I’m not a US News & World Report subscriber, though I admit they’re often a first choice when I’m at the airport news stand. I stumbled on their piece about appropriate amounts to tip at year end, and thought I would pass along the key points. This is always a “nail-biter” for me. I want to show my appreciation. I value courtesy and think it’s important to extend it whenever possible. However, it’s not obvious to me how one determines where the number is between doing a Scrooge imitation or acting like Daddy Warbucks.
So here’s the scoop according the US News:
- The postman can get up to $20, but it’s OK to leave cookies or a little gift instead. Newspaper delivery came in a little understand the postman with a $10 to $20 recommendation. For the garbage truck they recommended $20 for each person on the truck. (Oops, I’ve definitely under done that one for years.)
- They suggest collaborating with other parents to come up with between $100 to $300 for daycare. (I always did cookies for that!)
- For your cleaning lady or any other personal service provider you see at least once a month (massage, personal trainer, etc.) they recommend the value of one visit.
Of course, the minute someone puts a number on something I have this uncontrollable impulse to benchmark. Kiplinger recommendations run along the same lines as US News, though they did suggest just $25 to $75 for the day care provider. (I still think a personal gift is a better bet for that one.) Another area of difference from US News was a flat rate of $50 for a personal trainer and the cost of one visit for your hairstylist. Interestingly the Kiplinger folks opine that if the provider of personal services acts as a confidant as well as their official job title, you should throw in a little extra.
Martha Stewart had a few ideas surprised me. She frowns on giving home-made gifts in lieu of a holiday tip, which she suggests should be only for friends and family. OK, so not everyone can be Martha Stewart, but if you take the time to make something, I think it sends a nice message. Oh well, one of us is famous for our social suggestions, and it’s not me. So I guess I’ll hang up my glue gun. I will agree with Martha on another topic. She said no need to send some cash back to your accountant if you appreciate the job done on the tax return. Just a thank you card and repeat business will do.
The final note in the US News article is one I have argued for years – the standard tip now is 20%. 15% is archaic. I joined the 20% club after finding the right answer to the New York Times crossword puzzle clue on standard tip amount was – 20%.