Don't Forget to Tip the Garbage Men for XMAS

[Sheep]

If you think $25 an hour, for PICKING UP GARBAGE, isn't great pay, you're crazy. It takes more skill and training to make burgers at mcdonalds than it does to pick up trash. As a matter of fact, they do that too! And they make what, $6? I think $25 an hour to pick up trash is a ton of money.

Sorry I need to add to my last post.

Not only do they lift probably close to a thousand cans a day, but they do it while either hanging off of a smelly truck, or running after it, in any weather. No "oh, it's to cold, take the day off" or "It's raining hard, we're going to call it quits". And not all of these cans are kept neatly shut in a proper enclosure. You know how heavy a can full of wet garbage weighs? Easily a 100lbs. They're doing a job that no one wants to do. And because no one wants to do it, they can make decent money. Not to mention it's hard work. If you think it's easy, take your own garbage to the dump.

SheepStar

 

[itschris]

I've got mixed feelings on this. No one tips me. I'm on the corporate side of finance now, but even back when I was a financial advisor, no client ever gave me $20 for giving them a solid plan or making them money. That what I got commission and fees for. A garbage man, the post man (my dad was one)... these people get paid for what they do... sure not every job is great... but they get a fair wage and no one's making them take the job... I just always wonder why I should and do feel compelled to tip someone that's already getting paid to do their job. I'm not sure I get that. Why do we always expect to get something beyond what we should earn? It's just a hard thing for me to really get my head around. The paper delivery people are another group. They actually give us an envelope! I'm told we're showing appreciation for them doing a good job and all that... but aren't you supposed to do a good job? Shouldn't that be the standard? Why should anyone expect extra for doing what they're supposed to do?

Tipping in general pisses me off. If I go to Outback and we have a $50 meal, I'll always give $10-$15. But when we go to Capital Grill or Ruth Chris Steakhouse and our bill is $250 I don't know why I should tip 20%. The guys really didn't do much more than the guy at Outback except carry $100 bottle of wine instead of two Crown and Gingers and carried a plate that cost $75 vs $25. It just seems odd that I should and do give the guy $50. That bothers me. I like to tip the 50 year old gal at the local diner who's worked her *** of serving pancakes all her life making $15K a year... if my breakfast cost $6, I'd never consider leaving anything short of a $10 spot. To me it's about actual dollars vs percentage.

Sorry I'm ranting...

 

[Sheep]

I've got mixed feelings on this. No one tips me. I'm on the corporate side of finance now, but even back when I was a financial advisor, no client ever gave me $20 for giving them a solid plan or making them money. That what I got commission and fees for. A garbage man, the post man (my dad was one)... these people get paid for what they do... sure not every job is great... but they get a fair wage and no one's making them take the job... I just always wonder why I should and do feel compelled to tip someone that's already getting paid to do their job. I'm not sure I get that. Why do we always expect to get something beyond what we should earn? It's just a hard thing for me to really get my head around. The paper delivery people are another group. They actually give us an envelope! I'm told we're showing appreciation for them doing a good job and all that... but aren't you supposed to do a good job? Shouldn't that be the standard? Why should anyone expect extra for doing what they're supposed to do?

Tipping in general pisses me off. If I go to Outback and we have a $50 meal, I'll always give $10-$15. But when we go to Capital Grill or Ruth Chris Steakhouse and our bill is $250 I don't know why I should tip 20%. The guys really didn't do much more than the guy at Outback except carry $100 bottle of wine instead of two Crown and Gingers and carried a plate that cost $75 vs $25. It just seems odd that I should and do give the guy $50. That bothers me. I like to tip the 50 year old gal at the local diner who's worked her *** of serving pancakes all her life making $15K a year... if my breakfast cost $6, I'd never consider leaving anything short of a $10 spot. To me it's about actual dollars vs percentage.

Sorry I'm ranting...

I understand that tipping for some jobs seems useless, but not every house/table is the same. If a table has lots of demands, and the waitress/waiter copes, you should tip them well. Same goes with the garbage man. If he puts your cans back properly, and never makes a mess, that means he's caring to do the job well. He doesn't have to, he can throw them anywhere (usually do lol) and not put lids on. I say tip them one year and see how their service is afterwords.

I mean, it's 20-30 bucks once a year, if the service is poor, don't tip again. If you can't afford that, you have bigger issues then other peoples wages.

SheepStar

 

[Cpt.America]

Sorry I need to add to my last post.

Not only do they lift probably close to a thousand cans a day, but they do it while either hanging off of a smelly truck, or running after it, in any weather. No "oh, it's to cold, take the day off" or "It's raining hard, we're going to call it quits". And not all of these cans are kept neatly shut in a proper enclosure. You know how heavy a can full of wet garbage weighs? Easily a 100lbs. They're doing a job that no one wants to do. And because no one wants to do it, they can make decent money. Not to mention it's hard work. If you think it's easy, take your own garbage to the dump.

SheepStar

If he doesnt like lifting heavy stuff, and clinging to a stinky truck, then he can do something else. I still don't see how that makes doing monkey work worth THAT much money.

 

[Matt34]

If he doesnt like lifting heavy stuff, and clinging to a stinky truck, then he can do something else. I still don't see how that makes doing monkey work worth THAT much money.

Someone has to do it. I have no problem tipping for good service for something I have no desire to do.

 

[mike c]

demand and supply.

over here, professionals are few, manual laborers are plenty
over there, those that want to do manual labor are few

i hate our garbage men. (i never use them btw, we have our own dump site) they park right outside my house and honk their truck horn a million times to call for the people in the shanties near my house to bring their garbage. i figure i should buy me some air rifles.

 

[Lightning Steve]

I can understand some of the complaints about tipping. No, just doing your job doesn't warrant a tip but doing your job really well I have no problem with. My garbage guys do do a good job, if I slip an extra bag in they take it, they don't leave a mess on my yard.
I was once out with my brother his dysfunctional wife and his two little kids at dinner, by the time we were done his kids had left a mess around the table and floor that extended out about three feet. He was going to leave a $5 tip, I grabbed a twenty out of his hand. The mess was embarrassing enough, but the tip was worse.
If I get nothing special service it's a small tip, if I get crappy service there is no tip, if I get exceptional service or they have to do more than whats expected they get a good tip.

 

[itschris]

I understand that tipping for some jobs seems useless, but not every house/table is the same. If a table has lots of demands, and the waitress/waiter copes, you should tip them well. Same goes with the garbage man. If he puts your cans back properly, and never makes a mess, that means he's caring to do the job well. He doesn't have to, he can throw them anywhere (usually do lol) and not put lids on. I say tip them one year and see how their service is afterwords.

I mean, it's 20-30 bucks once a year, if the service is poor, don't tip again. If you can't afford that, you have bigger issues then other peoples wages.

SheepStar

So I should be greatful that they don't throw my cans all over the place? I should be thankful they don't make a mess and leave garbage on my curb?

See... that's what I'm talking about. I expect the guys to do the their job and do it well no matter what they do. Regardless of the task, you should take pride in what you do. There's a McDonalds not far from my house that's owned by an older Russian guy and German woman. You will get a Big Mac that actually looks like the commercial. You get greeted with a smile by someone (typically by some teenager or Mexican struggling to speak good English) that are alway courteous to you and say thank you. The place is spotless. I've sat down and talked with them before because even though I don't eat fast food all that often, when I do, I drive past 10 places, including 3 other McDonalds to got there for the very reasons I mentioned. They teach all their workers to take pride in what they do. And I tell you what, they live that and it shows.

I've dug ditches, mowed grass, and laid cable... none all too glamorous. I never once felt I deserved anything more than my paycheck and I never thought I should get extra for doing a good job. That is my job.

So anyway, I give because I like to give, but I don't like feeling compelled to give just because someone did their job all year. I already pay for that each month in my ridiculously high city/county utility bills.

 

[itschris]

I can understand some of the complaints about tipping. No, just doing your job doesn't warrant a tip but doing your job really well I have no problem with. My garbage guys do do a good job, if I slip an extra bag in they take it, they don't leave a mess on my yard.
I was once out with my brother his dysfunctional wife and his two little kids at dinner, by the time we were done his kids had left a mess around the table and floor that extended out about three feet. He was going to leave a $5 tip, I grabbed a twenty out of his hand. The mess was embarrassing enough, but the tip was worse.
If I get nothing special service it's a small tip, if I get crappy service there is no tip, if I get exceptional service or they have to do more than whats expected they get a good tip.

You're absolutely right about if you cause extra work. When we go with the neighbors out to dinner, their 3 year old is an absolute menace to society. I call him Captain Sh*tbag and often times when we go out, he'll go all out... it's like he puts the cape and mask on and becomes ... well... Captain Sh*tbag. It's not his fault, it's his parents, but you know what... I've never once walked out of a place without personally handing the server an extra $20 for the hassle. i've also waited tables and yes... that's different when that happens.

But think about it this way... I order a Ribeye steak dinner at Cody's... it's $18. The tip on that is $3.60 which I will round to $4. I got to Ruth Chris and order the same plate... but everytihng is ala carte so it ends up costing around $78 if I order the top of the line dry aged deal. At 20% that's $15.60, but you're typically expected to tip more like $20. So why should that guy make anymore money for the mere fact that I ordered a more expensive plate. Granted the service is better and all that and their should be a premium, but to that degree just doesn't make sense.

 

[MinusTheBear]

So I should be greatful that they don't throw my cans all over the place? I should be thankful they don't make a mess and leave garbage on my curb?

See... that's what I'm talking about. I expect the guys to do the their job and do it well no matter what they do. Regardless of the task, you should take pride in what you do. There's a McDonalds not far from my house that's owned by an older Russian guy and German woman. You will get a Big Mac that actually looks like the commercial. You get greeted with a smile by someone (typically by some teenager or Mexican struggling to speak good English) that are alway courteous to you and say thank you. The place is spotless. I've sat down and talked with them before because even though I don't eat fast food all that often, when I do, I drive past 10 places, including 3 other McDonalds to got there for the very reasons I mentioned. They teach all their workers to take pride in what they do. And I tell you what, they live that and it shows.

I've dug ditches, mowed grass, and laid cable... none all too glamorous. I never once felt I deserved anything more than my paycheck and I never thought I should get extra for doing a good job. That is my job.

So anyway, I give because I like to give, but I don't like feeling compelled to give just because someone did their job all year. I already pay for that each month in my ridiculously high city/county utility bills.

You sound like Mr. Pink in the movie Reservoir Dogs. Great movie and that is a great scene.

 

[Audioholics]

My garbage men don't do anything special, but I give the UPS guy, FedEx guy and mail man nice electronics gifts every year. Last year it was an MP3 player. This year it's a small photo frame. Now THOSE guys work hard for me in particular... and never leave boxes unattended, etc.

 

[captiankirk28]

If he doesnt like lifting heavy stuff, and clinging to a stinky truck, then he can do something else. I still don't see how that makes doing monkey work worth THAT much money.

Boy, did your mother ever do a number on you!!

 

[Cpt.America]

So I should be greatful that they don't throw my cans all over the place? I should be thankful they don't make a mess and leave garbage on my curb?

See... that's what I'm talking about. I expect the guys to do the their job and do it well no matter what they do. Regardless of the task, you should take pride in what you do. There's a McDonalds not far from my house that's owned by an older Russian guy and German woman. You will get a Big Mac that actually looks like the commercial. You get greeted with a smile by someone (typically by some teenager or Mexican struggling to speak good English) that are alway courteous to you and say thank you. The place is spotless. I've sat down and talked with them before because even though I don't eat fast food all that often, when I do, I drive past 10 places, including 3 other McDonalds to got there for the very reasons I mentioned. They teach all their workers to take pride in what they do. And I tell you what, they live that and it shows.

I've dug ditches, mowed grass, and laid cable... none all too glamorous. I never once felt I deserved anything more than my paycheck and I never thought I should get extra for doing a good job. That is my job.

So anyway, I give because I like to give, but I don't like feeling compelled to give just because someone did their job all year. I already pay for that each month in my ridiculously high city/county utility bills.

Couldn't of said it better myself. I'm not saying that I don't tip ANYbody.. I actually consider myself a damn good tipper. I just don't see any point at all in tipping the garbage man.

I have a pet-peve at restaurants. If my glass of whatever-im-drinking is sitting on the table empty, and here I am eating away with nothing to drink, I get really upset. Not because I am a pesty customer, but because I have a problem with my asophogas due to YEARS of worst case scenereo acid reflux desease. If I can't take a nice big swig of somethign with EVERY single bite of food I try to swallow... look out. Iv come close to passing out many times from the overwhelming pain and panic that overcomes the body when no amount of swallowing of vomiting can get food to move through the throat.

Anyway, one time I had this waitress at PF Changs. I asked if she had any BIGGER glasses, because I warned her how often I ask for refills. What did she do? She went to the kitchen, and got me TWO HUGE glasses of my drink, and brought them both out together... I was overjoyed! Im not talking normall drinking glasses, im talking small big-gulp sized glasses.

Anyway, I think our total came out to $50 for the night.. and I gave her a $25 tip. Ya see... above and beyond = tip.

Sorry I ruffled so many feathers because I don't tip my garbage man.. a guy who pulls in front of my house twice a month to take a single 32 gallon can of garbage, while im a work, who I have never even met. I am FAR more likely to tip my UPS guy.

seesh.

 

[gene]

I find it ironic that a thread topic like this gets more feedback and attention than a flagship display or loudspeaker review.

 

[captiankirk28]

If you think $25 an hour, for PICKING UP GARBAGE, isn't great pay, you're crazy. It takes more skill and training to make burgers at mcdonalds than it does to pick up trash. As a matter of fact, they do that too! And they make what, $6? I think $25 an hour to pick up trash is a ton of money.

It is the same with everyones job their is always someone that thinks you make too much money for what you do. Well who is the ultimate decider on how much money we are to make?

I dont think $25 an hour is that much at all, i mean what is it like $35,000--$40,000 a year.

Everyone just needs to be happy for people if they can make a fair living not get all pissed off about it.

I am happy for someone that makes more money that me and can affored all that expensive audio gear.


Happy Holidays

 

[ivseenbetter]

I actually will tip for take out food. Most places we do take out are places we used to do sit down meals before our newborn...reading this thread makes me question why I would feel obligated to do that.

 

[MatthewB.]

Well as I mentioned my garbage man doesnt lift anything and there sure aren't any guys hanging off the back. Just one guy who pushes a button and a mechanical arm picks up the trash. Heck I could leave a card with money stapled to the top of the canister and the guy would never even notice it. He just drives around with this "I got stoned and drunk out of my gord last night" look on his face. And if he deserves a tip for pushing a button, then I deserve a truck filled with 100's to be backing up to my garage.

I'm not against tipping if they deserve it, like my haircut, if the guy/girl is nice, communicates well and does an awesome job, I'll tip him a 5 spot on a 12 dollar haircut. If they are lousy, they get a buck and that's it.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Tipping the garbage man is just a bribe to get better service...and there is nothing wrong with that.

 

[itschris]

Tipping the garbage man is just a bribe to get better service...and there is nothing wrong with that.

What service do you need? I put my garbage out.. and just need it emptied. I'm not asking for much.

 

[itschris]

I find it ironic that a thread topic like this gets more feedback and attention than a flagship display or loudspeaker review.

Easy... we've all already spent too much money on gear... and you're constantly giving us new stuff to buy to replace what already works just fine!

There's a limit to that.'


The key is... There's no limit to complaining!