‘Tis the season for tipping — try these helpful hints
Jennifer Smythe, 27, of Succasunna, New Jersey, has so many people to tip around the holidays that she has to write out a list. First, there are the doormen, superintendent and maintenance men at her apartment building. Then there is her colorist. Oh, add in her hair stylist and the nice shampoo girl. “Did I mention my newspaper and mail carriers? I can’t even keep track of it all,” she explains.
The holidays are a time to open your heart and your wallet to those who provide services to you. Tipping is a way to express your gratitude for what you’ve received in the past months as well as for the service you will receive in the months ahead.
Who you tip and how much you tip is under constant debate. According to the Emily Post Institute, base your decision on how pleased you are with the service, your relationship with the provider, how often you use the service, how long you have used the service, your budget, your area’s customs, and the type of establishment (upscale versus one that’s more moderate).
Instead of just slipping the cash into an envelope, personalize it with a handwritten thank-you note. Some tipping suggestions:Baby sitters: an extra evening’s pay plus a small gift from children/child.
Hair salon staff: $10 to $60 each, giving extra money or an extra small gift to those who do more for you.
Building superintendents and doormen: $20 to $100.
Nannies, au pairs or housekeepers: One or two weeks pay plus small gift from your child or children.
Cleaning person: $25 to $50; one day’s pay or a gift equal to one day’s pay.
Newspaper carrier: Between $10 and $30.
Letter carrier: They are allowed to accept gifts worth up to $20.
In general, service workers get tips, which they rely on to supplement their income.
Jason Haber, 26, of New York, New York provides extra tips to people he visits frequently. “A tip is not something you prepare for,” he says. “It’s something that you respond to when you’ve been well taken care of.”
In some professions, a gift will suit the bill. Send your child’s teacher a book, picture frame or gourmet fruit basket. Thank your chiropractor with a plate of cookies. Mail your dentist a holiday card.
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to tipping in a tactful and tasteful manner.