Anyone else need to give a Xmas present to the mailman?

Marko Berg · 12-23-2003, 06:48 AM

Yes, this is software-related.

I am posting this from work. My wife called a while ago to let me know that the mailman (actually our mail is delivered by a young woman) had left five packages of DVDs in addition to the usual letters, Christmas cards etc. Among that other mail was a notice to pick up another package of DVDs from the post office - the package must have been too large or too heavy to carry so I must pick it up myself. A few extra presents for myself.

I wasn't really counting on those DVDs to arrive before Christmas - all the important packages (to be given as presents) were received earlier, and there have been more than a few those as well. Less than two weeks ago the poor young woman rang my doorbell and handed me two large packages from Amazon (TV boxsets) and a smaller one containing two DVDs. And another package arrived yesterday, although this was just one DVD so it wasn't heavy or difficult to carry. All of this only applies to R1 DVDs that I need to import - a couple of DVDs were bought locally.

Although it's certainly not out of the ordinary for the postal service during this time of year to carry extra mail, my wife was actually embarrassed by all this. If she hadn't been at home, the young lady would have needed to take some of the packages back to the post office with her because everything wouldn't fit in the mailbox. This happens all the time since we both work during the day. I need to pick up those packages from the post office myself which for me isn't a big deal - the post office is close and I can pick up packages during the daily commute. However, the young lady will have to carry them with her (or push them around in a cart) all day before returning to the post office at the end of her shift. My wife insists I need to give the young lady a Christmas present for all her troubles. :b

So, does anyone else on the Home Theater Forum think a box of chocolates is in order for the person who delivers your DVDs? I would think most people here buy many more discs than people in general, although I realize not everyone uses etailers.

TonyD · 12-23-2003, 08:34 AM

give the mailman cash.
they prefer it,trust me.

probably would be better in after hours.

Chad A Wright · 12-23-2003, 09:03 AM

I think something would be in order. Maybe a gift card to a restaurant. She's got to get hungry lugging all your boxes around

I buy most of my DVDs locally, so maybe I'll get something for the one Wal-Mart employee here who knows why widescreen is better and tries to educate people about it.

SteveGon · 12-23-2003, 09:22 AM

Okay, I'll say it first. Why do you feel the need to give the mail carrier anything? Delivering your mail is their job and it's not like they make a pittance doing it (and need I mention all the paid holidays they get?). Not only that, but do you only have the one mail carrier? It seems like ours changes on a regular basis. And as for large packages, it's not like they're carrying them around while they walk their route - they usually just drive up to our house and carry them the twenty feet to our door. Even then, such packages are never very heavy (I'm sure they have weight restrictions).

Sorry if I sound like a Scrooge, but I just don't see the need to get something for every tangential person in our lives. But, if it makes you feel better, what the heck.

LarryDavenport · 12-23-2003, 09:47 AM

Steve said it first but I'll chime in as well. I can understand tipping a paper boy or a maybe a UPS driver but why in the hell should anyone tip a mailman? They are government employees and make a decent wage (a hell of a lot more than I make).

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Juan Castillo · 12-23-2003, 10:12 AM

Larry, a UPS driver. They make more than most government employees, and are also just doing their job.. unless you are a UPS driver and would like something extra on Christmas.

Growing up, we had the same mail carrier for like 15 yrs. Everyone knew him, and everyone, on my block at least, gave him something, even if it was only a christmas card. I look at it as a personal choice, nobody says you have to do anything nice for anybody ever. But you know, I tend to get warm feelings about doing nice thing for people who don't expect it. If that isn't good enough reward for you, then by all means, don't do it. Its not like the world needs more cheeryness, or getting along, or good will towards people.. Hell, screw em all right..

I live in a small town now, just put down roots as a matter of fact with our first house, and I'll be damned if I don't let someone know how much I appreciate them and life. You can also look at it selfishly, and give them something thinking, the next time they deliver a package, they may go out of their way to get an oversized package to you, or try to re-deliver when all the other "well payed" " just doing their job" "government workers" would just let your ass drive down to the hub to pick up your package.

Hey, Maybe its cuz I'm old fashioned, either way, Merry Christmas to all!

DonRoeber · 12-23-2003, 10:22 AM

I'd happily give my mailman a christmas gift, if only he would stop crushing my mail to fix it into the box. My wife has had items completely ruined because the mailman folded it in half to jam it into the box. Actually creased the package along the "Do Not Bend" stamp.

Grr.

I'd probably give lottery tickets or something like that. It's pretty neutral.

Marko Berg · 12-23-2003, 11:06 AM

Sorry, I should have known better and put this in After Hours to begin with.

I'm usually not one to hand out presents to everybody. In fact, the thought didn't even cross my mind in this case until my wife mentioned it. But I still think it makes sense to give something small to the mailwoman. I'm not sure if there are several of them - I'm rarely at home when mail is delivered - but I know this person has had to put up with extra work because of my DVD buying habits this year. I once happened to be at home when she delivered mail, and she commented (kindly, she wasn't complaining or anything) on the number of boxes she handed me that time (several TV boxsets again). I'm sure she has my address filed away in her mind in a certain way.

When I was in high school and still lived with my parents, we had a mailman who was friends with most of the neighbourhood. He helped my grandmother with small tasks if he had time, occasionally he plowed the snow from the driveway during the winter! Clearly that was different and a present would be warranted in such a situation, and I agree that ordinary anonymous and impersonal mail service isn't worth tipping - you've paid for it so it can be taken for granted. But if as a DVD collector you rely heavily on importing like I do, it makes sense to be friendly with the mailman, just like you should only insult the cook in a restaurant after you've had your meal.

Malcolm R · 12-23-2003, 11:26 AM