Cheapo at work puts down simply "napkins" to bring in for a potluck, while others are cooking full dishes,what

Question

should I say to him?

It is blantanly not fair that he is getting away with simply napkins ... then another co-worker followed his lead and put down "plastic-wear" ... at least that's a little more expensive...


...and I overheard the cheapskate telling co-workers he was going to steal the napkins from the cafetaria.

Anyone have any good ideas what I could say to him?

Answer 1

That's so funny that you had mentioned this. This happened last week with a coworker. He put down napkins, and I am in charge of the potluck sign up sheet. I sent him an email and said "I know you don't really eat the food, but you really look like a cheapskate, and for the sake of your embarrassment, can you at least bring cups and drinks?" It worked, and he did as was told. I'm not saying this was the best idea, and he really doesn't eat any of the food. BUT if someone were to bring "napkins" they should be in charge of all plates, plastic wear and cups. That total would be about the amount of a main dish as everyone is bringing. I cannot stand cheapskates like that. Anyhow, hope this helps.

Answer 2

Etiquette-wise it's not propper to point out that your co-worker is being a cheapo (no matter how nice you dress up the fact). No matter how you say it, you could escalate the situation further and even have several other co-workers turn on you for being insensitive.

Remember, you don't know all of the reasons why he is doing what he does. The fact that he was telling someone that he was going to steal napkins from the cafeteria tells me that either a) he has money problems and feels he can't afford napkins at this time or b) is too lazy to put that much effort into it.

One good way to make the polite suggestion that he provide a food of some sort is to take up the job of going from person to person and asking what they will contribute. When you get to him, mention something that hasn't been picked already and ask if he knows or can contribute that item (chips, soda/juice/sparkling cider are usually cheap ones, but you could also suggest things like brownies, cakes, or pies since they're easily obtained from the local supermarket and he can easily avoid cooking).

In the end, remember that you cannot MAKE him contribute food (or non-stolen napkins, for that matter), but if you show interest in him doing so he might be more likely to give in.

Answer 3

I despise workplace potlucks. It is very hard to think of things to bring that can sit out like that all day w/o spoiling or tasting horrible, and it's usually a pain to get it ready for work the next day on top of taking care of home and family chores in the evening. Also, some of the stuff other people bring looks and tastes like crap, but everybody has to pretend that it's good and ask for the recipes and all. People who plan and organize them must not have a life outside the office.

Bravo for him if he can get away with just bringing napkins! Maybe he's not the only one who secretly feels like it's a waste. Take a poll of the employees through a truly anonymous survey and see how many of them are truly digging it. Why not switch to everybody contributing to pizza delivery or something more convenient instead? Pass the plate & set an amount to contribute to be able to participate; then everybody who plays has to pay the same amount.

Answer 4

Since he told a co-worker that he was going to steal the napkins, I don't think him being talked to will change his behaviour since he doesn't seem to care. I agree with Lisa's suggestion in grouping the napkins, plates, etc together.

Remember that other people have seen how cheap he is and those things never go unnoticed. There will be social repercussions, there always are.

Answer 5

You could say, "I noticed you put down napkins for a potluck. Is this some kind of native dish that coincidentally has the same name as cheap paper face wipes? How interesting. The list is for an edible, so you might want to change what you listed." Or, if you want to be really rude tell him the women in the office are tired of taking care of him and you hope he and the other guy enjoy eating his napkins with the other guy's plasticware.

Answer 6

Say nothing, napkins are useful when people are eating, at least he is contributing at all. Maybe he doesn't have the money or cooking skills to bring a dish, either way surely you wouldn't want to embarrass someone because they don't have the resources to contribute more than napkins at a potluck. Even though you are turning up your nose at this guy, I bet it will be nice that you have a napkin when you need one at the potluck, stolen from the cafeteria or not.

Answer 7

Well I would say that you should approach him only if there is something else that needs to be brought - you don't just want to flat out call him a cheapo. If you just say it to his face, you will turn into the rich stuck-up or worse.. If your potluck lacks something, approach him, and just say, "Hey I know you were just going to bring napkins, but we don't have enough [whatever], and I was wondering if you could pitch in and get that too since napkins aren't too expensive. Thanks" And I guess from there you can see what his response would be. Remember, you can't control what other people do, or how cheap they are, so just keep a good attitude and don't let one miserly guy ruin the whole potluck! Good luck.

Answer 8

He simply might not have the money to provide more. I know when there is a potluck at work I have to bring plates, napkins or silverware. Usually because I already have them around. I can't afford to make a dish to bring.

Though, chips are always an option... But napkins and silverware are kind of needed at a potluck.

Answer 9

I have to agree with Pebbels format for solving this small problem.but instead of telling him that you already have the napkins,plastic ware ,etc.I would simplify this matter by adding a note to the bottom of the list.I would simply add a minimum amount request.Such as $5 minimum on spending and maybe a maximum amount also.So everyone doesn't feel singled out or anything. always hate it when some asshole has to ruin every thing by being a cheap skate.Or you can always make a list for amateurs.By requesting that everyone that cant bring food ask you what they should bring.And you can take it upon yourself to give them a suggestion or 2 of what to bring.I would basically make them ask me and I would tell them what we needed.This way you or whoever does it can keep it fair monetarily and no favoritism.Hope this helps out.

Answer 10

It's none of your business.

Don't say anything.

Have a little holiday spirit. Didn't your mother tell you not to pay attention to how much a gift costs?

What do you expect to accomplish by adding your rudeness to theirs? Why create hostility? Why make enemies?

Life's too short.

Laugh at their stupid stinginess, and move on.

Potlucks always have more food than everyone can eat, so no one will go hungry.

The people slaving over dishes that everyone will praise and thank them for and happily gobble up with glee and gratitude will get their reward.