To Tip Or Not to Tip, That is the Question!

During this Holiday Season, you may be spending time trying to figure out if you should tip any service providers that you deal with. Here are some thing to think about when doing the Holiday Tipping.

First of all, don’t tip if you can’t tip. There is no reason to go into debt to tip a service provider. Additionally, putting something on your credit card is definitely a no-no. But you can always give more thoughtful gifts such as homemade cookies or a Holiday Card are sometimes just as important.

Make a list of any service providers that you have and then prioritize that list. If someone does something for you that really makes your day or job better, then they should be at the top of your list. My list started with my babysitter. She would always sit even when called at the last minute and really made me feel comfortable about leaving my children with her. She never cleaned out my refrigerator or left me with huge phone bills or even a mess that might have happened with her and my children. I always tipped her well because I wanted her to know just how much I appreciated her work.

Also, if you have to take care of an elderly person and you hire a caretaker, that person should be near the top of your list. Imagine what your life would be like, if you had to stay home and take care of that person without any help.

Now if you live in a building with a doorman, talk with your neighbors about what they are going to do about tipping. If they leave the doorman a tip of $50 and you give a plate of cookies, you may not get the customary service you tend to expect. It is unfortunate that you have to think that way, but keep that in mind when you are dealing with someone who helps all of your neighbors.

Additionally, if you give a tip to someone who works on a lower salary, the more that individual might appreciate your tip. It could have a bigger impact than you expect. Now if you tip all year long (like the doorman) you can get away with giving a little smaller tip during the holidays.

Finally, any tip given should include a note. The note does not need to be elaborate but it should include a small message thanking them for the service they provide, and wishing them Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

But keep track of any tipping that you do because you may want to have that information for tax purposes. Talk with your Tax Advisor when preparing your taxes to see if that documentation can help you.

Mel Jensen is a retired Customer Service Manager with Ovation Credit Services.