Beth commented on the last post that she feels a bit of guilt motivating her to consider tipping her mail carrier. She asked what the rules are, and yes, there are rules. Your mail carrier is a federal employee and so there are strict guidelines on what is acceptable as far as gifts.

Scroll to the bottom of the page here to find some pretty accurate words on the subject from CNN. There is a footnote to the USPS row in the grid, which says…

*Civil servants are not allowed to receive cash tips. But if you wish to recognize your mail carrier, the U.S. Postal Service asks that your gratuity not exceed $20 in cash value.

Cash is not allowed. We are not permitted to accept cash. In fact, if we receive cash (and we do) we’re supposed to give it back. Starbucks gift cards (for $19.99) are good, a tin of chocolates is nice too. If half the people on my primary route gave Doug $19 gift certificates, he’d receive the retail equivalent of $3610, which is pretty darn good. That never happens, but it’s nice to think about.

Cash gifts are verboten, though.

Let’s leave it at that, okay? I’ll let you figure out what actually happens.