# XMas etiquette question
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [December 18, 2005, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216 "2005-12-18T22:54:54Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)
#### Post date: [December 18, 2005, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216/1 "2005-12-18T22:54:54Z")
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?
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### Author:  [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)
#### Post date: [December 18, 2005, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216/2 "2005-12-18T23:14:30Z")
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.
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### Author:  [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)
#### Post date: [December 18, 2005, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216/3 "2005-12-18T23:17:08Z")
[This site](http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php) 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.
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### Author:  [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)
#### Post date: [December 18, 2005, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216/4 "2005-12-18T23:31:34Z")
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.
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### Author:  [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)
#### Post date: [December 19, 2005, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216/5 "2005-12-19T03:30:22Z")
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.
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### Author:  [@lalaith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lalaith)
#### Post date: [December 20, 2005, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216/6 "2005-12-20T00:37:38Z")
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.)
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### Author:  [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)
#### Post date: [December 20, 2005, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xmas-etiquette-question/336216/7 "2005-12-20T00:42:52Z")
> [@lalaith](#):
>
> (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.