Holiday Tips

[offcmgr]

Hi, I could use a little help.
I am a new office manager in a small office. I have heard that the previous office manager would tip our UPS driver over the holidays, but I cant find any information on what was given to him. I'm sure it wasn't cash, and I'm also sure it wasn't our 'corporate gift' that goes out to clients.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to what would be appropriate. I can not do cash. I could maybe do a $25 gift card to Target or a local grocery store, or I could spend up to $50 on a gift..
Fruit basket?
Meat and cheese basket?
Bottle of wine?

Please help...I really appreciate our driver, and would like to know if there is something that you've received in the past as a tip that was creative or meaningful. Or even help knowing what would be appropriate..
Thank you.

 

[ok2bclever]

That is very kind and thoughtful of you.

First off, you certainly don't have to tip your driver, but it is a nice gesture.

Any gift would show appreciation and every driver enjoys being appreciated.

Getting something specific such as wine or even food baskets work fine as long as you know the personal likes of the driver.

Otherwise I think gift cards work best in this day and age.

If your driver is male I would suggest something a little more customized such as Gander Mountain if you have one in your area as they cater to the average man's interests and his wife won't be trying to use it on him.

Hmmm, perhaps personal experience is biasing me here. . .

Seriously, it's the thought that truly counts the most and you should decide the price on what you are comfortable with and what value you see in his personal service, in my opinion.

 

[scratch]

I believe that according to experts, twenty to twenty-five dollars or the equivelent in a gift would be what the Postman gets, so your UPS Man should be in that range. I don't expect my customers to tip, but it sure is nice to be remembered. I have some who give me boxes of candy, pastries, a twenty stuck in a Christmas Card, adult beverages, and Gift Cards to resturants. On the ridiculous end, on one route a customer tipped at a hundred dollars, and my favorite now is one of my shippers who was an ex-Delta Airline manager. He lets me fly on his Delta Buddy passes, so I can take my family of four to Hawaii for seven hundred dollars instead of paying three thousand!

 

[InTheRed]

Tips definitely aren't expected from every customer, but whoever tips we do appreciate the gesture (as mentioned above). Last year I received cash, checks, and items (such as wine, candy, and lottery tickets). It's up to you.

 

[dannyboy]

As a former driver, tips/gifts are not expected, nor should they be given for poor service. Just because the mailman gets $25 does not mean the UPS driver should get the same.

If your driver gives you the proper attention you deserve, or rises above the regular in his service to you and your company, and if you feel a tip is in order, then by all means.

Any show of kindness and thoughtfulness throughout the year is/will be greatly appreciated by your driver, I am sure.

So I totally agree with OK, except on the wine issue. In some areas it seems that might get the driver in trouble, in others its no big deal.

Just my thoughts.

d

 

[toonertoo]

I enjoy gift card for great restaurants, a fifth of whiskey is the greatest. Cabelos is a great gift card for anyone, as the trip to a store alone, is a great adventure for all genders and families. Money is always appreciated. I enjoy most of my customers and its nice to be remembered. Give according to the service provided, and a plate of food is always great during your office party, but he/she will most likely load up a plate and go, as everyone is waiting on us, Merry Christmas!!!!

 

[laborer]

As the others have said any gift is greatly appreciated, whenever someone takes the time to show their graditude for the job I do it definitely makes my day. A memorable gift I received one Christmas was while out working about 8:30pm with my helper a lady stopped while driving by and told us to come by her house to get some fresh baked cookies(She was pulling them out of the oven when we got there). It's these small gestures that really make me enjoy Christmas. Merry Christmas to all!

 

[dannyboy]

Exactly!

Most UPS drivers work on building relationships. Many of my customers over the years knew my wife, how many kids I had, where I lived, and I knew pretty much everything going on the the neighborhood. For many families I delivered to, I saw the kids grow up from babies to having kids of their own. And its that part of UPS and the fellowship with the other employees that I miss.

d

 

[opie]

Some drivers can receive a lot of tips. I know some who claim to have received a thousand dollars or more worth of "tips"; cash, food...sex.::

 

[xracer]

Opie how do you place a value on some of those items that you mentioned.

 

[rushfan]

ROTFLMAO!!

We always appreciate the friendly gestures from our customers. As mentioned if the mailman or driver gives good service, I feel they are deserving of some sort of gift.
In my opinion, food is always a good gift.
One company I deliver/pick up from, they invite me to their catered christmas lunch banquet they hold at their office. Also, throughout the year they invite me to their other lunch potlucks. I feel very lucky. I have no doubt they would not have invited me, had I given them poor service.

 

[opie]

Opie how do you place a value on some of those items that you mentioned.

I guess it is free, but there must be some monetary value. Remember to include all tip/gifts when you file your income taxes!

 

[DS]

I found this old thread(really old)rushfan is still in package,and it brought back some memories.I remember when they were called gift certificates!Most customers will go out of thier way to be nice to you at Christmas...they better...ha ha...just kidding...

 

[#1angelfan]

drivers , you know how it fells to be appreciated, now don't forget your preloader if they are doing a good job, and trying there best. remember what they are getting paid verses what you are getting paid.

 

[Big Babooba]

drivers , you know how it fells to be appreciated, now don't forget your preloader if they are doing a good job, and trying there best. remember what they are getting paid verses what you are getting paid.

In our building, preloaders get 15 cents an hour MORE than a package driver. We have a full time preload and they get night differential pay.

 

[cino321]

Let's be honest guys, we take care of the people who tip us a lot better than those who don't. Whether it means we'll go back there later on again and see if you are home or maybe some other small favor, we'll usually bend over backwards for you. Not for the money, but because you care.

In our building, preloaders get 15 cents an hour MORE than a package driver. We have a full time preload and they get night differential pay.

Then maybe you expect them to tip you for all those times you didn't bring back too many send agains.

Anyway for the rest of the us, absolutely tip your preloader if they take care of you, many of us started part-time let's not forget where we came from.

 

[diesel96]

One year , a frequent residential customer(a married woman) during the holidays approached the driver who made the daily delivery to her door, and ask if he would come in. She then proceded to offer the driver a drink and some lunch. To which he accepted. She then asked him to get undressed and follow her to the bedroom. To which he accepted and did not dissappoint. Afterwards, upon leaving the residence the woman put a $one dollar bill in his hand. The driver responded what is this for? You already took care of me. The married woman replied "I asked my husband how should we tip the UPS guy, in which he replied "screw him, give him a dollar".

 

[9/5Everyday]

Make it simple. A case of beer. That always puts a smile on my face.

 

[Covemastah]

Home Depot or a Lowes card would be nice !!

 

[Brownnblue]

Last year the porn shop on my route gave me a bottle of <ahem> "lubricant" for a Christmas gift. I got home and showed my wife to which she replied "did you get that from the porn shop?"

Nope, got that from the insurance company. Here's your sign.