My husband and I are unsure of the etiquette - how much are we supposed to tip the mailman and garbage men? Our garbage route is run by three men - a driver and two who grab the cans - do we give them three times the mailman's Christmas tip to accomidate the larger number? Please help!
2006-12-02 12:48:44 · 13 answers · asked by sjlawson12 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I realize that not everyone does this - I'm more interested in answers from the people who do, not scoffing from people who don't! Our postal man and garbage men work hard, and we want them to know they're appreciated! My husband and I are vets, and people bring us small gifts to say thanks this time of year - I think it's only fair we do the same for people we're grateful for.
2006-12-02 13:08:33 · update #1
we have 2 mailmen,one full time and the fill in guy and they have been on this route for 8 years..i get them a gift card for a local restaurant....i love my mailmen,when i had my baby they each gave us something for her..as for garbage men my town taxes covers the garbage pick up since its done by a private company and i pay enough in taxes and each week a different group of guys is doing the pick up
2006-12-02 13:40:41 · answer #1 · answered by charmel5496 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Where I live, the mailman and the garbage collectors used to come around with a mini-calendar and christmas greeting to "pick up" their yearly tip. But this custom has disappeared since their salaries went up (probably higher than ours! :-D). I still give them a box of christmas cookies or candies when I see them around the holidays and thank them for their work... It's a small gesture and gives us all a good feeling!
2016-03-13 01:51:12 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember that in the USA it is illegal to tip mailmen more than $50 (or give them gifts with a higher value). If the trash collectors are government employees (even municipal government) the same law probably applies, so be careful. Honestly, I would think that the most appropriate gift would be something like a Starbucks gift card, loaded up with $10. That's two fancy drinks, or a fancy drink and a sweet treat. As they're working outside in the cold I'm sure they would appreciate it.
2006-12-02 13:20:15 · answer #3 · answered by Jetgirly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never see the trash man or the recycling guy, but all my life it's been customary to tip the letter carrier. Some places doubtless go higher but I live in rural Maine where the economy is poor and I tip him $5. I used to give him fruitcake or cookies but decided that if I were in his place I'd prefer cash.
Maybe tipping is not so important in the city, but out here the carrier will come up the driveway, get out of his vehicle and leave a package on the porch or in the garage if I'm not home. We like to show our appreciation for service "above and beyond."
2006-12-02 13:14:28 · answer #4 · answered by keepsondancing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Growing up we always tipped them both. My dad would tip out the garbage men more because of the work that they do and because there were more of them as well. I am not sure the "Proper Etiquette" but this is how my dad did it. Good luck and Happy Holidays
2006-12-02 12:56:06 · answer #5 · answered by Bridghid 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My parents made me take an etiquette class and this wasn't covered. But I have some suggestions, like you I like to thank others for their service this time of year. It doesn't hurt to recognize people, it will make them feel good too. We will tip both (we have two men) separately. Other years I have given out boxes of candy, gift certificates, etc. The mailman loves chocolate so I left a box for him one year. No matter what you give I am sure just the recognition will make them thankful for your kindness.
2006-12-02 13:14:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't tip mailman (person) they are over paid anyhow.
garbage if they do good work (I tip 20 each--only two)
Newspaper- 10.00
2006-12-02 13:03:17 · answer #7 · answered by cork 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i give the mailman some homemade cookies that i made all lby my self im agood cook some thing i dont know how to cook that why i nee dfind a women
2006-12-02 12:59:35 · answer #8 · answered by cricket 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a college student and live at home with my mom and therefore don't think of things like this. I know she doesn't tip them, but no that you mention it...I think I might when i become a mom. I would tip them with a $10 bill each, inside a "Happy Holidays" card. It's not much, but then again, they are doing their job...and you don't want to overdo it because i bet that not many people tip them. :)
2006-12-02 13:22:15 · answer #9 · answered by bcos 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not supposed to tip the mailman and no need to tip the trash guys ,thats what the get paid to do, but if you want to do something give them some homemade cookies
2006-12-02 12:53:33 · answer #10 · answered by xjoizey 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋