Winston Churchill: We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give
Tipflation
Have we overdone it? Do you think that tipping became overdone in the Pandemic? Many today are tired of “tipflation” and believe tipping has taken over every service, including fast food, coffee shops, even retail and even medial offices.
The tipping culture in the US originates in part from employers being allowed to pay low wages leaving some workers to rely on tips to be able to pay their bills. In the 1960s, Congress allowed employers a “credit” for tips so they could pay workers less than the minimum wage under the theory that the workers received additional compensation from customer tips. This is especially true for restaurants, where workers rely on tips to survive.
But the theory does not necessarily apply to other workers. And where tips apply, what you give should reflect the quality of service provided; it should not be obligatory.
You may believe employers should pay more, but sometimes you are the one in that role, paying workers who rely on the tips. Other times, you may find a service charge already added so be careful not to also give a tip.
Update for holiday tipping
With this background on tipping in our country, we now turn to tipping for the holidays: This remains a time to say that special “thank you” to those who help get us and our families through each day, often throughout the whole year. These tips should be “from the heart,” as a symbol of gratitude, rather than being expected.
When you tip, please be mindful that the message you intend may not always be obvious. Your giving should show appreciation and respect. Sometimes a smile, a kind word or even a note can really make someone’s day and have more lasting meaning than a Starbucks gift card. Also be aware of any local customs to avoid anything uncomfortable. This is especially if you are outside the US.
Planning, budget and approach
Before you start giving anything, set a budget and make a list so you cover everyone fairly without overextending yourself. Some use an “up to” method for guidance, as in “up to one session,” or “up to a week’s salary,” etc.
Like the holidays, this should be fun rather than stressful. If you are sincere in expressing gratitude, people appreciate that you are doing what you can and often respond with the same cheer you demonstrated.
For those you can’t tip, you can still make them feel appreciated
If you had to call emergency services or had a great experience with someone else who is not allowed to receive a holiday tip, you can send letters of thanks directly to a local hospital, fire station or police department. You may be able to send a meal or buy coffee. Check for any online bulletin board in your town, both to post a thank you note and to see if there are other ways to acknowledge your those you appreciate.
“Neither snow nor rain…” – the delivery people
Despite the weather, terrain or traffic, your mail carriers, FedEx, UPS and Amazon drivers deliver your mail and packages every day and ensure that your online purchases arrive on time and in good condition.
As you decide what and how much to give, check each particular company’s gift giving restrictions:
1. Mail carriers – are prohibited from receiving any cash gifts and can get gifts valued no more than $20. Unfortunately, the limit has not increased for inflation.
2. FedEx – employees are prohibited from accepting gifts, but a wave, a smile or a note would be nice.
3. UPS – workers are allowed to accept tips, but UPS discourages the practice.
4. Newspaper delivery – if you still get the news in print, a gift of $15-$35 is standard.
5. Amazon driver – we suggest the same as for newspaper delivery.
6. Food delivery and curbside pickup – again we suggest the same as for newspaper delivery.
Caregivers for kids, parents and pets
Caregivers for your children, parents and pets can be lifesavers as they provide care, education, exercise, and attention to those you care about most. This is the time of year to let them know that you are thankful for all that they do. The amount of service they provide and the arrangement you have with them can dictate the appropriate gift level:
1. Nanny/au pair – a week’s salary and a small gift.
2. Daycare teachers – a $25-$75 gift.
3. Home healthcare worker – from one week up to a month’s salary. If tips are not permitted, consider cooking or baking something special. If the care is in a senior living or hospital setting, be sure to cover the whole shift.
4. Teacher – a small gift and a handmade card from your child. Note that a cash gift could be misconstrued as a bribe. You can pool resources with other parents for a gift card.
5. Dog walker – depending on your walker’s schedule, you may want to give a day’s pay up to a full week’s pay.
6. Dog groomer – from half up to the full cost for a single service.
If you contract any of these services through an agency, you may want to contact the agency to find out if they have a gift-giving policy in effect. If the agency prohibits gifts, consider alternatives like making a donation to the agency or sending in homemade cookies to the office, or sneak a Starbucks card into their stockings.
Home Maintenance
Whether you live in a single-family home or a large apartment building, it’s likely there is someone who services your home or property in some way.
1. Trash and recycling collectors – a gift of $25-$35, which you may want to mail directly to the collection company if you can’t safely leave for the collectors.
2. Door attendant – a gift of $25-$100, depending on their role during the year.
3. Regular cleaning person – up to the cost of one visit.
4. Landscapers/gardeners – a gift of $25-$50 per person or if you have just one person doing the work, up to the cost of one visit.
5. Parking garage attendant – a gift of $25-$50.
6. Building’s handyman, superintendent and custodian – a gift of $25-$100.
If you have someone who always goes the extra mile, such as a handyman who’s prompt and efficient or a door attendant who is quick to carry heavy packages for you, then a larger tip may be warranted.
Personal Services
It’s hard work keeping you fit, perfectly coiffed and beautiful, and ready to face the day. Now is a good time to show appreciation for those efforts, especially when they help you get that special appointment when you really need it. In deciding whether to tip and how much, consider this:
1. Hairdresser/manicurist – if you’re a frequent visitor, tip up to the cost of one visit. If you’re a less frequent customer, then $20. However, if you tip generously through the year, you do not need to give an extra tip at the end of the year. If multiple people work on your hair, divide the tip among them. And if any of them double as your therapist, add a bit more!
2. Personal trainer – up to the cost of one visit.
3. Massage therapist – also up to cost of one visit.
4. Golf or tennis instructor or sax teacher – up to one lesson or a thoughtful gift.
Good feedback is appreciated by their supervisor as well as by the people who are helping you out.
If you’re unable to tip or give a gift, a thoughtful thank you note will acknowledge the good work these people do for you throughout the year.
Send a thank you note to the supervisors of the people who provide you with great service throughout the year, letting them know how impressed you are with the service their people provide.
Enjoy the season!
- Steven
