How to Tip the Postman

Tipping is the age old custom of showing your appreciation for a service well done. When you tip the postman it is no different to when you tip your hairdresser or waiter, but postmen are usually only tipped annually, at Christmas.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Before you tip the postman, or postwoman, bear in mind the conditions that they have to work in; early mornings, some extreme weather conditions, unfriendly dogs, many flights of stairs and then think how you would cope with such a job. The tip that you give will reflect how much you appreciate the postman or woman's service and hard work.
2. Be generous. Other members of the service industry are tipped frequently, waiters are tipped every time you go for a meal but postmen are usually only tipped once a year, at Christmas. If you know that your postman is going on holiday then it is also acceptable to give a tip before they go.
3. Think about how your postman helps you. As postmen work early mornings or arrive when you are at work you may never see him or her. Postmen are the unseen workers who toil behind the scenes to keep your life in order. Unlike your newspaper deliverer who arrive once a week to collect his or her bill, a postman will do their task usually without thanks, so when you tip the postman it is your chance to show your gratitude.
4. Think carefully about the amount you are going to give. There are no set regulations on how much you have to tip the postman. In Britain, at Christmas, 20 or 30 GBP is an adequate amount and will adequately reflect your gratitude and respect. Other people may give a gratuity in the form of a present such as a bottle of single malt whiskey, but a cash tip is by far the best way to show your thanks.
5. Be discreet. If you are going to tip the postman with cash you can either hand it to him or her at the weekend, when you will have a chance to see them. Alternatively you can place the money in a Christmas card and stick the envelope to your front door or inside your mailbox. A few lines expressing your thanks for their hard work during the year will also be appreciated by your postman.

Tips & Warnings

• When you tip the postman make sure it is your regular postman that is receiving the gratuity. At certain times of the year, such as Christmas, when there is extra mail to be delivered there may be extra, relief postmen on duty. Always check that your tip is going to your regular postman.