Berkeley Parents Network: Advice about Tipping

Berkeley Parents Network

Advice about Tipping

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Tipping the garbage man at Christmas

Nov. 2003

The holidays are coming and I'd really like to tip our garbage men. Any advice on how to do this other than to get up at 5:30am and wait to hear the truck? I know some people leave an envelope taped to the lid, but that doesn't sound too safe. Any ideas welcome. Ellen

I don't generally tip the garbage men but I do leave money for them when I have a large load for them to take. I generally just tape an envelope labeled '' for Waste Management'' on the top of the can. I do not live on a busy street so I suppose theft isn't a big issue but if you leave it out late at night the chances of it being taken is less. One time the recycling man took the money even though it was not on a recycling trash can. But he took the garbage too. Go figure.

We have always chosen a yummy food item that could be shared with more than one person in case there was more that one guy that day. We then wrap it and put in on top of the can with a BIG tag saying ''for the Garbageman''. I don't think it has ever gotten stolen but if it does its just chocolate or cookies or something, not cash. We also do the same for the mailperson. Suzie

I'm glad you asked about tipping the garbage men. I feel too few people do it these days. We always give money to the garbagemen, the postman, and the newspaper deliverers. We used to give food, coffee from Peets, even wine, but discovered that what they really wanted was money. I tape two envelopes to the top of the garbage can, since I know we have two garbage men, with $5 in each envelope and a card. I used to give $10 each, but money has been tight. I tried taping the envelopes inside the lid but more often than not they didn't see it and then I would have to run after the truck. We do live on a quiet street but in all the years I've been doing this it's never been stolen. I give $20 or more to the mailman since we have alot of mail. I give $5 to the newspaper deliverers. I would give money to the recycle guy but I haven't figured out an easy way to do it. I feel like we get great service from these people and I like to acknowledge it, even if it's not that much money. I figure if everyone did it, it would really add up! I'm glad you're thinking of these. Grateful Holiday Giver

Tipping the housekeeper

Nov. 2003

Would it be appropriate to tip the household cleaner and how much? Would xmas be the only time to tip or should one tip more often? (I'm new with having a housecleaner). anon

I tip my house cleaner 1 week pay plus small gifts and gift certificates for the GAP for her kids.

The standard for tipping is one month's salary. anon.

I really like the tradition of tipping people who serve us. I feel like if you can afford a service, you can afford to be generous. Last year I had a housecleaner (this year I can't afford one!). She came twice a month and each visit was about $50.00. So at Christmas time, I gave her an extra $50.00 in a Christmas card. She was a bit surprised and very pleased, and I enjoyed doing it. anon

Whenever someone is performing a service for you, it is appropriate to give a gratuity. The only time you don't do this is if the person providing the service is also the owner of the business they represent. anon

I give my housekeeper a yearly bonus of two weeks' salary. I pay her $60/week so a couple weeks before Xmas I give her $120. I also pay her for the week of Christmas though she does not come to clean. She has been working for me for almost 8 years and she is great! Berkeley mom

I used to give end-of-year cash bonuses to babysitters and housecleaners, but then I found that they preferred gifts! It was a little surprising to me at first. My first year with a housecleaner I gave a VERY large cash bonus, and it wasn't even acknowledged! But after I started giving gifts (I found homemade mementos were often preferred the most), I would get a big smile and a thank you, and comments would be made afterward about how much they liked it. I also think gifts are more personal, whereas cash seems a little cold. What I try to do instead is pay the very highest rate I can afford all year round, rather than paying a little low and trying to make up for it with a cash bonus. likes giving gifts

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