How Much Should You Be Tipping This Holiday Season?
by Alissa, Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Alissa, Writer, Chicagoan-at-Heart, Tapas Lover, Olive Oil Connoisseur, and Ready for Her Next Big City Adventure(!)
2009 was a toughie, no?
Even though I'm thankful that I now have gainful employment, I'd be dreaming to say that my bank account has fully recovered from the mess that was being laid-off. But, while I'm still trying to get my savings back up to less-anxiety filled levels of green, I definitely understand that a lot of folks have had it worse than me this year. A lot of folks have more responsibility than themselves and a rented apartment.
So, in a way, I want to make sure that I tip well in 2009. I once read a statistic that the working-class tip better than the upper-class. It is probably because they know better than anyone how hard it can be to earn a buck.
The tip numbers below are from 2008 -- but levels should be the same this year as we're still recession-erific.
Cleaning person - $50
Hairdresser - $20
Manicurist - $20
Newspaper carrier - $20
Barber - $15
Building superintendent - $25
Doorman - $10-80
Pet-care provider - $25
Mail carrier - $20
Fitness instructor - $25
If you're interested, The New York Times' City Blog did a pretty comprehensive guide in 2007 which discusses both the history and merits of tipping. It's kinda nerdy interesting, actually. Basically, it says that while tipping is a means to express appreciation, it also is a down payment towards good service in the year to come both for service providers and for professional employees.
I guess, it comes down to this - is there someone that provides a consistent service for you? If so, why not take thank them if you financially can. If you can't do it financially, bake them some cookie or write them a nice note. A bit of appreciation can go a long way.
Even though I'm thankful that I now have gainful employment, I'd be dreaming to say that my bank account has fully recovered from the mess that was being laid-off. But, while I'm still trying to get my savings back up to less-anxiety filled levels of green, I definitely understand that a lot of folks have had it worse than me this year. A lot of folks have more responsibility than themselves and a rented apartment.
So, in a way, I want to make sure that I tip well in 2009. I once read a statistic that the working-class tip better than the upper-class. It is probably because they know better than anyone how hard it can be to earn a buck.
The tip numbers below are from 2008 -- but levels should be the same this year as we're still recession-erific.
Cleaning person - $50
Hairdresser - $20
Manicurist - $20
Newspaper carrier - $20
Barber - $15
Building superintendent - $25
Doorman - $10-80
Pet-care provider - $25
Mail carrier - $20
Fitness instructor - $25
If you're interested, The New York Times' City Blog did a pretty comprehensive guide in 2007 which discusses both the history and merits of tipping. It's kinda nerdy interesting, actually. Basically, it says that while tipping is a means to express appreciation, it also is a down payment towards good service in the year to come both for service providers and for professional employees.
I guess, it comes down to this - is there someone that provides a consistent service for you? If so, why not take thank them if you financially can. If you can't do it financially, bake them some cookie or write them a nice note. A bit of appreciation can go a long way.
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