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Without getting into too many details, I would like to send a colleague money (about $400 or so) anonymously. We both worked on a community-oriented project of sorts, I got paid for it and she didn't, and she probably worked a hundred more hours than I did on it, for free. I have worked on the same project in the past, expected to work as hard on it this year, and I worked out a deal to get paid. As it turns out, I didn't need to work as much on it, but she did. I'm also certain she doesn't know I got paid for it. As I said, I'm leaving out the details, but I certainly can't give her the money outright (she'd turn me down, I'm sure). I'll type a note to go along with it that will thank her for her work and dedication, and say that she deserves some compensation for it.
Anyway, how can I get the money to her anonymously, while at the same time ensuring that she does, indeed, get it? I suppose I can set up some elaborate scheme where I ask her to send an e-mail to an anonymous address saying she received it, but that seems hokey. I can also just send it (a money order? A certified bank check?) to her workplace and assume she'll get it, but she works at a large, inefficient place, and I'm not 100% sure she'd get it. Hmm. Ideas?
-Tofer
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If I received a $400 money order out of nowhere I would be VERY suspicious and probably wouldn't try to cash it.
I would get her a Visa or Amex gift card or check in the amount you mention and try to find a way to leave it on her desk with a note that simply says Your hard work on the xyz event did not go unrecognized. Thank you!
If that won't work, you can always send it via messenger or certified mail with to her home.
DM
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Your generosity is commendable, Tofer; my hat is off to you.
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Slip it to her with a card and explain yourself as you did here. Then you can decline to take it back.
In this case, honesty IS the best policy.
DUH, just read what dmann said.
OK, my work here is done.
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what is the point of sending her money if she doesn't know it is you giving it to her????
if you think that she is pissed that you got paid.... Do Not give her the money anon... it just does not make sense.
It sounds like you are trying to resolve an issue in an ineffective way.
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sucker.
You worked out a better deal than she did, and it's your responsibility to give her half of what you managed to get simply by asking for it?
Do you poll people on the airplane after you get on, and then give refunds out of your savings to the people who got a worse deal on their tickets and paid more?
Do you go through your office on payday and find the loading dock guys and give them cash out of your paycheck because they make less than you do?
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If you can get her home address wrap cash up in a couple pages and mail it. Trick is getting her home address. With so many scams going on getting a money order or the like would make me doubt it's legit. To make sure she gets it at the office send it certified. I wish I could work with nice people like you Tofer. Kudos.
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I agree with the "hand it over yourself" suggestions. The prepaid card seems to be a good idea; I'd bet she would have less resistance because it doesn't feel like real money.
Life is too strange nowadays to send it anonymously. Might flip her out or make her think she's got a stalker on her hands if it's anonymous.
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I think it may actually mean more to her if you give it her rather than if she received it anonymously.
