Would you tip the lottery store where you bought your winning tickets after a big win?
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The shopkeeper at my local lotto store gave me a smile. "How are you today?" she asked.
"I have something for you," I said, slipping her an envelope, and watching as she opened it.
"Oh my goodness!" she said, "Is this for real?" She flipped through the notes that I knew added up to $1,000 in total.
I explained to her that when I won some serious prizes I would share some of my winnings with her. And I always follow through.
Now I'm one of their favorite clients.
Some people don't think a tip is necessary. They argue that the shop may get publicity from the winning tickets anyway, and in some countries some lottery franchisees get a small percentage of the prize.
But I recommend you tip the store for these reasons:
It makes you unforgettable. Just think of the number of winners who don't tip (and from my talks with many shops - they don't). It's always a good thing to have some karmic credit going.
You will be popular with them for years ahead. You may get special treatment and little discounts here and there that add up to a very happy way to shop.
It is no loss to you if you only give in proportion to your prize. My own guide is for every prize of $50,000 I would give $1,000. Under that it would be 1%, starting at $1,000.
What a great way to start thinking about distributing your riches! What do you think?
