News Releases

BMO Unveils Its Annual Holiday “Tips” Sheet

TORONTO, December 17, 2010 – As many Canadians look to stay on budget this holiday season, consumers may overlook the people who provide them with reliable service and quality care all year long.

“Many service workers rely heavily on gratuities for their overall income, so giving a little extra can make all the difference with increased holiday expenses,” said Su McVey, Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal. “If you can't afford a tip or a gift, give something small, perhaps something homemade, and it is also nice to include a hand-written thank you note with it.”

BMO offers 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 evening's pay and a small gift from your child(ren).
Full-Time Nanny	One week's pay and a gift from your child(ren).
Day Care Workers	A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your child(ren).
Teacher	A small gift or note from you as well as a small gift from your child.
Dog Groomer	Up to the cost of one session or a gift.
Dog Walker	A small gift.
Fitness Instructors/Personal Trainers	A gift up to the value of one session.
Hairdresser/Stylist	Cost of one haircut or gift.
Building Superintendent	$20-80 or a gift
Doorman	$15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift.
Newspaper Carriers	$10-30 or a small gift.
School Bus Driver	Gift of up to $20.
School Crossing Guard	Gift of up to $20.
Seniors Care Givers (in-home)	A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.)
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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Media Relations Contacts:
Matt Duffin, Toronto, matthew.duffin@bmo.com, 416-867-3996
Sarah Bensadoun, Montreal, sarah.bensadoun@bmo.com , 514-877-8224
Laurie Grant, Vancouver, laurie.grant@bmo.com, 604-665-7596