not allowed to keep cash

 

[Disneymommom]

If my mail lady did a lousy job and didn't go above and beyond I would not be tipping her. I used to give our old mailman, who was single, a large box of home made cookies every year because being alone he had no one to bake for him.

 

[Disneymommom]

When we had home delivery I gave the mail carrier a card with cash and he brought it back kept the card but said they were not allowed to keep cash

Wow that was really decent and totally honest of them, most carriers keep the cash and gifts.

 

[Disney Doll]

We don't tip our mailman. Heck, we never see the mailman!!!!

My parents were telling me today that they got a Christmas card from their mailman and in it he wrote "Any gratuity would be appreciated".

He wouldn't be getting one from me, especially if he asked for it.

 

[Disneymommom]

We don't tip our mailman. Heck, we never see the mailman!!!!

My parents were telling me today that they got a Christmas card from their mailman and in it he wrote "Any gratuity would be appreciated".

He wouldn't be getting one from me, especially if he asked for it.

I get a card from my mail lady and assume it's a reminder to remember her at the holidays but if it asked for a gratuity it would never appear as you don't ask me for a tip, you get one if you deserve it.