Q: At my office, one woman collects money from everyone on a monthly basis to “cover the cost of birthday cards.” While I think this is a nice gesture, recently the “fee” has doubled. What’s an appropriate way of objecting to this collection?
A: Just say no politely, and without any judgment or accusation: “Thanks for asking, but the cost is becoming more than I can handle right now.” Or you can suggest alternatives, such as using a card-making program on a computer. Remember, though, that if you make a suggestion you could suddenly find yourself in charge. You may even conclude, after thinking the matter over, that the best course of action is to keep quiet and pay up. Don’t forget, your co-worker is not only collecting money but also spending her time picking out cards.
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Well as each employee only has one birthday a year and a card cost maybe $4 for an expensive card monthly collections of more then 33 cents per person seems out of line unless there is something going on. If that 33 cents went up to even a dollar I would think it out of line unless there is more then just cards being purchased with that money. However up to a dollar I would pay without questioning at the point of a dollar I would suggest that perhaps a box of generic all purpose birthday cards be purchases and used as then cards go for about 50 cents to a dollar each.
But is there are only cards being spent it seems like monthly collections are overboard.
Not to be snarky but, collecting money on a monthly basis for birthday cards?! The standard card at Hallmark is between $2.95-$4.99. Assuming that there are 12 employees with 1 birthday in each month, you should not be giving anything more than 45 cents. Anything else she is “charging” is her making some extra dough. If she were bringing cupcakes or a cake or something of the like, a “monthly fee” might be warranted for the actual cake or baking supplies.
In my mother’s office, they have a nice alternative solution to the birthday card issue. In the beginning of the year, each person randomly chooses another and you are responsible for that person’s “birthday party.” You bring in a card for everyone to sign and some sort of snack to share. This eliminates having to go around every single month with a collection bin.
I would hope the Birthday Card collection also funds cards for graduations, births, condolences, retirements and any number of other things.
I think an annual collection would be more effective and less annoying than a monthly one, but when the business year starts is perhaps less clear in some professions than my own (education). We also have near zero turnover during a year.
Opting out is certainly an option.
Just say “NO!”