Holiday Cards or Holiday Cringe? The Pool Pro Dilemma

As the holiday season approaches, pool service professionals face a recurring dilemma that has divided the industry for years: should you give holiday cards to your customers? Is it a thoughtful gesture that strengthens client relationships, or does it come across as a not-so-subtle hint for holiday tips? In this episode of Talking Pools Podcast, industry veterans Andrea and Paulette dive deep into this controversial topic, sharing their experiences and offering practical advice for navigating the holiday season as a pool professional.

The Great Holiday Card Debate: Genuine Gesture or Tip Fishing?

The conversation around holiday cards in the pool industry is more complex than you might think. Many service professionals have heard success stories from colleagues who claim that sending cards leads to substantial holiday tips. But is there truth to these claims, or is it just wishful thinking?

So like when I first started, I would hear people saying, Oh, you've been giving out Christmas cards. And I would be like, what? And they would be the people that would brag about like how they got a couple grand and tips or whatever, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. And so they're like, Oh, that's how I get so many tips is because I hand out Christmas cards.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

Andrea's experience reveals a common pattern in the industry: those who send cards often attribute their holiday tips to this practice. However, the reality might be more nuanced. The pressure to follow suit can be intense, especially when you hear colleagues boasting about their holiday windfall.

The underlying concern many professionals share is whether sending holiday cards creates an awkward expectation. Does it put customers in an uncomfortable position where they feel obligated to reciprocate with a tip? This question strikes at the heart of maintaining professional boundaries while still showing appreciation for valued clients.

Creative Alternatives to Traditional Holiday Cards

For those who want to show appreciation without the potential awkwardness of traditional cards, there are creative alternatives that can feel more genuine and useful. Andrea shares her own approach to this challenge:

What I did was I bought those cute little thermometers of like different little sea creatures and stuff, whatever... Because they were cheap enough. Yeah, like 10 bucks. Yeah, well, it cost me like five, like four. So the price of a card. Yeah, exactly. And cards are the same. So I just put a wrapped a bow around the thermometer and left it on people.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This approach offers several advantages over traditional cards:

• It provides practical value to the customer
• The cost is comparable to quality holiday cards
• It's useful for pool maintenance year-round
• It doesn't feel like an obvious request for reciprocation

The key insight here is that if you choose to give something, make it functional rather than purely sentimental. Pool-related gifts like thermometers, test strips, or small maintenance tools show thoughtfulness while reinforcing your professional expertise.

The Reality Check: Do Holiday Gestures Actually Increase Tips?

One of the most important questions surrounding holiday cards is whether they actually work to increase tips. Andrea's honest assessment provides valuable perspective for pool professionals considering this strategy:

So some people thanked me, but I don't feel like it got me more tips. I think the people that tip me would have tipped me regardless. Right. So I don't think it got me with any more tips.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This observation aligns with what many service professionals discover: customer tipping behavior is generally consistent and based on their personal values and financial situation rather than gestures like holiday cards. Customers who appreciate your service and have the means to tip will likely do so regardless of whether you give them a card.

This reality check is crucial for pool professionals, especially employees who might feel pressured to spend their own money on cards for dozens of customers. The expectation that holiday cards will lead to significant tips may be more myth than reality.

Employee vs. Owner Perspectives on Holiday Gestures

The decision to give holiday cards or gifts becomes more complex when considering the difference between business owners and employees. Andrea makes an important distinction:

And the other thing is I'm the owner operator of the company. They're already paying you. Yeah, they're already paying me and they're already there. You know, the people that know me that I've been doing their pool forever are going to tip me anyways. I don't think that mattered. And I think if you're an employee, you shouldn't have to give out cards.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

This perspective highlights several key considerations:

• Financial burden: Employees shouldn't bear the cost of marketing gestures
• Established relationships: Long-term service relationships are built on quality work, not holiday gestures
• Professional boundaries: Clear expectations benefit both service providers and customers

For business owners, the calculation is different since holiday gestures can be considered a marketing expense. However, even owners should carefully consider whether their budget and time are better spent elsewhere.

Taking Holiday Time Off: Setting Boundaries as a Professional

Beyond the card debate, the podcast addresses another crucial holiday topic: taking time off during the busy holiday season. This decision requires careful planning and clear communication with customers.

Andrea shares her approach to holiday scheduling, which demonstrates how to maintain professional boundaries while respecting customer needs. The key is advance communication and setting expectations from the beginning of the service relationship.

Her strategy includes:

• Sending advance email notifications about holiday schedules
• Informing new customers upfront about vacation policies
• Maintaining service the week of holidays when customers may have guests
• Taking the week between Christmas and New Year's off

The response from customers is generally positive when the communication is clear and professional. Most understand that service providers deserve holiday time with their families, just like everyone else.

Practical Guidelines for Holiday Decision-Making

Based on the insights shared in this episode, here are some practical guidelines for pool professionals navigating the holiday season:

If you choose to give something:

• Make it functional rather than purely decorative
• Keep costs reasonable (comparable to a quality card)
• Don't expect it to significantly impact your tips
• Consider it a relationship-building gesture, not an investment

If you prefer not to give anything:

• Continue providing excellent service as usual
• Remember that quality work speaks louder than cards
• Don't feel pressured by what other professionals do
• Focus your holiday budget on personal and family priorities

For taking holiday time off:

• Communicate your schedule well in advance
• Set expectations with new customers from the start
• Provide basic maintenance instructions for extended breaks
• Don't feel guilty about taking deserved time off

Building Long-Term Customer Relationships

The most valuable insight from this discussion may be that successful customer relationships in the pool industry are built on consistent, quality service rather than holiday gestures. Customers value reliability, expertise, and professionalism throughout the year.

Rather than focusing on whether to send holiday cards, pool professionals might better invest their time and energy in:

• Maintaining excellent service standards
• Communicating proactively about pool issues
• Educating customers about proper pool care
• Being responsive to customer concerns
• Building trust through honest, professional interactions

These fundamental business practices create the foundation for long-term success and customer satisfaction that extends far beyond any single holiday season.

The holiday season presents unique challenges and opportunities for pool service professionals. Whether you choose to send cards, give small gifts, or simply continue providing excellent service, the key is making decisions that align with your values, budget, and business goals. Most importantly, remember that your worth as a service professional isn't measured by holiday tips or customer gifts, but by the consistent quality of your work and the relationships you build throughout the year.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
• 08:30 The Holiday Card Dilemma Discussion
• 15:45 Alternative Gift Ideas and Personal Experience
• 22:10 Employee vs Owner Perspectives
• 28:20 Holiday Vacation Time and Boundaries
• 35:15 Customer Communication Strategies