Do you buy gifts for delivery/bin collectors?

[BigBaublesGalore]

Wondering what the general consensus is on buying some chocolate/alcohol for delivery and bin collectors, posties etc... I usually think I should but never have because I always overthink and then don't do it... and this year I'm thinking it's even more deserved due to the situation

We always did the binmen something at Christmas as well as a postman and a couple of the delivery drivers we see regularly. They are very friendly, and have done a little extra for me here and there, and we appreciate that. That’s why we give them, to let them know that we appreciate what they do. It’s just a nice gesture, isn’t it?

I give presents to everyone at Xmas though! Cleaners, kids’ music teachers, class teachers, a little thing for everyone in their class etc. Plus my son gave a little treat bag to his favourite teacher, the school librarian.

DH works in deliveries, when he was on the road regular customers would sometimes give him gifts at Christmas, ranging from a £1 box of Maltesers to £10 note, he was made up and genuinely grateful no matter what it was. It’s nice to get a little recognition no matter your line of work, and delivery drivers get no recognition from their workplaces. Also makes up a bit for the amount of people who pretend they never had an item..... covid has helped with that at least as they now take photos of the door open with the parcel in situ but you would be surprised that people still try it on, say they refused the parcel after the photo was taken etc. Ultimately it comes out of the drivers pocket not the company, when people do this.

Sorry for the rant! I personally give the postman £10 in a card, we have had the same one for years and he is fantastic. I would also do the same for any regular delivery drivers that come to my house, so this year we have had the same Hermes driver a lot so I will give her something. If I catch the bin men I would give them a tub of roses or heroes etc

Exactly as @Piffle11 said, it’s just a way of saying “we appreciate the things you do”.

AlwaysLatte £20 each? There are always about 4 or 5 bin men in the truck that comes round ours, that would be £80-100! You are very generous or maybe I'm a tightwad! I do give a box of chocs to our regular postie though.

Not our bin men, no. If they didn't walk away when a bin empty goes wrong and dumps litter in the road I might consider it but quite honestly, they're doing the bare minimum round here. Just recently two beer bottles clattered out of the bin and the chap kicked one out of his way as he wheeled the bin back to the kerb.

No...in fact the bin men still owe me for the repairs I had to have done on my car when they reversed their lorry into it.

Never have. Dont see why people do.

No I don't and never have, for all the reasons @daisypond mentioned...

It’s a bit insulting - a bit noblesse oblige.
Bin men earn more than me.
Presents would get stolen.
People don’t get presents for doing their job.
It’s weird.
We don’t really do presents at all in my family for adults.
Are they even allowed to accept presents?
What would you get a crew of mixed adults you don’t know? I see lager has been mentioned a lot

If we give to bin collectors and posties (for just doing their job) where do we stop? Why not also tip/give presents to the local ambulance, fire, police, GPs, dentists, garage, checkout operators at Waitrose...?

I feel awkward about tipping in general though and wish service providers got paid a decent wage so we didn't feel as though we should top it up.

Back in the 80s/90s the binmen used to knock on doors for their ‘Xmas Bonus’ my mum used to give them money in an envelope!

No and it wouldn't occur to me too. I don't buy for other public sector jobs or other low paid but required roles either.

In my opinion, everyone gets a salary. If the salary doesn't reflect the role then that's for the organisation to amend, not for the customers to prop up.

My postie and Hermes man will get a tenner each. They are brilliant. Hairdresser, beauty therapist and personal trainer get a bottle of gin. Binmen get a tub of chocolates.

My local council specifically ban the binmen from soliciting Christmas tips. If however I am around when they are doing their rounds around Xmas, I would tip them probably £10 for the crew

Never thought to do the regular postie, I might see if I can spot him at a good moment this year

I normally get half a dozen of the small cheap Fortnums hampers to give out as odds and ends gifts to posties, teachers, bin men etc each year

No Like everyone else, they are paid to do their jobs.

I get beers for the bin cleaner & the postman but that’s it

I’m guessing all you who don’t buy presents for people don’t buy for your children’s teachers either given they also receive a salary? Does your family not receive salaries? Don’t you buy for them either? I get a box of chocolates for the office staff usually too but then I love Christmas and love to give. Would hate to be so tight and Scroogey!

Yep and for the folks working at my local tip. It is a nice thing to do at this time of the year (which is the main reason I do it). But you would be amazed at how flexible they can be in taking and moving stuff in the course of the year...

Totally agree with DaisyPond, the binmen get paid more than I do and have more job security too. I'm sure they have a lovely Christmas with gifts from their friends and family.

I give presents to everyone at Xmas though! Cleaners, kids’ music teachers, class teachers, a little thing for everyone in their class etc. Plus my son gave a little treat bag to his favourite teacher, the school librarian.

You give a small present to 30 kids?

Like a lot of people, I’m not necessarily sure why bin men (and aren’t they paid a very decent salary?) and why not a load of other people.. I don’t know where it would end.

Well there’s two classes of about 20 kids in each - I just do a little bag with a few Christmassy sweets in them, nothing fancy.

I have never tipped bin men or postmen ? I didn't even know this was a thing?!

And I'm now thinking that if I do tip my bin men, will they stop leaving the bin blocking the middle of the drive after they've emptied it

We’re giving cash to the postie and Hermes man and a tub of chocolates to the bin men this year. They’ve kept going through lockdown and deserve some thanks .

I will buy some chocolates for our bin men this year. But only because DS absolutely loves watching the bin lorry and the men are always really friendly and smiley, waving and beeping the horn.