LULU and LATTE’S GUIDE TO TIPPING DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The famous question this time of year is “how much do I tip the hairdresser, the nanny, the garbageman, etc?” Obviously, everybody should tip what they are most comfortable giving to their service provider. Tipping also depends on length of time they have been working with/for you, the quality and frequency, the relationship, and, of course, your budget. If your budget does not allow for tips, consider homemade gifts or a heartfelt thank you note. Here are some guidelines to help make this process a tad bit easier.

FULL DOMESTIC HELP (nanny, cook, personal caregiver)

A month’s pay plus a small gift

HOUSEKEEPER

Depending on how often they come will determine the gift amount. Meaning if they come once a week and you pay them $100, the tip should be $100 (double what you pay them). If they come daily, the tip is equivalent to a week’s pay.

HAIR DRESSER /BARBER

Double the cost of a haircut or a gift. So if a haircut is $80, the tip is $80.

LASH TECHNICIAN

Double your normal tip or give 10% extra

WAXER

Double your normal tip or give 10% extra

BABYSITTER

Double the cost of an evening’s pay. So if a night out runs you $100, the tip is $100 plus its nice to give a small gift from the kids if you are so inclined.

DAYCARE PROVIDER

$25-$50 for each staff member who works with your child.

PERSONAL TRAINER

If you are not having a kid with him/her (that was meant to be funny – White Lotus reference), the tip should be the amount of one session or an equivalent gift.

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON

$10-25 depending on how generous you are feeling.

USPS

$10-$25. Please note it is USPS policy that giving cash, VISA, MasterCard, or gift cards that may be used as cash are prohibited per USPS’s Employee Tipping and Gift Receiving Policy.

UPS

$10-$25

FEDEX

$10-$25. The company policy discourages it but the driver has the right to accept or reject it.

DHL

$10-$25

TEACHER

If there is not a class gift, $25-$50 or an equivalent gift

GARDENER

Tip should be a week’s pay.

POOL CLEANER

The cost of one cleaning which should be divided among the crew.

GARAGE ATTENDANT

Between $15-$50 depending on well he takes care of your car/where he parks it/follows through with your requests, etc.

GARBAGE/RECYCLING

$10-$25

DOORMAN

$50-$200 depending on all the extra services he/she does for you.

BUILDING SUPER

$20-$80

HANDYMAN

$20-$40

PET GROOMER

The cost of one grooming or a gift.

DOG WALKER

A week of dog walking or a gift.

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Depending on how often you go…up to the cost of one session

Did I miss anyone? If so, give me a shout and I will advise…

Happy Tipping!
XX

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  1. Roberta Lasky

    Person who watches your cat while you’re away.

    December 16, 2022 • 4:57 pm •
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