A Tip For A Slip

(I work at a furniture retail store where customers can drop off their kids to play for free for an hour while they shop. I’m checking out a young girl when her mom gives her $2.)

Mom: “Now give it to her.”

Daughter: “This is for you.”

(The daughter hands me $2 as a tip!)

Me: “Oh, my god, for me? Thank you so much, but I don’t know if I’m allowed to take this.” *calling over to my more experienced coworker* “[Coworker], are we allowed to take tips?”

Coworker: “No, unfortunately not.”

(I give the daughter her $2 back.)

Me: “I’m sorry; I’m not allowed to take tips, but thank you so much for wanting to give me one! That is so sweet of you guys! If you want, you could fill out a positive comment sheet instead, if you have time. Seriously, though, that really cheered me up and made my day!”

(The mom and daughter did fill out a glowing positive comment sheet for our department. No one’s ever tried to tip me before and it did make my day!)