The man that delivers our bottled water left a holiday card. He signed it The Water Guy, and it included a self addressed envelope (no stamp). It was under the porch furniture a few feet away from the water, wet and dirty from recent rain. We've never even seen this man and we pay plenty for the water on auto debit. Also, we ran out of water several times this past year during really hot weather when he left less than our standing bottle amount. We ended up having to drive 14 miles to get water in town. (The water from the faucet tastes really bad, like metal.)
There's something about this card that bugs me. Like others here, I extra-tip people at the holidays, who I have relationship with, and that give excellent service throughout the year. This man's job is not dependent on tips like a server or other jobs. Since our budget is tight, I want to give what I have to people that regularly serve me in person and who do a great job.
What a dilemma. I don't want to be a scrooge.....Should I send him something or not?
No. But maybe you think I'm cheap...I don't tip the mail man or trash collectors. Their job is very specific, what am I tipping for? They make a good salary, can get overtime and benefits.
For wait staff, it's different, they rely on tips.
I agree with Andra. Soliciting tips is horrible! I can't imagine doing it!
I'd slip a card in there and tell him Merry Christmas. Then I'd also call his company and tell them what he did.
I would send him a holiday card in return, in the envelope he provided and nothing more. Maybe he'll get the hint that it is beyond rude to solicit for tips, especially if your not providing outstanding service.
I believe in rewarding "service excellence" and never tip unless it is deserved. As far as I'm concerned it is unfair to the people who really deserve a tip if I give it whether its deserved or not! That is NOT being a "scrooge" it is rewarding good service! If you feel that you need to send him something 'cos he left you a card, I'd just send him a greeting card back (after all you need to pay for the postage)! Alternatively, just pretend you didn't see it - since it was under the porch furniture, it could have just as easily blown off your porch altogether! I wouldn't stress about it .... Santa doesn't give presents to naughty children, so don't feel pressured to do something that doesn't feel right to you! Best wishes
Duh! Are you really considering tipping him! Tipping has gotten way out of control. I rarely tip anyone. I am a teacher who takes clothes home to wash, mend clothes left at school, feed hungry children out of my own lunch box, etc. Parents don't tip or thank me!
If you aren't feeling it, don't do it.
I can't believe the responses here. Yes, you should send him something. If you've had troubles throughout the year you should have called customer service at that time. This isn't like you're tipping him regularly, you're doing something nice for him at holiday time. At least get him a $5 starbucks card.
Had to laugh, because my newspaper lady did this to us, and I never get my paper before 7:30am and I leave the house at 6:30am. Pissed me off, but I did send her $10 with a card that said I would appreciate it if she could put us at the top of her route since I leave the house at 6:30am and would like to get the paper before I leave. Numerous complaints to the paper did not help.
Low and behold I have received my paper earlier the last few days. I hope to goodness it continues.
