Another tipping question - House cleaners?

Question

How much do you tip house cleaners? The service charges us $96 a cleaning. I tip, but I can never decide between a $5 tip/ea or a $10 tip/ea....

Answers from people with real experiences (house cleaners themselves, people who have tipped house cleaners, etc..) are VERY MUCH appreciated. :)

Answer 1

Well, I can tell you that growing up we had a couple come clean our house every week. They were NEVER tipped (this was only during the 90s, not that long ago!). When I call a service to clean the house now, I still do not tip. Tipping is something that is reserved for excellent service in a service industry where the worker is not being paid even minimum wage.

As far as I'm concerned, the whole "tipping" thing has gotten way out of control. Starbucks workers, Subway workers, bowling alley workers, etc all have out their "gimme" cups asking for more money. Well guess what? If you all want more money, talk to your employer about that. It is not my responsibility to provide you with a living wage.

So in answer to your question, I do not think housecleaners should be tipped at any time OTHER than a Christmas/holiday tip (which I always give to the pool guy, mailman, garbage men, and the housecleaner if she comes during the season).

Answer 2

Thoughts? I think you sound like a very nice person to consider this. Good for you! I also think you're worrying too much about it. As a veteran participant of a similar home service industry I can say that most home services are not tip dependent nor is tipping an expected part of the transaction. It's certainly wonderful when a client appreciates your service enough to tip, send a card or say thank you, (these days) but I don't expected it. It doesn't sound as though you will be present when these services are rendered, correct? You may consider waiting until you can look at what kind of job is done before you leave a tip. As to snacks and drinks, I never accept food and seldom accept drinks. I don't feel these offers are patronizing, I just feel if I accept the gesture, I'm obligated for favors. It changes the balance of the expectations of the transaction to being slightly heavier on my side of the scale. I'm certain I'm a rarity regarding this issue but it's still a valid point. Good luck with your new cleaners. Mrs. B?? Lol I just noticed that! Mom? Is that you?

Answer 3

it depends if they do a good job or not
if they do a good job very quickly,you should tip them a lot

but if they do it slow and not that well, a little
but not too little because they might get mad and quit

also if they take a long time to do a good job, give them about like 8 dollars or so.