I work from home so consequently I have a regular UPS pick up as well as regular deliveries (two different drivers). Should I tip an/or buy a present for these guys? What’s appropriate? I should probably mention that since I see them regularly we talk and engage in friendly banter when they’re here. In fact one of the drivers takes a lunch break after he delivers here and will often use my microwave. What say you Dopers?
I would say yes. My partner works at home 4 days a week. I’d suggest gift certificates or a gift card from local restaurants.
This site says $10-30 for the “overnight delivery guy” and $10-20 for your regular mail carrier.
My guess is somewhere along those lines.
Your tips may vary, of course.
If they perform extraordinary service, like lifting heavy shipments for you on a regular basis or making emergency deliveries/pickups, bump the gift $20 Otherwise, I second the gift card at a restaurant idea.
Thanks for the advice guys, I’m on it.
P.S. Yes I sometimes have heavy stuff delivered, so I’ll give the delivery guy a slightly larger tip.
UPS does not encourage tipping according to a UPS spokesperson. (FedEx, by the way, does not allow its employees to accept tips. Neither does the United States Postal Service.)
As the wife of a USPS letter carrier, I’ll note that this might be the “official” policy, but the enforced reality tends to be rather different. From what I’ve seen, it only gets used when carriers who share a route on different days start arguing over a proper “share” of tips - not common, but it happens.