Today at the dry cleaners, I let a customer in 15 minutes after we were closed so that he could pick up his clothes. I was sympathetic because he had mentioned that he had to go out of town (to Chicago) that night and really needed to pick up his clean clothes. I'm a cashier - so keep in mind that tipping is NOT something that I'm used to. But before he left, he slipped me a $10 bill! I tried to refuse it - but he insisted.
Has this ever happened to you, and what kind of situation were you in?
Is it possible to politely refuse something like this even though they insisted?
[question posted by maezee]
responses and comments:
When I was a cashier at a convinience store there was one regular customer that would tip me ever so often. He said because I was polite and friendly to him every time he came in. I tried to refuse to but he insisted and absolutely wouldn't take no for an answer. [marcialoyd]
Yes actually it happens to me all the time! I work as a cook in a resort and the kitchen I work in is an open kitchen. For some reason people get very excited about their meal being good, like they were expecting it not to be or something. Since it is an open kitchen I can see the guests and they can see me. If they are really pushy or nosey whatever you want to call it, they can actually walk up to the line and talk to us. All the time guests are tipping because we cooked their meal to their satisfaction. I have been a cook for a while and never worked any place where the cooks got tipped for doing their job. We always say, "Oh no, it's not necessary it's what I get paid for!", but people always insist and after refusing one more time we give in, like we really wanted to refuse in the first place, but it's the nice thing to do. They always feel good about themselves afterwards because they did something nice for you so bonus on making the other person happy by accepting the tip! My guess is since this guy came 15 mins after you closed and you were nice enough to let him in it was his way of showing his gratitude, because I can pretty much bet that whatever you gave him was going to Chicago with him and he needed it for his trip. That could have been a big problem if you hadn't let him in. Be happy and gracious and smile about the fact that someone did something very nice for you in return for you doing something nice for them! [hannahandhenry]
If you own the dry cleaners or you are the manager, leaving a customer with emergency needs in even after the closing time is not a big deal. After all, helping people is always a good thing. You can also win good reputation for your cleaners. If you are just employed in the place, I might say it is better for you to follow the rules. At least it will never be wrong. If your boss is picky and under great pressure of the bad economic situation, he might be unhappy about this, especially you got that $10 bill. If you ask the customer, "Do you want me to get fired?" I think he probably won't insist giving you money any more. :) [wmfhed]
but than again, i have denied letting someone in after hours, because they were angry, or swearing, or were just TOO late (like half an hour). I guess it is up to you what you want to do. I mean it's nice to have some sympathy for people sometimes. [carlas]
I suppose Catering is a tipping job, basically you dont ask for a tip, but people will generally give u a tip, mainly as it is common courtesy, but certain function such as Rugby Functions and Weddings in my experience dont tend to tip. Now when it comes to working behind a bar, in a Pub or Club, it is a little different. You dont ask for a tip (whatever you do), and its not expected...thats one thing difference between catering, and the pub trade. But, I often found that I regularly had customers who would offer to buy me a pint (of which i drink Strongbow Cider), and More often than not I would take it, and a few times, keep the money behined, so i can use it as a tip. Otenf I would get a pint, and in a few cases I would get up to 4 pints in the one Night a week I worked. So it was great. [firstcontact1990]
This happen to me before. I use to be a cashier at CVS and one day a customer left a huge stack of money that was in one of those bank envelopes. Of course you are always a bit tempted, but I did the right thing by chasing them down before they drove off and returned the money. Seconds later the lady and her husband came back in and asked for an empty bag. I wasn't watching what they were doing because I had a huge line of people to ring up. But they gave me the bag and said this is for you. I had no clue what was in the bag and they left before I could even see. They left a note thanking me for returning the money, it was their entire paycheck in that envelope and there was a $20 bill inside as well. I was so shocked! Had I known what was in there, I would have tried to give it back...But I would keep it if they insisted =) Either way it made my day!! lol [tabsnlos]
I once worked at a place where accepting tips was against the rules. And once, around Christmas I helped a lady to her car with a large item since she obviously needed help. Once I got the item in her car she said she wanted to give me something. I, of course, refused being that to accept would be breaking the rules. However, she kept insisting and finally ended up sticking the money into my coat pocket. I again said I could not take the money and tried to give it back. By this time we had made our way back in front of the store. She finally said she didn't care what I did with it, but she would NOT take the money back. And since it was near Christmas, there was a Salvation Army person ringing the bell with the little red bucket right in front of the store. So I just turned around and stuck it in the bucket and went on. She didn't seem to mind, nor did the person ringing the bell. I'm not really sure as to how much she had given me. I didn't really want to look. But as I had it in my hand I realized it was more than just one bill, and as I was sticking it in the bucket I also noticed the bill on the outside was a 20. I have no clue why anyone would want to give a person more than $20 to put something in their car for them. Especially since she didn't seem all that well off. Anyway, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it. [_soonernation_]
ahha so they r still some nice people in this world after all.. [choiboii94]
Pssshh. I think every job you should have the opprotunity to be tipped. I see how it can get a little weird if you got tipped a bit too often though on your taxes. Then again, it was only $10 and it doesn't happen too often so it's not like you would have to report it or anything. The jobs i've worked I didn't deal with customers, really. So I can't say that I have been. [LouieWpHs04]
Haha lucky..Sometimes I wish I didn't have to deal with them. Sometimes they can be nice - and give you tips! But other times..YIKES. [maezee]
I've had it happen at almost every job I've had that involves customer service. I think it's funny how awkward it gets. I do things like open early or let people in late too. I just think that it's good to give people something nice during their day to remember. I wouldn't refuse , just be gracious and modest and they will feel great about themselves and you get a little bonus in your pocket. It's sweet! [bunnyhoover]
I got tipped at my cashiering job a gas station and at a fast food place. At the gas station it was just a usual customer who always would tell me to keep his change or buy me ice cream, lol. At the fast food place if I was super nice to them or got them their order quick they would tip me. Of course I would refuse but if they keep insisting then I would just take it. [tristanhart]