The Holiday Season has officially kicked off. With Black Friday and Thanksgiving over, holiday decorations are going up across town. With the arrival of the Holiday Season comes the question on the mind of many - “How Much Should I Tip?”
The holiday season is always a time to give back to those that had a positive impact on our lives over the past year. One question that always comes up, especially in New York City, is how much to tip the building staff and those that are intimately involved in day-to-day life? Tipping is a major part of the Holiday Season in New York, and is a way to show appreciation to your building staff. Thus, it is important to say that it is highly encouraged, but not required. As December rolls around, many begin to get anxiety about who to tip, how much to tip, and if he or she should even tip at all.
Our friends at Brick Underground publish a go-to holiday tipping guide, which has been circulating since 2013. We condensed it, and put our take on what is appropriate as you budget for your holiday tipping. Remember, these are simply guidelines. There are many factors that can influence the tipping decision such as the size of the building (a larger staff equates to smaller individual tips), level of service, seniority, and time in building. Additionally, owning versus renting in a building can play a big factor as well.
Of course, if you live in a building with a part-time doorman, virtual doorman, or no staff at all, the below levels could be adjusted downward.
Renters: Tips do not have to equate to the dollar amount you are paying each month for rent. If you receive a lot of packages, have a stroller that is carried in and out of the building, etc., factor this into your tip.
It is recommended that you tip in cash. Doorman, Concierge, Supers, etc. all of bills to pay like you and I- they are not looking for fruit cakes, cookies, or homemade gifts at the holidays!
Tipping Guidelines
Super: $150-200
Doorman/Concierge: $100-150
Package Room: $25-50 per individual*
Nanny: 1 Week Salary
Housekeeper: 1 Week Salary
Dog Walker: 1 Week Salary
Driver: 1 Week Salary
Garage Attendant: $50-$100
Personal Trainer: $100
Chef: $300-500
Personal Assistant: 1 Week Salary
Hairdresser: $50-75
Manicurist: $25
*In the era of online shopping with Amazon Prime Deliveries daily, Prime Now, Seamless, Uber Eats, etc. it is important to remember the people fielding all those orders you are placing. In most buildings it will be the package room employees, however, Doormen/Concierge are likely fielding these requests after hours.
Something to Consider: If you have been tipping throughout the year utilizing a "pay as you go" method, it is customary to tip on the lighter side during the holiday season.
When: Most building staff will prefer to receive their tips in early December so they can plan their own holiday spending accordingly. Tips account for a large part of building staff’s anticipated income at this time of year.
This guide was presented in 2018 and has been re-shared to include updated information