Postal Letter

Why do people tip postal workers, trash collectors and others in like positions during the holiday seasons?

Not to be rude, but every single one of us works all year long too. I never understood the practice of extra tips or tipping of people that you would normally NOT tip any other time of the year. Why do people do it and isn't it discouraged by the employer? Then why aren't people tipping their cashiers, quickie mart attendant, and janitors at the mall? When will it ever end on the tipping?

Public Comments

1. and what's your problem?? are you envius of them?? people can do whatever they want with their money. why don't you mind your own business? if you do not wanna tip them, don't do it!!! get a life!!
2. I work at a shipping store. It's not a very busy store, it's usually pretty boring. However, during Christmas season I work overtime, and usually have a line throughout the day. It's just very busy and much harder work than usually. Now, it's my job, and I would do it anyways, but it's so nice when I recieve a tip.
3. Actually, there are many people who expect you to tip them, even though you are not legally allowed to do so - this includes postal workers, sanitation men, etc. Some people tip because they are in the habit of it. Some tip because they are afraid not to - will the post man not deliver the mail? will the garbage man not pickup their trash can, or make a mess, or be noisy in the morning? I'm not big on tipping - I work hard for my money, I work long hours in a service position, and I can't afford it. That said, if the person was someone I knew, I would give them a card and cookies or candy. I've been known to give out candy canes to the toll booth workers when I'm driving home Christmas Eve, money in to he bell ringers kettles whenever possible, a cup of coffee and a couple of bills to the homeless person down the street.
4. Probably because people in these positions are having their wallets emptied because of the holidays and its subsequent pressures. They are not earning a lot to begin with so people tip them not only to help them out but also to wish them merry chirstmas (or happy holidays for you politically correct bunch..gah)
5. These are customer service jobs, just like your doorman, valet, or waiter. They are providing you with a service., and it is customary to tip them. No, the employer doesn't discourage that.
6. The tipping expectations won't end until WE put an end to it. Most of the people I know that over tip, or tip everyone that comes along, are the same people that can't manage their money and end up in financial trouble time after time throughout their lives. They seem to think they have more than they really have. I see nothing wrong with giving your newspaper delivery person or postal carrier (if you have the same one every day, I have a different carrier almost every day) a small box of candy or other baked goods, but the thought of tipping trash collectors is beyond my comprehension. Okay, Scrooge has spoken.............