Should I buy our landscapers lunch one day?

MichaelT21 (Arkansas)
Posts: 462

Posted:

We are doing a large landscaping project. It is labor intensive and hard work. The 3-man crew is doing a good job so far and I expect that to continue.

Should I buy them lunch one day? There is a restaurant nearby that sells the cuisine that I believe the landscapers would like.

We don't have HOA budget for this so it would be a personal expense.

Thoughts?

MaxB4
Posts: 3,513

Posted:

Sure, out of your pocket, as you are an affluent neighborhood. BTW, it's called Mexican food.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

I don't see a problem with it - as long as it's out of your own pocket and you don't expect any special favors for free, I think it's a nice gesture.

Unlike Max's snarky comment - if you think you were being funny, you weren't, and I'd LOVE to see you say that in front of these workers. It's really a shame some people get more idiotic as they get older... I guess that's why some folks say be careful how you treat your children because they'll be picking your nursing home.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

MaxB4
Posts: 3,513

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SheliaH on 09/19/2022 6:47 PM
I don't see a problem with it - as long as it's out of your own pocket and you don't expect any special favors for free, I think it's a nice gesture.

Unlike Max's snarky comment - if you think you were being funny, you weren't, and I'd LOVE to see you say that in front of these workers. It's really a shame some people get more idiotic as they get older... I guess that's why some folks say be careful how you treat your children because they'll be picking your nursing home.

I would say it every day of the week and twice on Sundays. My wife is Mexican, and proud of it!

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

As Max posted:

If you want to buy them lunch, great. YOU pay for it.
The HOA should not.

JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SheliaH on 09/19/2022 6:47 PM
I don't see a problem with it - as long as it's out of your own pocket and you don't expect any special favors for free, I think it's a nice gesture.

Unlike Max's snarky comment - if you think you were being funny, you weren't, and I'd LOVE to see you say that in front of these workers. It's really a shame some people get more idiotic as they get older... I guess that's why some folks say be careful how you treat your children because they'll be picking your nursing home.

How would you ask the workers? "Hey guys can I buy you lunch with the cuisine that I believe you will like?"

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Your dime or you here people whine... Plus do not be shocked if they do not accept it. They are a business too and may have their own rules. Plus plan ahead of purchasing with the contactor. That way their workers are not already had lunch plans or lunches brought in. Follow through as well...

Former HOA President

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnT38 on 09/20/2022 3:55 AM

Posted By SheliaH on 09/19/2022 6:47 PM
I don't see a problem with it - as long as it's out of your own pocket and you don't expect any special favors for free, I think it's a nice gesture.

Unlike Max's snarky comment - if you think you were being funny, you weren't, and I'd LOVE to see you say that in front of these workers. It's really a shame some people get more idiotic as they get older... I guess that's why some folks say be careful how you treat your children because they'll be picking your nursing home.

How would you ask the workers? "Hey guys can I buy you lunch with the cuisine that I believe you will like?"

I would try "hey guys can I buy you lunch? I was thinking of something from Tom's diner down the street." Fir all we know they've passed the restaurant and know what's served there. if not, get a menu and let them look at it. People DO eat a variety of food, after all, so if I end up getting a few sammies from Subway or whatever, that'll work. So Michael may have been overthinking this - again.

As for you, Max, you do know two things can be true at the same time, correct? I'm sure you love your wife, but that doesn't mean you're incapable of saying dumb things. She may think it was innocent, but others might say otherwise.

I know I've said my share of snarky things on this website and everywhere else, but it really is easier to try to be kind and treat people as you want to be treated. Which usually means not making assumptions about them based on superficial mess like religion, race,gender, age and all that

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

MaxB4
Posts: 3,513

Posted:

A few "sammies" from Subway? Seriously.

MaxB4
Posts: 3,513

Posted:

Sheila,

It was I that said " there is a place that sell the cusine that they like".

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

It is a simpler and probably better appreciated if you just give them each a 20 and say this is for lunch today.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Some vendors have a strict rule about accepting gifts from clients - check with the company owner before you try this.

Also, these folks are on a schedule. If you just show up one day with food, you'll delay them.

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CathyA3 on 09/20/2022 7:34 AM
Some vendors have a strict rule about accepting gifts from clients - check with the company owner before you try this.

Also, these folks are on a schedule. If you just show up one day with food, you'll delay them.

Should have added: often the best thing syou can do is to tell the boss in writing that the crew has been doing a great job, and to recommend the company to others. The latter pays dividends long after that lunch is history.

AugustinD
Posts: 1,027

Posted:

The net

says that tipping by buying lunch or bringing substantial snacks to folks laboring outdoors on one's home project is encouraged. I would bear in mind CathyA3's caveats about confirming the supervisors are okay with this.

However I would not accompany the crew to lunch (not sure this is what MichaelT21 meant). Out of my own pocket, I'd prepare some chilled bottles of gatorade and attach a gift card to each bottle, to a restaurant down the street, stating something like, "I hope you might use this for lunch or dinner or a break. The work you are doing is fantastic!"

I am reading a book that speaks to the personal side of labor abuse. Lots of folks just want to be appreciated. Too often they do not get this in today's workforce. Hence I support this "tip," again not paid by the HOA.

ND (PA)
Posts: 792

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MaxB4 on 09/19/2022 5:20 PM
Sure, out of your pocket, as you are an affluent neighborhood. BTW, it's called Mexican food.

Mike/Henry . . . when you're not out breathing down the necks of your hired-help while they labor in the hot washington (errr rhode island) sun, do you just sit at home all day thinking up the next goofy questions/ideas to toss out to the group here and then figure out how to word it most awkwardly for maximum reaction?

"There is a restaurant nearby that sells the cuisine that I believe the landscapers would like." That is one of the goofiest statements I've heard in a while. And Max responded exactly the same thing I was going to say.

I think they enjoy Corona beer too. Grab some of that while you're at it!

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By ND on 09/20/2022 10:04 AM

Posted By MaxB4 on 09/19/2022 5:20 PM
Sure, out of your pocket, as you are an affluent neighborhood. BTW, it's called Mexican food.

Mike/Henry . . . when you're not out breathing down the necks of your hired-help while they labor in the hot washington (errr rhode island) sun, do you just sit at home all day thinking up the next goofy questions/ideas to toss out to the group here and then figure out how to word it most awkwardly for maximum reaction?

"There is a restaurant nearby that sells the cuisine that I believe the landscapers would like." That is one of the goofiest statements I've heard in a while. And Max responded exactly the same thing I was going to say.

I think they enjoy Corona beer too. Grab some of that while you're at it!

Well said.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By MaxB4 on 09/20/2022 5:16 AM
A few "sammies" from Subway? Seriously.

One of our MX landscapers turned me into a TOGO's pastrami customer.