News Releases
- With vacation season in full swing, BMO's Semi-Annual 'Tips on Tipping' guide helps Canadians spread the wealth this summer
- BMO survey shows more Canadians planning a summer vacation in 2012, with two-thirds choosing 'staycations'
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 27, 2012) - An anticipated increase in recreational spending in Canada during summer months and over the long weekend, means many Canadians will be making added use of services provided by small businesses in the tourism and hospitality industries. For many employees of these enterprises, tips comprise an important part of their overall income and help them meet day to day expenses.
According to BMO's 2012 Summer Travel Survey, more Canadians will take a summer vacation this year compared to 2011, with 84 per cent planning a getaway. Furthermore, the majority will spend their vacation dollars in Canada with two-thirds (63 per cent) opting for a staycation.
"As many service workers rely heavily on gratuities to supplement their overall income, a small gift can go a long way," said Su McVey, Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Even if you're on a tight budget, a small tip is a great way to show your appreciation for a service provided."
With that in mind, BMO offers the following guide to tipping:
| Services and Other Professionals | Suggested Gift or Gratuity | |
| Occasional and/or regular baby sitter | One evening's pay given before the start of the academic year. | |
| Full-time baby sitter | One week's pay and a gift from your child(ren) given before the start of the academic year. | |
| Summer camp counsellor | A Thank You note and $10 per week following the camp's completion. Please consult the camp's Tipping Policy as many do not accept gratuities. | |
| Seasonal sports instructor | The cost of one lesson or a gift of equal value given on final day of lessons. | |
| Volunteer sports team coach | A Thank You note and a gift certificate valued for up to $20. | |
| Dog groomer | 10% per service | |
| Dog walker/pet sitter | Up to 20% or small gift after service is no longer required. | |
| House sitter | A gift brought back from your vacation. | |
| Gardener/pool cleaner | $20 to $50 or the cost of one session given at the end of the season. | |
| Lawn mower | $10 to $25 given at the end of the season. | |
| Hairdresser/stylist | 15% to 20% per service. | |
| Aesthetician | 15% of each treatment received before tax. | |
| Airport baggage handler | $1 to $3 per bag and an extra dollar if bags are bulky or heavy. | |
| Hotel bellhop | $1 to $5 per bag. | |
| Hotel concierge | $5 for basic service and up to $25 for special or difficult requests. | |
| Hotel housekeeper | $1 to $5 per night given at the end of your stay. | |
| Hotel pool attendant | $2 to $5 per service. | |
| Hotel room service | 15% before tax bill. | |
| Waitress/waiter | 15% to 20% before tax bill. | |
| Bartender | $1 per drink or 15% to 20% of bar bill before tax. | |
| Food delivery | 15% to 20% and if the size of your party is 10 or more add 5%. | |
| Tour guide | 10% to 20% of the cost of the tour. | |
| Extended tour guide | $1 to $10 per day. | |
| Golf caddy | $10 to $25 above golf course fee. Please consult golf course guide on tipping policy. | |
| Taxi and limo drivers | 15% of amount displayed on meter. | |
| Valet parking attendant | $1 to $5 per car for one night of service. | |
| * Based on a survey of Tipping Guidelines web sites | ||
BMO's 2012 Summer Travel Survey was conducted from April 23-26, 2012, by Leger Marketing. The sample was 1502 Canadians, 18 years or older. The margin of error is 2.5 per cent.
About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $525 billion as at April 30, 2012, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.
Jessica Park, Toronto
(416) 867-3996
jessica1.park@bmo.com
Ronald Monet, Montreal
(514) 877-1873
ronald.monet@bmo.com
Laurie Grant, Vancouver
(604) 665-7596
laurie.grant@bmo.com
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