Tipping a Newscarrier? (Robbins: credit card, how much, salary)

[Jake Ryan]

I think I posted this last year, but in my newspaper (Observer) this morning was a typed note attached to a small calendar from my carrier along with a self addressed envelope (not stamped). On th note he says he appreciates the opportunity to serve us throughout the year blah blah blah and he included a convenient envelope for our gratuity this year.

I get the newspaper on the weekends only and find this tacky. Anyone else care to weigh in?

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Yeah, but people are hurting now. I pay by credit card and include $5 monthly for 7 day service. I also want my paper up on the porch so it does take a little extra to walk into the yard to reach the porch.

[XcapefromNJ]

I think you should feel free to ignore it. I wonder what percent of a carrier's customers reply with a gift? 50% would be my wild guess... or less. We get the paper daily and wife will send carrier a ten spot. I guess your proportionate amount would be $2.75 lol.

[nascarnancy]

Found this on the internet

NEWSPAPER DELIVERER
How much to tip: $10 to $20.
Exceptions: If you tip your deliverer generously throughout the year, a smaller gift of a few dollars is customary.

[Timm]

Whether or not one finds it appropriate to tip the paperdude, it is never appropriate in my opinion to solicit tips like he is doing. Hard times or not, it's just completely classless. I have every intention of leaving something (probably a twenty) for the delivery guy, but if he left me an envelope like that I would change my mind, and leave him nothing. However, I am a petty, petty man so this approach may not be for everyone.

[bs13690]

I think it is inappropriate to ask for a tip. I also think the whole tipping jar trend has gottten out of hand as well. Why should I tip the person behind the counter at Baskin Robbins? If they don't like minimum wage they should get another job.

[Doorway]

If he wants a GOOD tip, tell him not to bet on the Lions.
We'll give $25 and have daily delivery.

[Metallisteve]

Is he not paid already for his services? I don't get it. It's not a service industry where you can ask him to refill your drink a few times...he doesn't clean up after you when you're done...and the one's that I'm used to seeing could give a flying flip about a nice conversation or a simple hello. I can't count the number of times I've almost been run over or into by a speeding rampaging newspaper delivery van!

And this deserves a tip why??? I highly doubt they do the job for free. And if they make too little on their normal fees collected from the paper, I think it's time they go have that adult conversation of asking for more money.

As someone stated already...the expectation for tips is a little out of hand. I'm to the point now where I ask at a food place whether or not they make a normal salary or a server salary before leaving a tip on my credit card slip. Bellacino's downtown at the arena is the prime example of this. Pay by cash, no expectation what-so-ever to tip. Pay by credit card, there's a blank for a tip. I used to feel guilty about leaving it blank...so one day I asked and the person working told me they have no idea why it's on there and they make a normal pay.

[LLN]

I have had good luck tipping cows in Iowa, but I would think a newscarrier would be too fast on his or her feet for that!

lln

[Brooklyn_QueenBee]

My delivery person left his name and address in the paper as well. I don't find it offensive, since I only met his wife and child one time--early am when guests came to visit. I have had my paper delivered for 18 months and seen her one time. Although, he leaves his name and address. I assume they deliver paper as a family in wee hours of morning. I would be happy to mail him $20 dollars for having my paper in its' place 365 days a year. Alot of people are hurting these days. It's the holidays be happy and cheerful--spread joy when you can.