soon2bfo

$1 every ride. I like the idea of more on holidays, I think I'll start doing that. Talk to the drivers too, most of the time they are cool and can inform you of the good places to go, unless you are in DTW where you should just sleep in your tub with your 4-D cell Maglight in hand.

DrivinTheDash

I've never really understood this line of thinking. Why would I want to enable a server to cheat on his taxes? I have worked in multiple serving jobs, and I reported my tips honestly, whether cash or credit, because that's what's required by law. I paid my taxes, and I expect other members of society to pay their taxes. If taxes were paid appropriately on all of the unreported tip income in this country, either there'd be less of a national deficit or the rest of us wouldn't have to pay quite as much as we do.

jheath

This is a very interesting point. In college, I worked as a bartender and in pizza delivery, both of which involved a mostly tip based income. I reported all my tips at the bartending gig because, as they were split between the waitresses and bus boys, I had to. I also reported most of my tips driving pizzas, though it wasn't required. Most guys reported nothing. The only guy I know who reported all his tips as a pizza driver was a guy who was trying to buy a house. He made a little over $60,000 a year and wanted to make sure his bank knew it so he got a better loan rate.

However, the reason I think this practice of tipped employees not claiming taxes, and it not only being encouraged but expected, is due to the common fallacy that most people think those who work for tips must take home very little money. Sometimes they do. But the thinking seems to be go ahead and let them screw the government as they get to take a little bit more home under the table. It's the David vs. Goliath argument. The fallacy breaks down when you factor in that most waitresses and pizza guys make more than a first year FO.

The last thing I want to do is really get involved in this dispute again, but I will say, for the record, that on my most recent 3 day trip I saw the gamut of van drivers (at the same hotel in the same city, nonetheless). One was courteous, drove well, loaded and unloaded bags efficiently, made pleasant conversation, and offered suggestions for a dinner spot. The other was silent, drove like an *******, and loaded two bags slowly before I put my own flight case in back which was met with him saying, "Oh good, the more you do the less I have to."

I was glad to give one a buck, and one got a thanks.

G5inmind

I've done some deliveries in my day, and I reported close to all my tips but taxes sucked that year

G5inmind

The thing is I never carry cash, I guess that keeps me from tipping