Thursday, December 6, 2007

Public Service Announcement: Tipping


I think I posted something to this effect last year but...it's that time of year when everyone seems to have their hand out. I have received e-mails about "chipping in" and contributing to so many things I can't keep track. There are a few people that you should be very generous to because they can make your life a living hell in no particular order:

(1) Your mail carrier - last year I gave my postlady a very nice giftcard to a store I know she likes because she rocks. My mail is very important especially my magazines and packages. I don't want them in pieces or thrown on my porch. Arlene puts mine inside in porch especially if it's nasty weather :-)

(2) Your hairdresser/colorist/manicurist - again, do you want your hair or nails to look like crap? They can make that happen if you aren't nice! Do you need to squeeze in for an emergency appt? They WILL remember if you don't tip! My mother and I have gone to the same manicurist for years. Her birthday is in December so we always give her a gift and cash.

(3) Your garbage man - yes, I tip my garbage man because if you have a party and leave 99 bags of trash they aren't going to think twice about leaving 90 of them on your curb to rot in the summer sun if you haven't tipped them at some point. If I have large items or after a party in the summer I will tip them then too. Need to throw out a couple of mattresses or other large items? I have seen them pass right by the homes of some neighborhood tightwads.

I don't work in a service industry and have never had to rely on tips but I do know that people really do appreciate them especially when you don't normally tip them all year long like the postman/lady or garbage man. I wouldn't tip our landscapers because they do a sucky job but seriously don't forget about the people that make your life a little easier on a daily basis that you might take for granted.

Tips on tipping from Fern Mallis and Simon Doonan are here.

Image: Toothpaste for Dinner

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Like my maid. I would die if she left me. Seriously, I would.

Hemstitch & Hydrangea said...

Good one! So glad you did this! I just saw my hairdressed on Tue and gave him a nice extra holiday tip and our mail carrier is on foot here in the city and some days in Chicago ( as you knnow in NJ/NY) it can be BRUTAL! So he already has pre printed thank you cards for his dosh!
So I have 1 and 2 taken care of---
Funny- I was wondering about the trash men- good to know-

Who else was I thinking- oh yes- dog walker and babysitters!!

Thanks for the great reference and reminder- you are a classy lady in All Departments and I love your blog!

Happy holidays!

Caffeine Court said...

Great subject-and a very good reminder for me!!!

There's so much to do this time of year and it's easy to forget some important people who deserve a little thank you!