« Going to the Christmas tree farm: a family tradition | Main | Just don't hate me »

December 5, 2007

Open up those wallets -- it's holiday tipping time

Here's the big question most of us have during the holidays: How much do you tip service providers?

According to a nationwide Angie’s List poll, a third of respondents don’t tip their service providers during the holidays. Of those that skip out on tips, 24 percent say it’s because they don’t know how much to give.

To help sort through the confusion, Angie’s List consulted with several etiquette experts and service companies. “Tips are meant to be rewards for good service as well as supplement a person’s income,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “So don’t let your uncertainty stop you from tipping. In fact, most experts say 'when in doubt, tip big.' "

The tipping experts say that it’s important to consider whether the contractor is someone you rely on regularly throughout the year, or someone you use occasionally, or only once.

“If it’s someone you use throughout the year, like a house cleaner or a babysitter, instead of a tip of cash, a gift at the holidays might be more appropriate,” Hicks says. “And for those one-time services, the tip can be determined by the size of the job and how well they did it."

With help from the experts, Angie’s List offers the following advice to help consumers get through the holiday season:

* Personal shoppers/concierge/errand services – tip of 15 to 20 percent is recommended, possibly more, depending on the complexity or amount of work you have them do for you.

* Hair stylists -- According to Angie's List, you don't have to give as much of a tip if you regularly tip your hair stylist every time you get a haircut. But, according to an Angie's List poll, 70 percent of respondents do tip their hair stylist during the holidays. The average tip: 15-20 percent of the total hair cut bill.

* Contractors who help hang your decorations, lights, etc. – A tip of $20 to $50 for the crew may be in order, again based on the complexity of the task.

* Event entertainment, such as Santa impersonators, carolers or musicians – a tip of 15 to 20 percent is appropriate.

* Bag boys or others who help carry your packages to your car – a tip of $1 per package/bag may be in order, though probably no more than $5.

* Chefs or caterers -- If you use this service throughout the year, a tip of $25 to $50 may be appropriate or a gift of equal value. If you hire the chef for a holiday party or family gathering, tip 15 to 20 percent based on the final cost. However, many advise you shouldn’t include the cost of alcohol in determining the tip amount. That decision, however, is up to you.

* House cleaners -- Many suggest $25 to $50, a day’s pay or a gift of equal value. If you use a service that sends a different house cleaner each time, this may not be necessary, unless you ask them to do some one-time tasks to help you prepare for the holidays – such as helping unpack and put up decorations; a deep cleaning before a party, etc.

* Babysitters, nannies and childcare providers -- For babysitters, the recommendation is a gift at the holidays from your kids, plus one or two nights pay. For a full-time nanny, one to four weeks’ pay plus a small gift from your kids is appropriate. For standard childcare providers, a gift at the holidays and $25 to $75 each. This may not be appropriate for some pre-kindergarten child care/education providers. Check with the manager of the facility to see what’s appropriate, which may be a small gift from your kids.

* Contractors you use year-round (such as yard workers, handymen, etc.) -- A tip of $20 to $50 may be in order.

* Mail carriers and daily paperboy -- Though the U.S. Postal Service frowns on gratuities and gifts for mail carriers, authorities request that the gift or gratuity be $20 or less. For daily newspaper delivery, a holiday tip of $15 to $25 is appropriate.

Posted by Karen Bordeleau  at 11:58 AM to Christmas 2007 | Permalink

Comments

Post a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published.

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)

Please type the security code below into the form.