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BMO Unveils Its Annual Holiday “Tips” SheetService sector employees account for three quarters of Canada's work force and rely on tips to meet their holiday expenses

TORONTO, December 16, 2009 – With the economy still in recovery mode, many Canadians are on a tight budget this holiday season. Consequently, it's easy for consumers to neglect the people who provide them with reliable service and quality care all year long.

“Expectations for tipping are usually heightened during the holiday season,” said Nancy Marescotti, Director, Card Marketing, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Many service workers rely heavily on gratuities for their overall income. It will help them meet their increased holiday expenses, so giving a little extra can make all the difference.”

“The service sector is a critical component of the Canadian economy, accounting for three quarters of the country's work force, with retail and wholesale trade, accommodation and food services accounting for one fifth,” said Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. “Canada's job market has stabilized in recent months after shrinking for most of the past year. While the service sector has fared better than manufacturing and construction during the recession, tips provide a welcomed source of income at a time when wages and confidence are under pressure.”

"Be generous, but don't go over the top," warns Ms. Marescotti. "Only give what you can honestly afford. If you can't afford a tip or a gift, give something small, perhaps something homemade, and be sure to include a hand-written thank you note with it.”

Ms. Marescotti offered the following list of service providers and other professionals, along with suggested tips or gifts to consider for each:

Service Workers and Other Professionals	Suggested Gift or Gratuity
Baby Sitter	One night's pay and a small gift from your child
Full-Time Nanny	Gift of up to $250, small gift from child and small gift for nanny's children
Day Care Workers	Up to $40, plus a small gift from your child
Teacher	A handwritten thank you note or a small gift or gift certificate – value up to $25
Dog Groomer	Gratuity up to half the cost of a session
Dog Walker	1 week's usual pay
Fitness Instructors/Personal Trainers	A gift up to the value of one session
Hairdresser/Stylist	Tip of 20-25 per cent of regular service
Building Superintendent	$50-100 – but give less if you tip throughout the year
Doorman	$10-80 or more – those who serve you more should receive a bigger tip
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
Esthetician – (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 tip, 20 per cent should suffice
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, 20 per cent should suffice

* based on a survey of Tipping Guidelines web sites

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