Tip sharing in a non-restaurant environment

Zandarn — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:54:47 GMT

I work in a pet boarding facility. Sometimes we get tips, usually a good amount, $20 to $100 dollars when the customer checks out. Obviously, no one employee is doing more than another to earn the tip (unlike a waiter for example) so we pool the tips. Usually no problem. But now I have one customer who is enamored by one employee (a bit of a con artist) and secretly gives him big tips when picking up his dogs. I told the employee this isn't right but he doesn't care, as long as he doesn't get caught. I'm not sure what to do. It makes the other employees upset and it just isn't right or fair. As both parties are trying to do it secretly (and failing) they both know this.

RE: Tip sharing in a non-restaurant environment

gary999 — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:04:56 GMT

If the pooling of tips is company policy you have an employee who is violating policy (call it being dishonest) and is subject to management action, and you should report him. If the pooling is a voluntary agreement between employees, you're stuck with a coworker who's isn't going to participate.

If you report him you should feel as if you are doing the right thing. Company policies are to promote the best interests of both the company and the employees and this violation is undermining morale. It's only a matter of time before this translates into problems with customers.

Do the right thing and don't look back.

RE: Tip sharing in a non-restaurant environment

Patriot in Washington — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:14:43 GMT

Gary is absolutely right. You might keep in mind that the tipper can find some way of giving money to the "con artist" no matter what. Plus, if this is a good customer, management might be unwilling to take any action that would offend the customer, like disciplining the "con."

RE: Tip sharing in a non-restaurant environment

Cowgirl Up — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:26:15 GMT

Honey ,all is fair in war & games. If he or she cant do as all the others & share ,then find out what he or she made from the other tip &* deduct the aamount .Should not be a problem since they are a jerk & dont care for your feelings. I would do it very kindly & if they have a problem ,tell him you sugest they take it up with the Boss. Good luck ,God Bless you and all others. BBHeres a big smile to make your day better . I would not worry about it , I would just do the right thing and roll on.