Postal Service Tipping Policies

As civil servants, employees of the U.S. Postal Service may not accept cash. However, because customers will offer their carriers gratuities anyway, the Postal Service sets limits on the cash value of gifts.

Limits

The Postal Service requests that customers do not give their mail carriers anything that has a cash value of over $20. Letters of appreciation to their Post Office supervisor would also be appropriate.

Other Permitted Gifts

Federal employees can accept certain other gifts, such as food and refreshments that are not meal-related, personal gifts from personal friends and family members, and gifts and discounts available to the public and to all government employees.

Ethical Considerations

In general, federal employees are forbidden from accepting any gifts that may in any way conflict with or alter the normal performance of their work. They must place public service above private gain.

References

• Time Warner Company: The ultimate holiday tipping guide
• The Original Tipping Page: Holiday Tipping Guidelines
• Transition Jobs: Ethical Considerations