Would you tip the super who sneaked into your home?

Question

I found the super entered my apt. many times when no one was home, and opened the closet... Before I found this I always tipped him during holiday time, but this time I'm not going to give him a penny, even though he had the handyman do repair for me (that's his job, isn't it?), and even though I will continue living there and some day may need repair again, so he'll give trouble if I don't tip him. HOWEVER, he KNOWS that I know he entered my apt, so in his heart he will KNOW why I don't tip him this time.

I'm just interested to know if you will do the same. I think it's pretty lame if I still tip him given the tacit knowledge of his accessing my home anbd closet in my absence--it would be equivalent to encouraging him. I think it's important to send him a message. What do you think?

(by the way this is in New York where holiday tipping is common practice and often expected)

Answer 1

How about you give him an envelope with the word "Tip" on it. Then inside the envelope have the message "My tip is that if you want a monetary tip during the holidays then you shouldn't sneak into peoples apartments." Actually this might antagonize him, it might feel good but probably just best to do nothing.

Answer 2

I personally don't abide by or believe in the tradition of tipping... period, not for wait staff or anyone else. I would never have given the super a tip in the first place. I especially get offended if someone ever expects me to tip. I do not like other people spending my money for me. The rule of society that we are supposed to tip is absurd. I find it appalling that I am put in a position to give extra money above what I had to pay for the service or (in this case) the apartment.

Now on the subject of him unlawfully entering your apartment, If it was not an emergency and you were not given 24hrs notice or pre approved him entering when you weren't there without 24hrs notice then you need to stand up for yourself and confront him and put in an official complaint to the landlord.

Answer 3

Don't tip him. He'll understand what's going on.



By the way, if he's repeatedly entering your apartment without a good reason, report him to the building owner or landlord.



Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Don't tip because you think you're obligated to do so.

Don't tip because you think if you don't you may not get the same service if you don't.



Do tip because you appreciate the integrity and thoroughness of your superintendent.



Would I reward [tip] a superintendent who has not given me proper notice and an explanation why he is coming into my premises? Of course not. I could careless what the practice is or whether a tip is expected.