You would accept a $50 tip from an elderly woman who is obviously on a fixed income?
I have a family to feed as well but if it comes at a cost of someone not eating at all, no thanks. My kids will still get food in their bellies regardless of whether or not I get a nice tip. I'm not so certain that customer would have been able to feed herself had she given me that tip.
Dezguy, I'm sorry nowhere did this "elderly lady" produce a tax return stating she was poor or on a fixed income. She felt the extra effort put forth by you was worth an extra $50. Clearly she's made it this far in life to be able to determine "by herself" what the value of a dollar is to her. While I'd never expect a tip or reward for doing my job, if someone feels my efforts are valuable to them, whether it's a bottle of water, or $50. I deliver to many elderly people, and many ok ALOT of them live well below their means, some live in trailers, or mobile home parks, or even nasty shacks, but I know a few that are loaded, and most are very comfortable. Don't judge a book by it's cover, many of the elderly today have lived through rough times, through wars, and they know how to live well, without spending all their money(unlike today's youth). Good for you if you wanted to save face, and be the nice guy, but chances are she has the money...
Upstate, now as a UPS driver(I was one several years back) about all I accepted was food, making $55k+ a year(I was still in progression) I had no need for extra cash although as you know around christmas some rts do well in the tip department.
Couriers at FDX with less than 15yrs are making a 1/3-1/2 of what UPS drivers are making.(BTW I don't think we should make what UPS drivers make, as it's not the same job but I do think we should hit the current TOPOUT sooner)
Cheers! Now I'm off to spend the $20 I got today from a bum on the street.
after I delivered his new Macbook.