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Do You Know How Much (And Who) To Tip This Holiday Season? (Here's Some Help!) Plus: Don't Get Suckered In By Bogus Charities Thanksgiving Day,
November 27, 2003
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Dear Ben: How much should I be prepared to tip everyone-and-their-dog this year for the holidays? It seems like everybody's got their hand out.
Bill in Granbury
Dear Bill: C'mon! You're starting to sound like Scrooge-and you still have 28 days to go until Christmas. Before we jump into the annual tipping discussion, I'd like to help those members of our workforce that are hoping to pick up some extra cash in the weeks ahead with some simple (but perhaps, not-so-obvious) advice.
Make sure your customers/clients know your name and your mailing address! Last year, two out of my four newspaper carriers got shut-out of their holiday tips because I didn't know their names, nor have their direct mailing addresses. My inquiries to the respective newspapers were answered with "we can't give this personal information out" replies. As a former paperboy, I swore I'd get the word out early this year so everyone might have a shot at getting their share of the holiday tipping pot-no matter what their line of business may be. Now, let's talk tipping; this year's expert on the topic? The Emily Post Institute-created by Emily in 1946 and run today by third generation family members-they serve as a "civility barometer" for American society and continue her work today. According to their website (www.emilypost.com), here's what Emily thinks you should be ready to tip those people that take care of you 52-weeks-a-year:
Teachers: Check school's policy first. Enlist your child's help with selection. Ideas: Classroom supplies, book, picture frame, fruit basket or gourmet food item. Another option is to go in on a joint gift with other parents.
Day Care Provider(s): $25 - $70 each, plus a small gift from your child. (Be sure to check the day care center's policy first.)
Regular babysitter: One evening's pay, plus a small gift from your children/child.
Cleaning person: $25 - $50, or one day's pay, or a gift equivalent to a day's pay.
Newspaper carrier: $10 - $30 (Kinda make me wish I still had a route...)
Letter carrier: U.S. Postal Service regulations allow carriers and other employees to accept gifts worth up to $20, per occasion.
Beauty salon staff: $10 - $60 each, giving more, or possibly an additional small gift, to those who do more for you. (And guys, you're not off the hook-don't forget to tip your barber.)
Personal fitness trainer: One work-out session's fee if you're a regular client; less if you use the service occasionally.
And if you've got a tight budget (or no) budget this year? Don't tip beyond your means-and if you can't afford a tip this year, write a note of appreciation...not an excuse. If you're looking for out-of-the-box gift ideas-like how to get a personalized note of appreciation from the President (or the Governor) for free-and other cool/offbeat stuff, I've posted my annual picks: www.bendover.com/2003picks.asp.
Dose of Dover For The Week: Let me remind you once again that the bad guys come in all shapes, sizes and clothing. As we head into the most charitable stretch of the year, it's important to remember to give smartly. I've been a longtime supporter of the terrific, hands-on/street-level work of the Salvation Army, but it's important to note that just because someone's ringing a bell while standing next to a familiar-looking red kettle, they might not be the "real McCoy" if they're out collecting on Sunday.
Some "bogus bell ringers" got caught by police a couple of years ago in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area-scam artists arrested while "collecting" for the charity on a Sunday afternoon. Fortunately, these bad guys were tripped up by one small detail: The Salvation Army never collects on Sundays! I'm telling you this now with no intention of raining on their annual fund-raising crusade, but to illustrate how low the bad guys will go to sting you. By the way: All authorized Salvation Army "bell ringers" are supposed to have Salvation Army-issued IDs. If you're in doubt, check 'em out. And to help you navigate the potentially confusing world of charitable giving, I've got a section devoted to helping you make the best charitable choices-any time of the year-created after the outpouring of giving following September 11th (but updated earlier this week): www.bendover.com/charity.asp.
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