Are homemade tip envelopes too "dorky" to give hired vehicle drivers?

[Weather_Lady]

We've always made our own envelopes to use when we tip housekeeping staff -- usually from colorful cardstock with a pretty pattern and the words, "Thank You Housekeeping" printed on the front -- so the housekeepers don't accidentally overlook their tip, and can be sure it's intended for them.

For our upcoming trip, we've reserved private town car transportation for our airport transfers, and for our mid-week move from a Universal Hotel to WDW. I had some extra homemade gratuity envelopes (in a sedate black-and-white toile cardstock pattern with the words "Thank You" in silver foil stickers) that I was going to use for the town car driver tips, but now I'm second-guessing myself. Are they too amateurish or dorky for use in that context? Is it more appropriate simply to hand over the naked cash or a tip in a plain white envelope? Or do you think the drivers even care? I just don't know whether they'll come off as a "sweet personal touch," or "oh look, it must have been craft time at the old folks' home!" All three rides will be with the same company, so I don't want to develop a reputation as that poor rube who can't seem to afford storebought envelopes.

Your thoughts -- especially if you're a savvy business traveler, which I have not been for nearly 20 years now -- are appreciated.

 

[KellBelle]

In full disclosure, I have not recently taken a paid car service, but I would think a tip would be greatly appreciated, no matter the packaging. For me personally, I would love a fun envelope!

 

[lewisc]

Either way the driver will appreciate the tip. I think its dorky. It's not like leaving a tip for housekeeping. The driver knows its a tip when you hand it to him

 

[Figgy1]

We've always made our own envelopes to use when we tip housekeeping staff -- usually from colorful cardstock with a pretty pattern and the words, "Thank You Housekeeping" printed on the front -- so the housekeepers don't accidentally overlook their tip, and can be sure it's intended for them.

For our upcoming trip, we've reserved private town car transportation for our airport transfers, and for our mid-week move from a Universal Hotel to WDW. I had some extra homemade gratuity envelopes (in a sedate black-and-white toile cardstock pattern with the words "Thank You" in silver foil stickers) that I was going to use for the town car driver tips, but now I'm second-guessing myself. Are they too amateurish or dorky for use in that context? Is it more appropriate simply to hand over the naked cash or a tip in a plain white envelope? Or do you think the drivers even care? I just don't know whether they'll come off as a "sweet personal touch," or "oh look, it must have been craft time at the old folks' home!" All three rides will be with the same company, so I don't want to develop a reputation as that poor rube who can't seem to afford storebought envelopes.

Your thoughts -- especially if you're a savvy business traveler, which I have not been for nearly 20 years now -- are appreciated.

I think it's a brilliant and fun idea! IMHO the odds of bringing a smile to somebody who may be having a rough day is worth it.

 

[mkt]

I just hand them cash and say thank you.

 

[Bullseye1967]

We've always made our own envelopes to use when we tip housekeeping staff -- usually from colorful cardstock with a pretty pattern and the words, "Thank You Housekeeping" printed on the front -- so the housekeepers don't accidentally overlook their tip, and can be sure it's intended for them.

For our upcoming trip, we've reserved private town car transportation for our airport transfers, and for our mid-week move from a Universal Hotel to WDW. I had some extra homemade gratuity envelopes (in a sedate black-and-white toile cardstock pattern with the words "Thank You" in silver foil stickers) that I was going to use for the town car driver tips, but now I'm second-guessing myself. Are they too amateurish or dorky for use in that context? Is it more appropriate simply to hand over the naked cash or a tip in a plain white envelope? Or do you think the drivers even care? I just don't know whether they'll come off as a "sweet personal touch," or "oh look, it must have been craft time at the old folks' home!" All three rides will be with the same company, so I don't want to develop a reputation as that poor rube who can't seem to afford storebought envelopes.

Your thoughts -- especially if you're a savvy business traveler, which I have not been for nearly 20 years now -- are appreciated.

Go for it! You may just brighten someone's day.