If you don’t contribute to the collection you shouldn’t sign the card

[fartfacenotfatface]

I was tasked with organising the office whip-round for a colleague’s special occasion. I shared my bank details on the office WhatsApp and popped a card and my favourite biro in the tea room.
30 people signed the card but only 5 have pinged me any money.
I don’t know why, but it’s bugging me. When we pass on the gift and card, the recipient will no doubt assume that most of the office have contributed when in reality only a small handful have. The cost of the gift is irrelevant here as one office member has been especially generous with their contribution so we can still buy a nice gift. I’ve not disclosed to anyone information about many people have contributed.

YABU - anyone can sign the card. It’s the thought that counts.
YANBU - you should only sign the card if you’ve contributed to the collection for the gift.

Of course you shouldn't sign the card if you haven't contributed. It's mean of spirit and cheap. However, some good points have been made about cash and feeling awkward about transfer money to a colleague. This is a situation where the brown envelope days were better.

In your case, I would re-send a note 'reminding' colleagues that despite 30 people signing the card ONLY 5 people have transferred money towards the gift. Perhaps suggest a sum of 2.50 which would add on another 62.50. This will weed out the people who have genuinely forgotten. You mention that you were asked to start the collection, if it was your Boss get them to send the email.

Good luck OP

I would advise arranging an envelope and ask for cash. You might find more people are willing to do that.

absolutely you can sign a card without donating. imo

Separate cards - one for those who just want to send good wishes, and one to go with the gift signed by those who've contributed.

Some people might want to sign a group card but give them a personal gift themselves.

Total tight arse

Yabu.

Tbh I used to chuck £2 or a fiver into every collection that went round but now we live in the electronic age where less than a fiver or in some cases a tenner looks stingy I’m more selective about what I contribute to I do always sign a card if ones goes around though

we cut right back at my instigation when I was managing a team.
special birthdays, weddings etc. not general birthdays. And sometimes people didn’t want to have their own birthdays marked so we were discreet before getting a card etc.
I’d send an envelope round with a few pound coins in along with a card. People add their name and tick the money envelope once they have signed/donated so they don’t get asked again. Everyone could sign the card and I’d specify a pound or two was plenty for a gift - but only if they wanted to contribute. The initial pound coins were available as change but also to demonstrate it wasn’t just notes that were in the collection. If requested I would accept online donations.
£10-20 is fine for a work gift - flowers, wine, chocolate type gifts. In fact I think some people preferred it especially if someone that actually knew them chose flowers or a small gift that they would genuinely like.

The best birthday present from work colleagues is being pleasant to work with. No toxic or annoying things, being on time,for example.

And sometimes people didn’t want to have their own birthdays marked so we were discreet before getting a card etc.

THANK YOU! I can't bear to be reminded of my birthday and especially any age-milestone; fortunately it doesn't happen at my workplace, but I've had unwanted birthday reminders from banks and businesses that had my date of birth for ID.