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I live in a co-op in downtown Manhattan.
In the past, when I've tipped the building staff,
I have always had the doorman on duty call
the individuals to the front desk. I prefer to
look them in the eye, wish them a "Merry
Christmas," and give them their envelope
in person.
This year, management strongly suggested
that all of the envelopes be given to the
in-house office so that they can distribute
them to the staff on their own.
I told them there was no way I would agree to
this, and asked the doorman to call each to
the front desk as I always have. He did, and
I was able to do it the right way.
I don't think I was unreasonable.
What do you think?
And be kind.
I live in a co-op in downtown Manhattan.
In the past, when I've tipped the building staff,
I have always had the doorman on duty call
the individuals to the front desk. I prefer to
look them in the eye, wish them a "Merry
Christmas," and give them their envelope
in person.
This year, management strongly suggested
that all of the envelopes be given to the
in-house office so that they can distribute
them to the staff on their own.
I told them there was no way I would agree to
this, and asked the doorman to call each to
the front desk as I always have. He did, and
I was able to do it the right way.
I don't think I was unreasonable.
What do you think?
And be kind.
Perfectly within your right and to be honest, how much would I trust management? Nope
There are about 15 building staff (including doormen).
They say that calling them down to the lobby isn't
always easy because they are sometimes busy
working, etc.,
I don't mind being offered this option, but I would
never trust anyone with fifteen envelopes containing
various amounts of cash.
And since we're a big building with lots of people, I
want them to see me in person so they know who
is giving it to them. I don't think "from Apt. 321"
does that.
I agree with what you did. I wouldn't trust management. And even if management were honest, why should they be privy to how much you're giving?
I'm just curious, though, what rationale did management give when announcing the change?
Probably for same reasons restaurants now are forcing pooling of tips (they collect and distribute); to promote "equality". That is instead of people doling out tips based upon services rendered or whatever, the building will take entire amount collected and give it out as they see fit according to some formula.
Some doormen work harder/do more than others. Usually the day and evening guys get big money because they are the ones on duty during "prime time". Overnight can be tricky because not everyone sees them; that is unless the building staggers hours say so that shift runs 11PM-7AM, even so many are in bed/home for the night by 11PM and or don't leave until after 7 in the morning.
Also some doormen are more "open" to doing extra things; walking Fido, saving parking spaces, being on the look out for the wife (or husband) if having a "guest" visit, and so forth.
Then you have doormen who sit there and won't do anything beyond their job description. Know one guy who works overnight and will not get up to open or whatever front door because technically he isn't supposed to (lobby staff is more for security to announce people, take packages and so forth). The day and evening guys are always ready to lend a hand, while this one barely looks up from his tablet/laptop screen to say "hello". Now guess who gets bigger tips?
You're right, and the management is wrongly trying to pacify the staff. Of course you're correct, first to scale the tips to better reward people who are particularly good to you, and of course you're correct that they should associate the money with you.
Besides, who knows if the management will skim off the tips?
I think that's perfectly fine. No one should tell you what you need to do to give out gifts to others. If I was in your situation, I will simply disregard the management. Sometime management is not always on the same side as the tenant, so why bother to comply in this case when you have no obligation to.
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