The Protocol and Etiquette of Holiday Tipping - GWCC

The Protocol and Etiquette of Holiday Tipping

Holiday Tipping – for the office

Holiday tips are gifts, in the form or cash or checks. This form of tipping is only given at holiday time and is in addition to the customary 15% to 20% normally given for certain services. Whether you own a business or manage a business you are the person responsible for deciding on the holiday tipping protocol. Tips are generally given to service or delivery persons. These are the people who serve you day after day, like the postal worker, the delivery person, the newspaper delivery person, the bottled water service, the parking attendant, the office cleaners, the trash collector or the waitperson who pours your morning hot beverage.

Who is on Your List and How Much

Now that you see the list for tipping possibilities, it is time to begin your plan of action. Consider those who have made the biggest impact on you. The people in your business life who make it a little easier or those who have made a difference in your quality of life belong on this list. Your list will encompass the delivery person, the custodial worker, the waitperson and whoever else makes a difference for you. The amount of your tip can range from $15 and up depending on the type of service provided. Enclose the gift in a greeting card and write a short personal note of thanks. Just a sentence or two is enough. Then sign it from you or from you and your office personnel

The Professional Tipping Guide

Because you are a professional, you are expected to know how to tip during the holidays, even outside of the business setting. Here is a guide to help during this festive time:

Child Care/Education

Au pair - One week’s pay plus a small gift from the child/children

Regular babysitter – One to two evening’s pay plus a small gift from the child/children

Occasional babysitter - One evening’s pay

Day-care provider - $20 to $70 each

Teacher – Never give a tip. Give a group gift or a small gift certificate, not cash

Personal Care

Hairdresser - Cost of one visit plus a small gift

Barber – Cost of one cut

Manicurist – Cost of one visit

Fitness trainer – The cost of one session

Home Care

Housekeeper – One week’s pay

Trash collectors - $15-$30 each for private service

Gardener - $20 - $50

Delivery Services

Delivery services, especially if used on a regular basis – a small gift

Paper carrier: $5 - $25 depending on frequency of delivery and service

Enjoy your holidays!

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. Joan develops and delivers custom etiquette programs to meet the needs of businesses and schools.

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