Since the discussion of hiring a cleaning person has come up here, I wanted to ask what people generally tip. I have never had a cleaning person come before, so I have no idea how this works. Is it standard 20%?
Also related, do people usually do 20% for a massage therapist too? I am never sure on this one. I usually tip 20-30% for restaurants because I know waitstaff is paid so little. But I think usually massage professionals aren't relying on tips in the same way...
I feel like I just came off as a cheapskate the way I phrased it. I just wanna know -- what's the norm?
THANKS!
Re: NBR: Tipping for services
I'm glad you asked, I was considering hiring a cleaning service for the first time soon and was wondering the same thing.
For massage therapists, always 18-20 percent.
For the cleaning service I think I"ll throw in a gratuity, but probably won't base it off of the price of the service. Maybe $10-20?
I am also surprised a housekeeper would not be expected to get a tip. (I always do at hotels.) I purchased a one-time Groupon for a 3-hr cleaning (back in Nov when I thought I was buying a house), so I think in this case it makes sense to do 20%, as opposed to a weekly service or something.
I have a side business doing bridal makeup (which is a service that is usually very tip-dependent), and since I'm the "owner", I don't expect a tip. Now, that's not saying it isn't damn skippy when someone does tip me, but since I'm keeping 100% of the service charge, I don't judge someone for not tipping me.
That being said, I have a massage therapist who has his own practice and I always tip him generously, because regardless of him being the owner, he's saved my life on multiple occasions when I've been in pain, and I just think he deserves the extra money.
Long story short, it's up to you, but no, I don't think tipping owners is required.