Tipping the Christmas Tree Person

[NOVA Lady]

For me when I bought my tree (I am sure some of you remember that fun story, lol!) the guy was SOOO helpful. It was our first tree and we had some questions about care and the guy helped us pick a good stand and have us great tips for the tree. He also cut it, netted it, and carried it to the car.

I didn't think twice about tipping him! He was thankful and a little surprised so I am not sure all people do so, or if he had a string of people who didn't.

To me, the holiday spirit (and I am jewish, so you'll have to forgive me for not getting into the actual reason for the season if you will) is all about thanking the people who make our life easier, do something nice for you, do a great job for you, etc etc. So, I tipped him 5 bucks on a 26 dollar tree to bring a smile to his face, to show him I was thankful for his helpfulness. A gratuity to me is to show gratituide and I was very happy with his service, his smile, he helped make the experience so much fun!

I don't know anyone who doesn't, but given the season I think its the nice thing to do. Of course like people here have said sometimes they don't except them and there are bound to be regional differences in tipping or not tipping the tree man.

[hobish]

Tipping ... where does/will it end?  Can't somebody just do their job without expecting the customer to give them money?  Can't I simply buy something? 

My dad works for a local college & thinks tipping is funny (although he does tip when appropriate). I remember him joking he was waiting for the day when people would say " Hmmmm ... the lights are working properly, the walls aren't falling down, i'll leave $2 on the desk today when i leave."

[IndianInlaw]

Does one tip "big box" employees?

We got ours at Lowe's, simply because we got a lovely one there several years ago.

[ShadesOfGrey]

yes, I tip well at places where tips are expected--food service, etc.  No, I don't tip at other places), but this is a job where someone is paid a wage (albiet, possibly minimum, but that doesn't seem germain to the argument)to do all the things mentioned. 

See, I think it is completely germane to th argument.  Food service employees typically dont even make minimum wage (great for them if they do in your area, but this is an exception to the rule).  If someone goes above and beyond, sure go ahead and show your appreciation via tip.  But for doing work that is a part of their job (what is their job at a tree farm if not to cut it down and take it to your car)? I just cant agree to tip for that.  No ill feelings towards those that do - more power to you.  But if the question is, Is it necessary? I throw my vote in for no. 

[Hollymom1229]

As with most things tipping outside of waitstaff, I feel it comes down to did they go above and beyond.  We got our 7 ft tree for a great price this year at a local tree farm.  The guy carried our tree from the lot, netted it up, gave it a fresh cut and tied it to our car very securely.  We tipped him $5, mostly because he was so nice through the entire process.  He chatted, told us funny stories, the works.  He was worth the extra in customer service alone.

[dawbs]

yes, I tip well at places where tips are expected--food service, etc.  No, I don't tip at other places), but this is a job where someone is paid a wage (albiet, possibly minimum, but that doesn't seem germain to the argument)to do all the things mentioned. 

See, I think it is completely germane to th argument.  Food service employees typically dont even make minimum wage (great for them if they do in your area, but this is an exception to the rule).  If someone goes above and beyond, sure go ahead and show your appreciation via tip.  But for doing work that is a part of their job (what is their job at a tree farm if not to cut it down and take it to your car)? I just cant agree to tip for that.  No ill feelings towards those that do - more power to you.  But if the question is, Is it necessary? I throw my vote in for no. 

you're right, it is germain...I was just glossing over because my feelings on it were somwhat influenced by the "they are ONLY making minimum wage..." type discussion. 

[andjoshtoo]

Hi all,

I'm a lurker but I just wanted to add my 2 cents.

My DH and I grow and sell Christmas trees and have 3 lots, 2 in the DC metro area. While there is tipping that occurs, it isn't necessary. (our trees start at $50 for a 6 footer and go up to $450 for a 14 footer)
Some customers tip, some don't, but they all receive the same treatment. Regardless, we pay our employees more than minimum wage. When they are tipped, they are very gracious but they NEVER expect a tip, ever!
 
That being said, it isn't unusual for someone to tip our guys with other things than just money. Sometimes, it's a good bottle of wine or a gift certificate to a local restruant, and we've even had a customer buy everyone on the lot lunch before.(we have a very loyal customer base and a loyal group of seasonal employees, so there are always lots of familiar faces) Last year, for instance, on the lot at our farm, I had a customer bring me a rib roast for our Christmas dinner because I went out of my way to get him the perfect tree. This year, he brought us all hot chocolate when he came to buy his tree.

Anne

[behindbj]

I've debated and debated with myself as to whether or not to post this, but here goes...

I swear, with my right hand over my heart, that my first thought upon seeing the title of this thread was "Why would anyone want to push over someone in a tree costume?"

No, really,  I swear.

behindbj

[Shoo]

I've debated and debated with myself as to whether or not to post this, but here goes...

I swear, with my right hand over my heart, that my first thought upon seeing the title of this thread was "Why would anyone want to push over someone in a tree costume?"

No, really,  I swear.

behindbj

Thanks for the laugh AND the visual!

And also for a peek into the way your mind works.   

[Eleanorq]

I've never tipped a Christmas tree lot worker.   I'd never even thought to do it.  Does it make a difference if the lot is run by volunteers?  We always get our tree from the Boy Scouts or the Knights, and it seems inappropriate to tip someone for community service work.

[Athos_000]

All my life I've lived in the Pacific Northwest, where fresh Christmas trees are in abundance.  There is no shortage of places to buy one.   We used to buy one from a lot, but lately we've been going to a farm, hiking into the woods, and choosing and cutting our own tree (a lot of fun!).

I have to say that in all the years I've lived here, growing up and then on my own, I have never once tipped a Christmas tree stand/farm worker.  I don't know anybody who does that.  It would absolutely never in a million years cross my mind to do so.

Tipping ... where does/will it end?  Can't somebody just do their job without expecting the customer to give them money?  Can't I simply buy something?  IMO, when I buy a Christmas tree from a lot of wherever, part of what I am paying for is the strong young man who may or may not help me get the tree to my car.  For heaven's sake, they don't even net it for free anymore - that costs extra.

So, no.  I do not and will not tip for being allowed to buy a Christmas tree.  Sorry.

I agree with Shoo, I grew up in the PNW and I have never known anybody who tipped the christmas tree people. From what I read of other's posts, it seems that in areas outside the PNW they might get more help from workers when selecting their trees? I've never had anybody cut a tree for me at a farm (the guy behind the counter gives you a saw and you head off on your way), Nobody ever helped my family select a tree or carry it to our vehicle, we did that ourselves and generally we put the thing in our truck by ourselves as well.

[ShadesOfGrey]

All my life I've lived in the Pacific Northwest, where fresh Christmas trees are in abundance.  There is no shortage of places to buy one.   We used to buy one from a lot, but lately we've been going to a farm, hiking into the woods, and choosing and cutting our own tree (a lot of fun!).

I have to say that in all the years I've lived here, growing up and then on my own, I have never once tipped a Christmas tree stand/farm worker.  I don't know anybody who does that.  It would absolutely never in a million years cross my mind to do so.

Tipping ... where does/will it end?  Can't somebody just do their job without expecting the customer to give them money?  Can't I simply buy something?  IMO, when I buy a Christmas tree from a lot of wherever, part of what I am paying for is the strong young man who may or may not help me get the tree to my car.  For heaven's sake, they don't even net it for free anymore - that costs extra.

So, no.  I do not and will not tip for being allowed to buy a Christmas tree.  Sorry.

I agree with Shoo, I grew up in the PNW and I have never known anybody who tipped the christmas tree people. From what I read of other's posts, it seems that in areas outside the PNW they might get more help from workers when selecting their trees? I've never had anybody cut a tree for me at a farm (the guy behind the counter gives you a saw and you head off on your way), Nobody ever helped my family select a tree or carry it to our vehicle, we did that ourselves and generally we put the thing in our truck by ourselves as well.

Well, here in these parts, we dont actually have "tree farms" like the ones you are referring to (though I have been to a few!).  Mostly parking lots with lots of pre-cut trees in them...