Lottery Tickets or Cash?

Richard · Dec 17, 2022

I hit the road for work. At times, I'm leaving at 5:30 in the morning. On these days that I leave home, I go by Hardee's to get an egg biscuit. Been doing this for years.

The gal that "mans" the window knows my voice so she's always looking out for my order to be correct (as I'm sure she does with everyone) but since she knows my voice (as I'm sure she recognizes others too) she knows for example to add some salt packs...

Last couple Christmas seasons, I'll go through and when I hand her my card to pay, I'll just add a $20 bill to it for her as sort of a thank you for being there, being willing to get up early so that someone like me can drive through for a biscuit, blah blah blah....

My wife loves the little $1-3 scratch off lottery things. So I thought I'd get my wife 20 or so as a bit of a stocking stuffer. If she wins/loses, fine, she loves the process and tension of finding out...

My light bulb went off (one of my clients buys these small tickets and won $500,000 about two years ago) So I thought of the gal at Hardee's..... got me thinking....

1. Do I slip her a $20 like I've done over the years or
2. Do I hand her 5-10 lottery tickets that might win $5.00 or $50K or something large like that

Thoughts?

(I realize the lottery tickets are not likely winners BUT people DO win something from time to time)

EarPlug · Dec 17, 2022

Both - $20 AND the Lottery Tickets.

Jstpssng · Dec 17, 2022

Some people would enjoy the tickets. Others don't. If you don't know about her, I would stick with the cash. Or better yet, cover all of the bases and do as the poster above me suggests.

Richard · Dec 17, 2022

Well... stupid me.... I have to admit, I hadn't even thought of both.

Problem solved, thanks for the kick in the pants!!

ericm979 · Dec 17, 2022

Folks who work in chain fast food places don't make much money and could likely use the cash for regular expenses. If she really likes the lottery she could spend some of the cash on that.

It's nice that you're thinking of her.

sixdogs · Dec 17, 2022

Go with the cash only. Anything else says you are tying to manipulate her into your way of thinking rather than just making a cash gift that allows her to decide what to do with her own money.

It's like taking a secretary out to lunch for Secretaries Day, if it even exists any longer when all I have ever asked just wanted the cash.

thepumpguysc · Dec 17, 2022

My wife loves the scratch offs.!!!
Her boys give her and I 100.00 worth every year for a Christmas present..
She’s like a fiend with a habit.!! Lol

sandman2234 · Dec 17, 2022

I agree with the both, if it isn't too much. A $20 is a great tip for a regular customer but to add one or two small value scratch off tickets to it would be a bonus, but only if they were winners. If they aren't winners, then the disappointment would be a lot greater and most people in that line of work probably have enough disappointments that they can share them with others and not run out.
I would keep the majority of the gift in cash, with a little bit of a gamble for the rest. If she doesn't show up for work next week, you will know you did a good job of picking the right tickets!
David from jax

bigtiller · Dec 17, 2022

Cash only, and she'll have a smile on her face all day.
Loto tickets will entertain her for 60 seconds and the odds of a winner among them is slim.

MossRoad · Dec 17, 2022

Nice job, Richard.

I'd still give her the $20 and maybe a lottery ticket or two. That way she's a winner already, and maybe a little more, but in no way a disappointment.