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Even though times are tough, we cannot forget it's time for tipping. NY1's Jill Scott spoke with Michael Fazio of Oval Concierge, which serves Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village, to find out who to tip and how much. Fazio says if you live in an apartment building, you should give the most to the superintendent. Tenants should also give to the doorman, along with porters you know well.
"Unspoken minimums really are that you start with a base of $20," says Fazio. "If you can't afford to give $20 to everyone, you should pick the people that you interact with the most, pick the people who have most value in your living situation and give them the minimum. If that's all you can afford, explain to them that you have singled them out."
Fazio says building funds may not be the best way to thank everyone equally.
"The funds are normally is distributed according to seniority and there are a lot of people who may be new on the job who might go the extra mile, who get a very small portion of that because they haven't been at the building that long," he says. "So it's not a very equitable way of expressing gratitude."
If you live in a house, Fazio says you should think about all the people who serve you: landscapers, chimney sweeper, gardeners. The suggested rule is the cost of one service.
When it comes to caregivers and teachers, Fazio says the parents should get together to create one group gift to keep it fair.
Fazio says tipping babysitters and nannies varies depending on how frequently you use their service.
"It's suggested you give a babysitter one average night's pay as a holiday gratuity," he advises. "If you have a full-time nanny, you should give anywhere from one to two weeks of their salary."
Now if you enjoy services like a dog walker, a housekeeper, or a personal trainer, Fazio says you should give them the cost of one week of service. If you're a regular at a salon, doubling your normal tip is okay.
Finally, Fazio says to not forget the parking garage attendants. He says the average tip is $40-$50 per attendant. However, if you are a tipper all-year long, he says it's okay to give less during the holidays.
Those who can't give any money at all are advised to at least give a note. if you can't give this year - at least give a note.
"A very heartfelt sincere note actually suffices many times as long as it's sincere and genuine that you cannot participate in this ritual," says Fazio. "If you are a driving your Porsche to East Hampton each weekend and you give a note, someone is going to think you are cheap."