Etiquette experts weigh in on what you better know about tipping during the holiday season.
What’s thepolite wayto show appreciation to these everyday service providers, and does everyone need to be tipped?
To answer these questions, we spoke with etiquette experts about the proper protocol for these tricky situations.
Meet The Experts
Should Your Tip Increase During The Holidays?
Yes, your tip should increase during the holidays, but all service providers dont need to be included.
Smith explains, Those providers whose services you use all year should be given an end-of-year tip.
Tipping appropriately cant hurt to ensure continued good work going forward, says Smith.
Consider how often you use the service to determine the tip size.
Service providers that you regularly used throughout the year should receive the cost of one service.
If you pay your dog walker $50/week, the year-end tip would be $50.
An appropriate year-end tip would be $15-$30.
Who Should Be Included?
Any service provider you regularly visit or employ should receive an end-of-the-year tip.
Who Shouldn’t Be Tipped?
While many people help make our lives run smoothly, its not always appropriate or welcome to tip them.
Instead, send a thoughtful gift to show your appreciation.
According to Smith, if the service providerowns their business, they dont receive an end-of-year tip.
They should already be charging appropriately for their services.
Give a small gift and send them new clients, she says.
Is Gifting Appropriate?
Whether you gift or tip, the choice is up to you, according to Gottsman.
The key is to know the individual and give them a gift that reflects their taste.
According to Smith, handmade items such as baked goods or knitted items should not replace a tip.
