Originally Posted by
avidone1
I both agree and disagree......first the agree.........I do not think tipping a service worker who traditionally relies on tips for the majority of his income should be anytbing but cash. That's wait staff, cabbies and the like. However,,,now the disagree.... I do not think tipping with non cash gratuities for those whom tipping is not customary is condescending. Rather I believe the opposite to be true. For example...the receptionist at my doctors office is a low paid person who greets me when I arrive, and answers the phone when I call. Tipping her with cash would be crude and 'unprofessional'. Yet, she loves it when I bring in some chocolates and genuinely feels appreciated. There are other examples, but that was the first that came to mind
Thanks for your reply. I considered non-cash tips “condescending” to those who provide a
direct (and “valuable”) service to you, a bike mechanic for this discussion. In your example, I think the receptionist is providing more of a service for the doctor, and he should reward her, not a tip, but a cash bonus (though I think
appropriate gift certificates are acceptable). I think your generosity is not misguided though.
I myself frequently bring in treats for our support staff, hired by the organization, but out of appreciation by me for the job they do. (It started when Krispy Kreme Doughnuts were introduced into New England, and I had easy access to a store.) One of the more vivacious ladies on the staff asked me why I bring them in, and I jokingly answered
“To win your love and respect.” She replied,
”Well, cash works for me.” 