So while we are a couple of weeks past the holiday season, one hot topic of discussion around the dinner table was holiday tips. It was reminiscent of my Journalism 101 class: Who, What, Where, When and Why.
The disagreement between others and me was simple; do you give a holiday tip for service rendered or to ensure you receive better service in the coming year.
Perhaps I’m a bit old school, but my thinking is simple; a tip is no different than a sales person’s commission. The commission is given only after the sale is complete. Commission is not given prior to a sale.
I don’t tip my postal worker and I don’t tip my garbage collectors. Why? Well, what did they do beyond the basics of their job to serve me? My garbage cans on yard waste and recycling pick up days can often be found rolling around the bottom of my driveway or across the street. (Now where’s that missing lid?) My mail is in my mailbox, but the recent crumpled card and bills I received made me wonder why such a small bundle of parcels needed to be rubberbanded.
To me, a year-end tip is deserved only when the individual in question goes above and beyond the call of duty. I don’t expect them to do anything other than their job, but when I’m chasing garbage cans or wondering why my mail is at times crumpled, I can’t help but think this is not the way to earn a tip.
Those I do tip are my kids’ bus driver and my longtime hair stylist. The bus driver is friendly and make sure my kids are safe on their trip to and from school. At the start of school, he also let my fourth grade son sit with my kindergartner daughter so she was more comfortable. For the record, kids on the bus usually sit by age. And my hairdresser always finds time for me, sneaking me in when I need a last minute trim.
Some did argue that if I tipped others, perhaps my garbage cans and mail would receive greater respect. Perhaps, but isn’t this like giving a kid dessert so he/she eats their dinner? In an era when more people are looking for a handout, I’ll be happy to give something extra when and only when it is earned.
