Hey guys,
I work in retail and I usually get tips, not a lot but like 5 dollars, 10, one time 50 every 4 to 6 months. Sometimes customers would buy me coffee, drinks, chocolates etc.
But I had a small argument with my manager regarding cash tips and gifts.
I argued that a retail employee can accept gifts or cash if it's reasonable value and if I still treat them equally like anyone else. In my retail job, it's very hard to bypass the system to have a customer have a significant advantage over other customers. For example: If a customer gives me a $20 tip for my service, and they come in the next time, I seriously cannot offer them any discounts, freebies etc etc. Therefor, I am treating that customer like any other customer.
My manager stated any cash tips or any gifts needs to be declined. I advised that accepting tips is not illegal whether its in cash form or other forms of payment such as chocolates, BUT i did say accepting tips with significant value needs to be reassessed. For example: If a customer gives me $200, I need to claim that through tax.
I remember finding a website on guidelines and the legalities of accepting gifts or cash from customers but when I tried googling it, I can't seem to find it.
But my question to you guys, what are you thoughts of it?