The Emster's Paws Guide to Tipping Service People
The holidays have just ended, the tips and bonuses are in, and while every penny is appreciated we discovered that it's often more difficult to determine how much to give rather than just give.
The case the prompted this article being written was a client had just completed a move and was uncertain how much to tip the movers. The client had intended to give the movers $200 to divide amongst themselves but after searching online found out that the average tip is $5 per mover per hour. She ended up tipping the movers correctly, at a total of $1000 and was embarrassed to discover how close she came to giving them 1/5 of what might've been expected.
Similarly, when once completing my own short move, I ended up tipping movers $200 for about 6 hours of work. There was a flight of stairs involved and it was from an apartment in the city to Westchester. That $200 was about 20% the cost of the move, but based on the tipping guide our client found, I overtipped by more than 300%. Again, the movers probably appreciate anything and everything and since people don't move every year perhaps they take tips with a grain of salt...
Unfortunately for movers and the rest of us, there isn't a handy printout that calculates conventional gratuity like they do at many restaurants.
With that in mind, here is a complete guide to tipping service people we see every day. Organized alphabetically.
As a final thought before you get into the list -- really whatever you choose to give is appreciated. If you think something is perhaps too much based on your experience with the service received, then feel free to give less. Likewise if you think the suggested standard is too little based on the experience you receive and your relationship with the provider, feel free to give more.
If you put yourself in your provider's shoes, that will count most.
APARTMENT BUILDING PORTER
$15-30
APARTMENT BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT
$25-$100 (depending on if you tip throughout the year)
APARTMENT BUILDING DOOR MAN
$25 and up.
AUTO MECHANIC
$15-$40 around the Holidays, but tipping is typically not expected
BARBER/HAIR DRESSER
15%-20%
DOG GROOMER
15%-20% of the service
DOG WALKER
One week's pay; if you have multiple walkers you would leave it for the company to be divided
DRY CLEANER
$2-$5 per service
HANDYMAN
$20-$50
LANDSCAPER
$20 per worker
MOVER
$20-$50 per mover, or you can calculate $5 per person per hour
MAID
An extra 20% if they come monthly, otherwise one to two week's of pay.
NANNY
One week's pay for a full time nanny, $25-$50 for a part timer
NAIL SALON
Extra 20% or $20.
PERSONAL TRAINER
Cost of one session
PLUMBER/CONTRACTORS/WORKMEN
Check with the company -- some companies don't want subcontractors tipped
POST MAN
$25 -- government workers are technically not allowed to receive tips in excess of $25, although they probably don't mind if you do.
SANITATION WORKER (GARBAGE MEN)
$25 -- government workers are technically not allowed to receive tips in excess of $25, although they probably don't mind if you do.
SCHOOL BUS DRIVER
$5-$20 with a thank you note from the kids.
SPECIAL DELIVERY MAN (UPS or FEDEX)
$25-$50
TUTOR/TEACHERS
$20 or more
Sources:
http://cooperator.com/article/tips-about-tipping/full#cut
http://www.brickunderground.com/blog/2013/11/brickundergrounds_2013_holiday_tipping_guide
http://whiteplains.dailyvoice.com/lifestyle/what-to-tip-for-the-holidays-westchester-expert-offers-advice/515155/
http://peopleof.oureverydaylife.com/much-should-tip-mechanic-9458.html
http://www.animalbehaviorcollege.com/blog/do-you-tip-dog-groomers/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2014/12/02/the-ultimate-end-of-year-tipping-guide-who-to-tip-how-much-and-other-rules/#27150a3f493a
http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/money/money-etiquette/tipping-etiquette-guide
