News Releases
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 21, 2011) - 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; 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 | |
| Aesthetician - (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. | |
| Baby Sitter | One evening's pay and a small gift from your child(ren). | |
| Building Superintendent | $20-80 or a gift. | |
| Camp Counsellor | A handwritten thank you note or a small gift from your child with value up to $20. | |
| Cleaning Service | A small gift or the equivalent of a week's service. | |
| Day Care Workers | A gift from you or $25-$70 for each staff member and a small gift from your child(ren). | |
| Dog Groomer | Up to the cost of one session or a gift. | |
| Dog Walker | A small gift or the equivalent of a week's service. | |
| Doorman | $15-80. $15 or more each for multiple doormen, or a gift. | |
| Fitness Instructors/Personal Trainers | A gift up to the value of one session. | |
| Full-Time Nanny | One week's pay and a gift from your child(ren). | |
| Hairdresser/Stylist | Cost of one haircut or gift. | |
| Hotel Service | More than usual tip; 20 per cent should suffice. | |
| Newspaper Carriers | $10-30 or a small gift. | |
| Restaurant Servers | More than usual tip; 20-25 per cent. | |
| School Bus Driver | Gift of up to $20. | |
| Seniors Care Givers (in-home) | A thoughtful gift from you. (If gift-giving is not against company policy.) | |
| School Crossing Guard | Gift of up to $20. | |
| 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
Matt Duffin, Toronto
416-867-3996
matthew.duffin@bmo.com
Sarah Bensadoun, Montreal
514-877-8224
sarah.bensadoun@bmo.com
Laurie Grant, Vancouver
604-665-7596
laurie.grant@bmo.com