subject: The Courier Company Driver Just Arrived: Do I Tip Him Or Not? [print this page] Well, of course you tip the guy! He's a priceless business connection!
A Los Angeles messenger working for a courier service is in the same boat financially as the kid delivering pizzas out of his own sedan. He's paying for that car, and gassing it up, based on the tips he makes. He may be making minimum wage (your messenger may be also), but needs the extra cash just to keep going and doing what he does well, delivering excellent service.
To help you over this financially painful news, maybe you could remember what it was like to be in service yourself, before you became the CEO of the company. It's true that may have been "back in the day," but remember that in those days the word "tips" meant "to insure prompt service." It was not something that one HAD to give you (and so many gratuities are just added to our bills these days), but it did insure several things if you got one:
First, it gave your customer attention and good will, along with the service you provided. Isn't that what you're doing for your customers today, and isn't that the secret of good, repeat business? A messenger, server or seller of services; if they have any intention of advancing in their chosen profession, gives tip top performance for their work. You did when they tipped you; your messenger will go the limit for you when his or her best work is appreciated.
Second, if the driver or messenger you tip is someone you see on a regular basis, such as every day, it's even more appreciated if it's a steady (if small) gratuity. It builds a friendly service relationship that no business can afford to be without. Your messenger will often run, bike or drive the extra mile with the extra package for a customer who expresses satisfaction with a tip. You remember doing that for a customer you cared about, don't you?
Finally, it builds loyalty. The messenger, in effect, is becoming your employee. You and he have a business relationship; you can rely on his work. And so, you express your gratitude in the same way you express it to your own employees, with payment for services rendered. Your employees are loyal partly because of the regular paycheck (especially in this economy) but also because they feel appreciated.
Your Los Angeles messenger will feel the same appreciation. And that's building priceless business connections!
