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If you think Santa's Elves work for free, think again. Even the jolly old man himself digs deep into his red velvet pockets each year to say thanks to his army of toy makers for their year-long support. In Canada, more than seventy-five percent of working people are employed in the service industry and many are hoping their year-long clients, holiday shoppers and restaurant revelers will also leave a little something extra in their stockings to say thanks for a job well done.
Nancy Marescotti, Director, BMO Mosaik MasterCard, says the Holiday Season is typically a time when we extend a special thanks to the people who have provided us with dependable service and quality care all year long but whom we might not have tipped regularly throughout the year.
“Service workers we've talked to all agree that they have heightened expectations and hopes that their customers will be more generous at this time of year,” she said. “For many workers, tips are an important part of their overall income that really help them meet the extra expenses of the holiday season.”
Ms. Marescotti said that Canadians will typically show their appreciation at this time of year with tips or gifts, depending on the nature of the relationship they have with their service providers. “Obviously you're not going to ‘tip' your son's teacher or day care provider, but a personal gift that shows you really appreciate their care and attention is always going to be well received,” she said. “And, if you're a rewards Collector, purchasing a gift on a BMO Mosaik credit or BMO Bank of Montreal debit card can earn you AirMiles, so you'd be treating yourself as well.”
“You don't have to overdo it,” cautions Ms. Marescotti. “Be mindful of what you can truly afford. If you can't afford a tip or cash gift, write a personal note of thanks and give it with a smaller gift, perhaps something homemade.”
Ms. Marescotti offered a representative list of service providers and other professionals, and suggests a range of tips or gifts* to consider for each:
|
Service Workers and Other Professionals |
Suggested Gift or Gratuity |
|
Baby Sitter |
A tip up to the value of one sitting and a small gift from child |
|
Barber |
Double your usual tip or a gift up to the value of one haircut |
|
Cleaning Lady / Housekeeper |
A tip of up to the cost of one service |
|
Condominium Staff (usually pool contributions with other tenants through condo association) |
Ask your condo association for guidance, but 10 – 20% of monthly condo fee is a good rule of thumb for a building with full services |
|
Day Care Workers |
Small Gift from child with value up to $20 |
|
Dog Groomer |
Gratuity up to half the cost of the session |
|
Dog Walker |
Gratuity up to $100 |
|
Fitness Instructors/Personal Trainers |
A gift up to the value of one session. |
|
Full-Time Nanny |
Up to $200 and a small gift from children |
|
Hair Salons (The stylist, assistant stylist, such as the person who shampoos your hair, and colourist should all receive tips . It is customary to tip the standard 15 per cent to everyone separately) |
Double your usual tip or a gift up to the value of one visit |
|
Letter Carriers |
Gift of up to $20 |
|
Newspaper Carriers |
Gift of up to $20 |
|
School Bus Driver |
Gift of up to $20 |
|
School Crossing Guard |
Gift of up to $20 |
|
Seniors Care Givers (in-home) |
Up to $200. |
|
Spa or Nail Salon Attendants (manicures, pedicures, facials and waxing – standard tip is 15 per cent, just as it is in the restaurant industry) |
Double your usual tip or a gift up to the value of one visit. |
|
Taxi and Limo Drivers (standard 15 per cent) |
More than usual 15% tip |
|
Teacher |
A handwritten thank you note or a small gift or gift certificate – value up to $25 |
|
Tutors, Instructors, Coaches |
A handwritten thank you note or a small gift from child with value up to $20 |
|
Valet Parking Attendant |
More than usual tip |
* based on a survey of Tipping Guidelines web sites
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