Question

All > Miscellaneous

EmmaHummerson: 10 months ago | Last edited at 10:44AM on 7/9/2012

If I forget a gratuity, can I give a person a gift card instead?

Forgotten gratuity 2

Answer This Question

Report as

Answer 1

Sephira: 10 months ago | Last edited at 12:13PM on 7/9/2012

You might want to check with the particular company's policies first, as many companies do not allow employees to accept "gifts". Which even though you are leaving it as a tip, the company may not count it as such since it is not being left via a normal currency type (cash, check, credit).

Otherwise I guess it would be up to you, but unless it was a Visa gift card, or something else that could be used more or less universally (or at least at a variety of places), I don't know how appreciative someone would be. I mean as a last resort... sure - something is better than nothing, but I know in the food industry, many employees who rely on tips, are paid less than minimum wage, because their tips are factored in as a part of their wages. If you leave a gift card to some place that they can't use, or that they don't shop at, then it would be somewhat useless to them, and then they are short money that they might have needed to pay their actual expenses.

Guess it would really depend on exactly what type of service you are leaving the tip for as well.

Helpful Fun Thanks for voting Comments (2)

Report as

EmmaHummerson: 10 months ago

so true. i'm stuck on that type since i know the instructor is not older than 18 and i understand visa gift cards can only be used by those 18+. thanks...

i guess i should contact the actual owner and discuss with them.

Report as

EmmaHummerson: 10 months ago

thank you all. after reading the replies... i decided the best thing to do was contact the owners and find out first if a gift is allowed or if a gratuity is expected. thank you.

Report as

Add a comment...

Answer 2

Bubblious: 10 months ago via iPhone

Sure, any attempt at paying gratitude , even late, is nice.

Helpful Fun Thanks for voting Comments (2)

Report as

EmmaHummerson: 10 months ago

Thank you Bubblious. I really appreciated the service but thought giving cash the next day seems awkward. I wanted to give a gift card and thank you card instead.

Report as

Bubblious: 10 months ago via iPhone

Sounds sweet Emma, if you like it . Chances are they will too!
Actually gift cards are nice because you actually have to spend it at specific place, on yourself.
Cash tends to go toward necessities.
Nice thought.

Report as

Add a comment...

Answer 3

ruthkioi9: 10 months ago

You can give someone a gift card instead of a gratuity which will show some appreciation of the service that he or she may have offered to you. However, in some circumstances like working in the U.S government, it is considered illegal to receive any gratuity. Visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip_(gratuity) for more details.

Helpful Fun Thanks for voting Comments (1)

Report as

EmmaHummerson: 10 months ago

thank you ruthkioi9 for the reply. the info you provided helps me to determine the amount i can feel comfortable with giving.

Report as

Add a comment...