Do you tip your mail carrier?

[jhiggins]

Hi all,

It's been a looong time since I have been here. I got overwhelmed with moving/travel for weddings/etc.

I was thinking about whether to tip my mail carrier today and thought I need to head over to SLBB.

When I was in Chas, I got a blank Christmas card addressed to my mail carrier with her name and address on the envelope (this was stuck in with my paper). I thought this was so tacky. Well, guess what? I'm in another state and I got the same thing today. I think it is so funny in a horrible way.

Do you tip your mail carrier? I feel like I am being a scrooge by not feeling the need to. I'm thinking that the practice of tipping started back in the days when the mail carrier actually delivered the mail to you door, had stamps for you if you needed them, etc.

Heck, I don't even know who my mail carrier is - it seems like it is someone different all the time.

Do you tip? If so, how much?

:)

[eHelen]

Jill, how fantastic to see you back with us. Hope you are loving your new location and all is well. I emailed you a while back to let you know we were missing you. (Used your website email, I think.)

About the tipping, I am in total agreement with you. I have no clue who is my mail carrier, don't even know if a woman or man.

[happytobehere]

I give our mail carrier a small loaf of sweet bread, wrap it in colored plastic wrap with a ribbon. I put it in the mail box along with a Christmas card. We have the same mail carrier all of the time unless she's on vacation. She's a very sweet lady. Good to see you posting again! :D

[Angela Macy]

I tip my hair dresser, normally $5. When I used to get my nails done, I'd tip $5 too. If I recieve half way decent service at a restaurant, I leave 15-20%. When we stay at a hotel, the first day I leave $5 and every day after I leave $2-3. Pizza delivery guy, I give $4 or $5. I realize this is more than the typical person will leave, but I like to insure my service the next time is just as good if not better.

BUT, that's about where it stops for me. The tips jars at the take out sub shops or coffee shops are mighty presumptious. They made my sub/coffee, I paid for it, I left. What did they do to deserve a tip?? If they had brought it to me at my table and actually waited on me, then I'd give a tip.

I don't like the idea of the USPS employees doing that, just because they're more like government employees. And in most cases they are provided a mail delivery vehicle to use. My area has a lot of people doing it in their personal vehicles, but I hear they get reimbursed quite nicely.

My newspaper guy left me one of those enveloped before. I didn't leave him a tip because he provided horrible service - never delivered my paper on time and I had called to complain numerous times to no avail. I finally let the subscription lapse. But I probably would have left him a tip had he provided better service, because I know they don't get paid a lot. (Where as the USPS get paid very well).

[jhiggins]

It's great to see "familiar faces!" :)

I just realized that I goofed a little with my post. It was actually the newspaper carrier that left the blank, self addressed card.

But I was wondering about the mail carrier too.

It looks like I'm on track with what y'all are saying so far.

[scarlettdouble]

I agree with most everyone else and don't usually tip the letter or newspaper carrier.

[cdot30]

I guess my thought is this: Why tip someone for doing their job, which they are getting income/benefits for already?

Chris

[lulumaryjo]

According to a CNN online article on tipping, it is illegal to tip your mail carrier, but you may give him a gift of up to $20. I looked this up because our mail-lady has had to deal with cars and garbage bins in front of our mailbox and exceedingly large volumes of mail several times this year. I haven't tipped in the past for letter carriers and I don't think most of my neighbors do. In the past, when I had a housekeeper, I tipped her one weeks pay at Christmas and gave her a small bonus on her anniversary with me. And I pretty much ignore the tip jars at fast food establishments.

[Pool Lady]

We used to have a mail man that everyone on the street knew and liked. When they transferred him, we all called and complained. Now, I'm like the others, I don't know who the mail man is. If I knew him or even if I ever saw him, I'd probably leave a small gift

[Phoenixcokking]

I do not tip the letter carrier. when I had a regular carrier that I knew I would bake cookies or buy him a small gift gloves or a hat ( he never wore the postal blue hat) I don't know if this is still true but at one time it was against postal regulation to accept a cash gift.

[jhiggins]

Okay - good. I don't feel quite so Scroogey now! :D

[Missi]

I don't because we have so many subs around Christmas. I do give him/her a little plate of homemade goodies, though. Ususally with a disposable cup filled with hot chocolate.

[Snapdragon]

I've had the same letter carrier for 18 years. I travel a lot on business and so I have my mail held and then delivered when I return home, he goes through and discards all the junk mail, bundles the relevant mail and always goes above and beyond. I gift him $20 every holiday season, usually around chanukah since he is Jewish. I also gift my hairdresser and manicurist the price of one haircut and manicure each holiday season. I love and respect the folks who make my life easier all year and I'd rather give them a heartfelt gift than the obigatory gift to the coworker I end up covering and working around all year. It is a respect thing.

[walkinpatty]

I too, read that it is illegal to give a cash tip to the postal carrier. However, what I read did say that they are allowed to accept gift cards or treats up to a value of $20, and they must share with their co-workers. Our community has group mail lockboxes on each street, so truthfully, I have no clue who my postal carrier is.

I received envelopes asking for tips for the newspaper carriers (one for the local paper, one for the Washington Post) and that ticked me off. A tip should be given in the spirit of the season and for excellent service, not because they asked for it!

[MindaAnn]

We don't tip our carrier.....but we usually have a lot of subs working during Christmas and I don't know any of them. Sometimes I meet our carrier at different times during the year and give him something I've baked.

[Ozark Moon]

I think it is very tacky for your newspaper carrier to leave a self-addressed envelope soliciting a tip. Not good manners in my book. :cool:

[Angela Macy]

This year my husband traveled all over, and stayed in probably 8-10 hotels.

There was this one imparticular in Bristol, Tennessee that really ticked me off. Mind you - out of all those hotels, this was the only one who did it...

The housekeeper, whatever her name was, took envelopes, made them all colorful with markers and stickers, and wrote "Hi, My Name is Jane and I'll be your Housekeeper". Personally - I thought they looked tacky, like something a first grader would have made.

To me, its very presumptious and rude. Not everyone tips housekeeping because you feel like that service is included in the price of the room, their pay isn't structured around the fact that they will get tips like a waiter or waitress. So by leaving the envelope, to me housekeeping is saying they expect a tip, and if you want any kind of decent service, you better leave something. And that makes me feel like the value of my tip will not be fully appreciated, since in their mind they deserve it. Deserve and Earn - two different things.

As for the girl at the hotel, I refused to put my tip in her "expected" envelope. Each day I hid the envelope, but left my usual tip and note on the table for her. (Note always says the same thing, "Please take trash and leave fresh towels, no other cleaning is necessary - thanks, The Macy's). I know it was driving her crazy, she initially probably thought she had just forgot to leave an envelope. The last day I left her a note telling her that she was the only housekeeper who left the envelope like that out of all the hotels we had stayed at, and basically emphaizied the points I mentioned in the above paragraph about it being expected.

[eHelen]

Angela, we travel a lot and I have also seen the tacky envelopes, even calling cards with fill-in the blank for the housekeepers to fill-in her name. Yes, very tacky and one chain's name, that comes to mind, begins with "J" and is a decent inexpensive place for business travelers. We never tip and I usually toss the envelope and card. :eek:

[missymomof3]

Angela, we travel a lot and I have also seen the tacky envelopes, even calling cards with fill-in the blank for the housekeepers to fill-in her name. Yes, very tacky and one chain's name, that comes to mind, begins with "J" and is a decent inexpensive place for business travelers. We never tip and I usually toss the envelope and card. :eek:


I have had that happen at the cabins we rented in Gatlinburg. After paying a $40 cleaning fee, why on God's green earth would I tip too??? Not to mention we were expected to do most of the cleaning prior to leaving anyway!

[born in the usa]

nope don't tip the mail carrier infact never heard of this...is this a practice done in North/West/East Coast/Mid West???? I feel like the federal gov. pays them well as I do every yr it's called INCOME TAX...lol

[Snapdragon]

Well, I gladly accept the very generous holiday bonus I get every year about this time. (equals two weeks salary). I enjoy sharing this bonus with those who make my life easier all year.

[Pool Lady]

I've stayed in many hotels where there is an envelope left to tip the housekeeper. I usually leave a tip and write a ThankYou on the envelope. I don't think it makes my service any better ....but it can't hurt. I know housekeepers aren't paid much and it is certainly a job I wouldn't want, so I don't mind leaving a tip. One time in Vegas, we had the same lady several days and she was so helpful and actually let us in the room early, so when we got ready to leave I called housekeeping and asked when she would be back because we had a different girl the last day (so I could put her name on the envelope). Now, if they had done a sloppy job...I wouldn't leave anything. If we stay at a place for a while, I usually meet and even talk with the housekeeper. We stay at a B & B each year and I definitely leave a tip because the same girl has worked there for years. She knows our names and is always helpful. When I worked at the B & B, we had to turn tips over to the owners which I didn't think was fair. If the guest, handed the money to the owners and said specifically it was for me or the other girl, then they would give it to us. I guess everyone is different and has different opinions.

[born in the usa]

My hubby rec. a great deal of $$$$$ for his bonus and yes we share it with THOSE WHO NEED IT and not for those who work just as hard as he does to earn it....those who need it are those with putting food on the table..

[Snapdragon]

My hubby rec. a great deal of $$$$$ for his bonus and yes we share it with THOSE WHO NEED IT and not for those who work just as hard as he does to earn it....those who need it are those with putting food on the table..

I totally agree, unfortunately there are a lot of single mother out there, like my hairdresser, manicurists, the delivery girl who brings me my lunch almost every day,etc., that work very hard and yet they still struggle to put food on their tables and live paycheck to paycheck. They work much harder than I do for about 20% of the money. I guess it is true that the whole subject is so much a matter of personal opinion, but I choose to help the people who are making an effort and coming up a bit short instead of people who are simply expecting a hand out.

[born in the usa]

I reckon everyone has their own opinion and thoughts on this...one can make if they chose to, but if they chose not to is a the big issue...wanting others to help and depend on them because they know it's going to happen is not a good thing...but every case is different, I don't give to those panhandling on the streets they make more money than we do and game the system...not into cons'

[shopsticks]

No, but I just saw an article on MSN today about tipping your mail carrier.

[mommama]

Interesting thread....my dad retired from USPS several years ago. I remember as a child that he always came home with Christmas goodies...don't know if he got cash or not. But...he was the kind who was very well-loved, would take elderly people's mail to their door...heck, our family even took in one of the ladies who was elderly and widowed on his route for a short time until a spot opened up in a nursing home for her. And to this day, he still maintains her house b/c her son lives in NYC but can't let go of the house for memory's sake. He would also hand deliver items he felt were important or being anxiously awaited. I can guarantee that he never EXPECTED or ASKED for a tip...the envelope is horrible!!! I will leave something for my postman b/c he is the same man who, when I graduated from high school humpteen years ago gave me $100 to congratulate me simply because he worked with my dad. He also delivered mail to my oldest daughter's preschool a few years ago, and everyone in town just loves "Postman Bob". I think if they go above and beyond, a thank you (in whatever form) is nice. Now....now that we've discussed the postman....who tips the garbage guys? We do down here in small town MS, but it does seem a bit odd to do so!

[Couturess212]

I don't have a regular carrier so I haven't thought about it but I do think it would be nice. If our postal service ever gets their acts together and gives me a regular guy I would definitely do it...anyone who can handle my dog barking through the window deserves some extra holiday cheer!

[moomie]

I tip my mail carrier 20 dollars for all the little extra things he does..bring packages to the door..putting packages in plastic bags when its raining, etc.
I tip the trashman and the driver 10 dollars each for the kindness they show in taking stuff away that is beyond the normal.
I tip my hairdresser 10 dollars with a small gift of bread or cookies...
I bring homemade baskets of goodies to the local police and fire dept. anonymously..and I think, that is it...:)

[billybob99]

I think that some of you probably very nice people are under the impression that $5.00 at Christmas is too much to give your "paper boy" when you will easily give that much to a waitress for serving you one meal. Remember, this person is coming to your house in the middle of the morning, 365 days a year, often in very nasty weather while you are sleeping in a warm bed. He has often to navigate around parked cars and turn around in tight spaces all the while trying not to damage your property. Often the carrier is a very nice person who for whatever reason is a little bit down on his luck and has to do what some customers think is next to being a garbage collector. Most are not employees of a newspaper but contract with the newspaper company to deliver your paper. A good carrier tries to do a good job and tips often make or break it for them.If you knew the truth, that some people of kindness regularly tip their carriers $100.00 or more at Christmas you would realize how bad you sound. Is it really so hard to appreciate what some soul has to do to put bread on his table? Cookies are very nice but not a substitute for what most paper carriers are bringing your paper for and that is a Generous Tip so they,too, can live their lives decently.

[Alexa-Jayne]

is not a very happy person - not cheerful, in fact, doesn't even speak when spoken to. Throws my packages marked "FRAGILE" as far as he can over my gate onto the driveway and runs over all my flowers near the mailbox. Then doesn't even take the time to close the small door on the mailbox. I only wish he would leave me an envelope with his name and address! HEHEHE!!! :mad: :p
Actually, we use to have a really sweet mailman who I just loved and always tipped! (I guess those were the good old days!) We also have a really great UPS man and FED EX woman! They are wonderful.

[glamgurl36]

we tip the mail carrier 5 dollars at christmas. I don't really know who it is lol but thats what my mom always did. haha

[DavidG]

I live in a subdivision that has a shared mailbox site. As an association, we tip our mail carrier once for everybody. I have never had any personal interaction with our carrier, but I know the mail is there at the same time everyday, so that is good enough for me!:)

[idomail@charter.net]

i just happened to see all the comments some of you have posted about whether to tip your mailman. obviously you have no idea what a mail carrier does that falls outside of what he does as part of his job. there are many things that a mail carrier does that has nothing to do with delivering mail...... if one person responds to this post i will reply more. if not i won't waste my time or yours with anything further. thanks----a proud mail carrier

[carmencasey]

This is a very good question, and something I have thought about for many years! I always leave a card in the mailbox for my mail lady, but that's it.
I have NEVER known whether to tip as in 'cash' or 'gift card' in with the card, or perhaps a gift of some sort. Now that you have raised this, I would appreciate any input as to what would be appropriate. Growing up in England, back in the early 60's, my mother always 'tipped' the coal man (used to deliver coal and put in coal shed for us), the milk man, and the garbage men (in those days, they entered your yard, took out the can, emptied it and bought it back into the yard, and closed the gate:) My mother always gave the garbage men a bottle of whiskey (with a holly sprig tied to it, perfectly appropriate where I come from:D:D The milk man always and coal man always got monetary gifts. Thanks for bringing this up! I look forward to any input!

[Mari']

:) My mother always gave the garbage men a bottle of whiskey (with a holly sprig tied to it, perfectly appropriate where I come from:D:D

This is a great question and I'm happy someone brought the thread back to life.

My family always tipped the mail carrier, & the lead "sanitation engineer" :p with a bottle of wine and a card so that is what I have always done.

I have made an adjustment however. I only do this if I have had good service all year.

In another place that I lived, I had a mail carrier similiar to the one Alexa-Jayne told us about and I didn't bother to do anything. I think giving a tip or present should be based upon the service you receive. If the service is unacceptable, not only should it be appropriatly noted to the powers that be but certainly it should not be rewarded with a tip or gift.

[eHelen]

i just happened to see all the comments some of you have posted about whether to tip your mailman. obviously you have no idea what a mail carrier does that falls outside of what he does as part of his job. there are many things that a mail carrier does that has nothing to do with delivering mail...... if one person responds to this post i will reply more. if not i won't waste my time or yours with anything further. thanks----a proud mail carrier
You certainly sound like an exceptional carrier! That said, that doesn't mean the rest of us are bad, because we don't tip.

Every job that I've ever had has had "other duties as assigned" and you can bet those "duties" were not in my job description either.

idomail, what kinds of gifts, tips, etc. do most people leave?

We've lived in this house longer than anywhere we have ever lived and still don't have a clue who our carrier is. Only that we sometimes have one who lives our accumulated mail on our driveway rather in our oversized mailbox. We never are able to have the mail delivered on the day we plan to return as the carrier is likely to be one who will pull up to the garage and leave it in an open container that we have to return to the P.O. Just as all doctors, lawyers, engineers, REALTORS, hair stylists, teachers, people are not alike and consider, the same for our mail carriers. Some are wonderful and some aren't.

Please share the services you do on your route or in the Post Office.
BTW, I have worked for the government and never rec'd a tip or bonus of any kind. Sure got the "other duties as assigned" and was proud to have a position where I was not asking anyone for a handout.

[eHelen]

Can you imagine a 2 week's worth of soggy mail, because the carrier left it out in the open rather than place in the oversize mailbox that would hold it?

[MindaAnn]

What do mail carriers do besides carry the mail? In our town carriers get their mail into their vehicles and deliver it. I know a few mail carriers and though what they do is not something I would consider doing, they are pleased with their pay and benefits. Is your post office different?

[Licia]

We don't tip our mail carrier. I think he is already being paid for what he does and he's never done anything extra for us - just put the mail in the box and drive on. There may be some who do more, but I don't know about them.

[carmencasey]

I kinda agree with you - mine just delivers the mail - pops in into the box - and drives on - nothing extra - still feel like they are 'overlooked' somehow when it comes to the holiday season:confused:

[shannonmbp]

I've always felt that tipping is to be reserved for those in occupations in which the customer is "waited on" in a personal way--servers, bellhops, skycaps, etc.--and who are not compensated fully by their employers because it is expected that it will be made up in tips (per labor law definitions). I've never felt obligated to tip people who are being paid to do a certain job, even though some are excellent at it and go above and beyond what's required of them. And in almost any occupation, there are duties and tasks to be performed that fall outside the job description, lots of jobs are hard or at least have difficult aspects, and many occupations don't pay well despite their difficulty level. I still don't feel that entitles any employee who does a good job and/or has a difficult job to be tipped. It's certainly within everyone's right to show their appreciation for a job well done however they see fit, but it shouldn't be in the form of "demanding" tips via envelopes, jars, etc., for doing one's job or even doing a good job. For example, I teach high school and get paid a salary and benefits. I often do things that fall outside my job description, sometimes work long hours, and often my work is hard. I think I do a good job. But it would be absurd for me to set out a tip jar or send tip envelopes home with students. :D Sometimes, though, at Christmas or at the end of the school year, students will bring me a small gift or a card or even just a word of thanks--which is their right and is certainly appreciated.

[Belle205]

I take a tray of goodies to our post office during the holidays. I do the same at my hair salon, nail salon, doctors' offices, pharmacy, cleaners, etc....anywhere I go during the holidays I always take something. They all seem to appreciate that I even think of them. It really is the thought that counts.

[eHelen]

I kinda agree with you - mine just delivers the mail - pops in into the box - and drives on - nothing extra - still feel like they are 'overlooked' somehow when it comes to the holiday season:confused:
Carmen, you are very nice. I likely would feel the same way if I haven't had such bad delivery service over the years. Belle, you and Carmen put me to shame. LOL! I did say that I'd feel more like it if I hadn't had such delivery service as I described. Two or 3 days last week, the carrier left our mailbox wide open. Granted it might have fallen open, but it wouldn't if he/she took the extra 2 seconds to close it tight!:eek:

[idomail@charter.net]

Let me start out by saying that you don't have to tip your mail carrier if you don't want to. If it sounded like I was implying you are bad people for not doing so that was not my intent. I apologize. Giving your carrier a tip, cookies, or a gift card is not a way to increase his salary. It just says thank you for doing a good job or maybe even going beyond what your job requires......personally, the biggest “thank you” I ever received from a customer was $30.00. I didn't really feel like it was a tip, only a way of saying thank you for doing more than you had to.....without expecting anything in return. A job well done is its own reward. I don't know what other carriers do with their “tips”, but I always give it all to my 7 year old boy.

Here is how it really is, from my side.

if your like most people you think your mail carrier gets to work and all his mail is in his vehicle waiting for delivery. You miss the 5-6 hours I spend casing your mail into a one inch slot starting with the first house to the last. First I put the presorted magazines in the slot for the customer its sent to. Then I put up the magazines that are just thrown in tubs and I case randomly back and forth wherever they go. Then I put up the working letters that are not run thru the sorting machines which takes longer to case. Then I start on what we call DPS which are letters sorted by house from first to last on the case. Keep in mind that any letters with the wrong number on the address will go wherever its routed. Thats why you get letters in your box sometimes that have the right address but the wrong name. Normally your mail carrier will catch this, sometimes not. If the volume of mail is heavy I might be more likely to miss these mistakes due to trying to get done so I can be back when I am supposed to be since I do have a scheduled time to be back off the street. After all the mail, packages, etc. are cased I pull the mail down in order and load my vehicle.

When I get to my route I just want to deliver the mail and get back to the post office and put up the afternoon mail. Hopefully I can get home by 6 pm. Below is a list of things that prevent this:

1.people blocking the box with cars/trash cans.
2.people that pass you and stop 4 houses in front of you right in front of the mailbox knowing that in minute you'll be there.
3.lawn-mowing crews that block the box even when they could pull up 3 more feet so they wouldn't be
4.the directv installer
5.the dish network guy
6.the sprinkler installer
7.the pizza guy
8.all other people that don't seem to realize that the mail carrier has a family to get home to, pick up at school, take to practice, etc.
9.some people have only one car, but they will block just because they want to show you they can.

I would rather have all of these things not happen, or at least not happen as frequently, than receive ANY money. Out of 601 customers on my route I get about $150- $170 most always from the same people. Maybe another $80 in gift cards.

Here are just a few of the ways I interact with my customers on a daily basis.

I have a customer that is very nice and wears oxygen frequently. One day this year he was in his garage trying to replace the 2 bulbs in his garage door opener. I made him get down off the ladder so I could do it. also when he gets a package I take his letter mail up to the door with me even though he has other people living with him that could come out and get it. ....I have another customer who lost his wife last year. I take his mail up to him when he has a package also. .....I have an elementary school on my route. When I come by and the kids have kicked a ball over the fence, I stop and throw it back over.
....... I had a customer 2 weeks ago that I needed to sign for a certified letter. I rang the bell but no one ever came to the door which was open. I rang again and stood there for 3 minutes. No one ever came to the door. I didn't feel comfortable leaving because there were 2 small children playing in front of the inside glass door. finally I went next door and told the woman that answered that I was concerned someone might be unconscious, having a heart attack or something and would she keep a watch at the house when I left. She asked me why I felt she needed to know any of this. ......The first two people I just mentioned did give me cash, one even gave me $20 at easter, even though when I told him he didn't have to do it, he stuck it in my pocket. The point I guess is that I don't let other people's actions determine the kind of person I am. I could be bitter, I could be hateful, I choose not to be.
I have this little girl about 8-9 that last summer she came out and gave me a cold drink 6 or 7 times. That just makes your day, even though you have cold water or something anyway. Kids like to come out to greet the mail carrier or just wave to them. I asked her mom if I could get her a small gift for Christmas. Mom said OK. I gave her three little figurines from fitz and floyd without expecting anything in return.

I have been a mail carrier since 2000 and I do get paid well. We also do not get treated very well sometimes as a whole. The post office is always looking for ways to cut how we get paid. They control the flow of mail during our mail count so that all the mail that is dated to be delivered gets to you. The post office tells us we are not supposed to have cell phones in the building........but we do anyway...wouldn't you? .............I do get frustrated at the things people do. I see all the 20-25 year old carriers that the only thing they want to do is get to work, go as fast as they can and get off to socialize. they drive too fast, they make too many mistakes, they won't go back and correct it once they realize a mistake was made. Most carriers really do try to do a good job and for the most part it happens. But when you have several hundred magazines each day and 4 to 5 thousand letters of varying sizes mistakes do happen. Sometimes you
get mail addressed to a house for a name you have not seen before. The carrier has to attempt it because
someone may have moved in and no one let the carrier know. Sometimes the customer will write nasty comments on the mail. If that person has moved in, no problem.

people expect their mail at the same time every day. The day after a holiday is always heavy so that can't happen. Mondays are bad because it is my trash day and too many are right in front of the mailbox. Also there are 2 days of mail on monday since it includes sunday mail too. I know every job has things that you don't like but doesn't it aggravate you when those things are preventable if people would just show a little courtesy. People want to call in and say the carrier never came to the door when they know you did, some people never come to the door. I always leave the notice in the door so they can't say this. When I come down the other side of the street 2 minutes later the notice is gone.

OK, i'm not griping just to be griping about SOME people just to be griping. I just want you to know some of the things a mail carrier is up against. That being said, if your mail carrier is making too many mistakes, leaving mail where it can get wet if it is raining or looks like rain, you should report them, I would. If they drive over the speed limit in the neighborhood, report them. If your carrier is doing a good job, let them know that to. if your carrier is not doing a good job, it is due to the person he is not the occupation he has.

Things you may not know :
I never gave my mail carrier anything either before I became one, now that I know the things he
goes thru, I wouldn't not do it.

if your carrier wears a uniform he is a city carrier.

the amount the post office pays subs does not even cover the gas, much less the new “tire” you
have to buy every few months. The right front wears out fast due to easing around cars.

If we work more than 2080 total hours in a year based on a 40 hour week we have to take days off without pay. Think the blocked boxes may play a part in this?

Last year in our office alone 2 carriers saved the lives of two people that would have died. The
local paper never mentioned it even though they were called.

Most carriers that are killed on the job are hit by stoplight runners or people running into the carrier. rarely do we hit another car causing a fatality.

I don't know about city carriers, but rural carriers are not allowed to give the mail to kids
waiting at the box anymore.

I apologize for the lack of punctuation in my post. I had so many things running thru my head to say it just doesn't flow at times.

Thanks, larry in texas

[mcdevcane]

Larry, have you given any thought to changing your profession?

[Angela Macy]

Ditto on thoughts of changing professions Larry - you seem awfully unappreciative that you have a decent job and bitter about the "extras" you have to do. Let me ask you something, what do you make an hour where you work? I have a friend who is trying to get her husband on at the post office, says he would make $20 to start with. Is that true? If so, I'd have a very hard time leaving my mail carrier a tip, with you guys making that much money and me or the person sending me mail has paid for the postage.

I would like to add that we all do things in our jobs daily that are not in our job descriptions, yet we do them anyways without expecting any additional compensation for it. I work for State Gov't (I know the USPS isn't considered gov't) and we are expected to go out of our ways to help citizens and we are NOT allowed to accept any tips or gifts for our efforts. Its just part of the job. Its an ethics violation - they don't want a citizen to see us receive a gift and then think the person giving the gift received better service than they did. I think the USPS should adopt the same policy myself - I've never left my mail carrier a tip - based off Larry's bitter post, it makes me wonder if the slack service I receive isn't because I haven't left them a tip?

[carmencasey]

Larry, I think you have made some very valid points. I for one have driven away on trash day and thought - Oooooooooooh, did I leave the cans a little to close the mail box? Certainly not done intentionally, I can assure you. I now make a conscious effort to place them as far away from the mail box as allowable.

I do appreciate that you don't just 'pop the mail' in the box - I see my mail carrier every morning at the post office loading up her car with cases of mail -this is usually between 7 - 8 am - and I don't get my mail until 2 - 3 pm, so I know that a lot of work is done behind the scenes. As with any job, regardless of pay, there are things we all like to moan about (I have worked jobs that paid over $20 per hour and ones that pay $7 per hour - I really don't think that has anything to do with it - it's the nature of the beast)! You are obviously a very conscientious person - not many people regardless of their profession will take the time to help someone less fortunate to change light bulbs, retrieve a ball for a child etc.etc.etc. as you have mentioned. My mail carrier is very much like you - one day I while I was out for the day, the wind blew open my front door - when I returned the door was shut, but my mail was INSIDE the house by the door - (I NEVER lock my doors - different issue), anyhooooooooooooooo, my mail lady knew that my door shouldn't be open because my dog was inside, so she applied some common sense and popped my mail inside, and pulled the door shut - I'm sure that there are many people out there who would complain and say the mail lady had no right to enter my property - again, there are times when common sense needs to prevail. If you think about it, the mail carrier is the one constant body that 'patrols' regularly, and will notice when something is out of order - that to me is priceless. I am so thankful she took the time to investigate that something was amiss (my car was not outside) and the door was open? My dear little Channy could have got spooked and taken off.

On a smaller issue, but one not to be overlooked, how many of use would like to drive all day, stopping frequently, and open our car window when it is freezing, snowing, raining etc.etc. and stick our hands outside to put mail in mail boxes? When I have Channy in the car I have to open the window her side frequently and in inclement weather the wind will blow pouring rail over to my side and in seconds the car is wet - x's that by a few hundred in a day and I know I would certainly get down at times. All jobs come with pitfalls and it is human nature to complain. That doesn't mean we should quit our jobs and look for something else - a little 'venting' is good for the soul:D

[lulumaryjo]

I'm sorry ladies, but I disagree with you. I did not find Larry's post any more bitter then some of the phone calls I receive from my friends about how they, yet again, had to pick up all the laundry, put all the toys away, pick up DH's cleaning, etc, etc, etc... I would never suggest that they find another line of work. And really, did you know that your letter carrier had to do all of that before he delivered to you?

I know that sometimes we have to put up with people that do not do their jobs as we would like and that sometimes other people get in the way of us doing our jobs, but that is a part of life. As far as tipping, that is a personal decision. We put our opinions out there, but no one is forcing us to tip when we don't want to.

Larry, welcome to the message board. We are usually a very nice bunch of people and we like to share our opinions and experiences. That is why we are here. Please stay around and get to know us. I really appreciated your post and look forward to hearing from you on more topics.

[carmencasey]

Larry, welcome to the message board. We are usually a very nice bunch of people and we like to share our opinions and experiences. That is why we are here. Please stay around and get to know us. I really appreciated your post and look forward to hearing from you on more topics.[/QUOTE]

Ha! Lulumaryjo, our posts crossed - my sentiments entirely and the point I was trying to make:D

[luckydog]

I generally don't gift/tip someone who is not relying on tips for part of their income.

However, if they really went beyond the call of duty, I would go the extra mile to acknowledge their efforts. I'd let them know I appreciated them. But, that wouldn't necessarily be in the form of a monetary tip. I do think the examples that Larry posted are exceptional, and if he were my carrier, I'd be sure & thank him.

As far as answering the specific question about tipping my own mail carrier?

My own mail carriers have been disgracefully awful, since we've moved here. I've had a series of them. I've had a series of very bad experiences, with almost all. I'll skip the details, but trust me...bad. I don't tip the mail carrier, but if I did, hell would freeze over before any in this bunch would get a tip from me.

[luckydog]

I don't tip my newpaper carriers either. But, I'd like to bring up something they do, that I do take issue with.

Their service is meets my expectations, which is exactly what I pay for with my subscription to have my paper delivered. They don't do anything extra. I do not feel obliged to pay anything more, in the form of a tip, unless they did.

However, they presumptiously enclose a tip envelope in my newspaper, at Christmas, as well as a letter, demanding additional personal compensation. One year, they actually had the gall to request a specific amount!

I find everything about that in very poor taste.

[luckydog]

This topic just confuses me, a bit. I just don't get where some draw the line with the public Christmas gifting & tipping...:confused: If you really think about it, there are a lot of people you brush with publically to remember, or who serve you in some way, if one were attempting to kindly remember them all. Seriously, it's a ton. Certainly, not just the mail carrier. If you tip him, then do you tip all the others? :confused: Where do you draw the line & how do you decide which ones?

I decide through the level of service (I'd do something for someone who really went the extra mile for me), rapport (someone I really like), or level of relationship (close, routine contact with them, like DD's instructors). I admit, I just don't usually gift/tip those I don't have those things with. And if you don't have those things then how do you chose some, and exclude others, is really what I'm missing here.

I take goodies to some persons, in the public, at Christmas. I typically do not offer a cash tip though. Usually it's a baked item, or candy, or a small gift. I don't feel it's expected, but I do it b/c I want to.

I exclude my mail carrier, my newspaper carrier, my propane delivery man, my water meter reader, my utility meter reader, cashiers, receptionists, my tellers & banker & stockbroker, my doctors & nurses, my grocery bagger, my accountant, my tax clerk, garbage (I don't have pick-up service, but do have a drop-off attendant), etc. If they were fantastic, I might. My manicurist & hair dresser work for tips, and I feel that's different. I always tip them, and I tip them extra, at Christmas. Obviously, restaurant & bar staffers are tip-reliant too. But, the rest on the above list are not tip-reliant. I don't feel tipping/gifting is expected/obliged, in general, for them. It's nice if you do, but it's the "if I do it for this one, then I should do it for the rest of them" thing for me, I guess.

I would gift/tip everybody if I were a zillionaire maybe, but I'm not. I feel I must draw the line somewhere. To me, gifting/tipping all of them would be overkill & I'd be flat broke. I guess what I'm not getting is how/where everyone else decides to draw their line? To be sure, y'all don't tip all of those people. I realize some of you base it on having a personal relationship of sorts with them (maybe you & the mail carrier are buddies), or they've offered you exceptional service? I do get that! I really do! But, if you don't know the mail carrier from Adam, and they didn't do anything extra for you, then why aren't you leaving a tip for like the water meter person, the utility meter reader, and so forth? Maybe you do include all. If you do, I'm really curious how long that list is. It boggles my mind to try & think of all that would be included.

I'm not trying to offend anyone or start anything at all, just sincerely curious.:)

[Angela Macy]

I agree with everything you said in your last post Lucky. Tip-reliant people such as waiters, pizza delivery guy or hair dressers I tip, and I tip them very well if I receive decent service (tip them even if I receive bad service). But like you said, I don't know who my mail carrier or paper carrier are, or if its even the same person day to day. If they were going above the call of duty to help me out, then I'd consider it, but they're not. Laura and Lynn, the tellers where I bank, Nancy, the office assistant at my insurance company, Penny the receptionist at my doctors office and Ronnie the UPS man all provide me excellent service when I cross their paths - and obviously I know them by name - but I simply can't afford to tip them - but they're not expecting a tip anyways and they probably wouldn't take it if I offered because its all part of their job that they get paid to do. And like you said, where does it stop?

[idomail@charter.net]

angela, sorry if you thought my post was bitter. it was only meant to be informative. as for those extras you mention i have to do, well, they are not things i have to do. i don't have to help a man change his light bulbs, take mail to the door, ask a neighbor to maybe watch the house next door because there are small chidren and no adult comes to the door, or throw the balls back to the kids in the schoolyard. the point of my post was that i do those things because of the person i am. the things i do have nothing to do with my profession. i started the post by saying you don't have to give anything to your carrier. never was it my intention to try to persuade people the they should. the point was that the people that do give, give it because they wanted to. the things i do for my customers, i do, because i want to. only a small part of my post was about giving the carrier anything. the major part of my post was about letting people know about what a carrier does, that people could be a little more considerate about interfering with his trying to do his job, and that we don't just jump in our post office provided vehicles and deliver our mail and then go back to the office and go home. sorry, you missed the point i was trying to make. i think we just look at life differently....to those of you that did get it ...thanks.

[maryc]

i just happened to see all the comments some of you have posted about whether to tip your mailman. obviously you have no idea what a mail carrier does that falls outside of what he does as part of his job. there are many things that a mail carrier does that has nothing to do with delivering mail...... if one person responds to this post i will reply more. if not i won't waste my time or yours with anything further. thanks----a proud mail carrier

Welcome to SL.. I'm trying to understand this post! Help me out here, please! Your statement which I highlighted sounds as though this thread is the only one you are interested in. Please have a look around. We have great recipes, book suggestions, and just general fun. Why center everything on "tipping your mail carrier?"

I'm a nurse and proud of my profession. I worked hard for my education and I work hard in my job. I don't expect anything, though kind words mean a lot!

This has been interesting reading on the subject of tips. I have to admit I don't tip mail carriers or paper carriers.

[maryc]

Welcome to SL.. I'm trying to understand this post! Help me out here, please! Your statement which I highlighted sounds as though this thread is the only one you are interested in. Please have a look around. We have great recipes, book suggestions, and just general fun. Why center everything on "tipping your mail carrier?"

I'm a nurse and proud of my profession. I worked hard for my education and I work hard in my job. I don't expect anything, though kind words mean a lot!This has been interesting reading on the subject of tips. I have to admit I don't tip mail carriers or paper carriers.


Oh for an edit button! "I don't expect anything other than my salary! That and the satisfaction of the work I do to help others is all I need, though kind words mean a lot." (That is my edit!!)

[Angela Macy]

Mary - let me try something here....

[Angela Macy]

...nevermind, the other day I was able to edit one of my post, there was a "Admin" button on my post, and when I scrolled over it it showed it was an "edit" button and it allowed me to do so. However, it is not on that last post I made. Go figure.

[MindaAnn]

...nevermind, the other day I was able to edit one of my post, there was a "Admin" button on my post, and when I scrolled over it it showed it was an "edit" button and it allowed me to do so. However, it is not on that last post I made. Go figure.


Angela, you can edit on some of the food threads I think! Why not all thread?? Who knows!!! As you said, go figure!:D

maryc, I wondered about the same thing you brought up....

[erstwo]

I have to say, I DO tip my mail carrier every year. Granted I do know who she is and I do love to send/ receive mail. But I still think she deserves a tip from me because she works so hard!

I tip $10 cash. I give cash because I honestly don't know if she needs another plate of cookies or winter hat, but I'm sure she'd love to take herself to lunch! (Not that there's anything wrong with baked goods, but if you'd ever tasted my cooking you'd know why I just don't go there!:) )

I WISH my mail carrier would leave me an envelope!!! There is little to no chance of me being up at 4 am when he delivers my paper and where do I leave his tip if there is no envelope? Taped to my driveway? I would love it if he/ she were looking for an envelope.

I guess my thinking is this (and maybe this comes from being friends with our local paper's distribution manager) most people who deliver papers are hard working folks who have taken on paper delivery as a second job to make ends meet/ take their family to Disney/ send a kid to college/ pay off debt, etc.

So as I sit in my nice house surrounded by everything I could ever need, I find it hard not to share $20 with my mail person and newspaper delivery person.

If you don't have the cash don't worry about it, but if you do, why not?