what's a good holiday tip for my building super?

Question

He doesn't do a whole lot until asked, and he's a little nutty, but the guy has some thankless work. And sometimes he signs for my UPS packages. My rent is $950. Is more than $50 excessive?

Answer 1

perfect article:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/personal-finance/news/december-2006/holiday-tipping-12-06/overview/0612_holiday-tipping.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=2&searchTerm=holiday%20tipping

Holiday tipping: What people really give

“Most people know to leave a waitress a 15 percent to 20 percent gratuity,” says Michael Lynn, an associate professor of consumer behavior at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, who studies tipping. But, he adds, many people aren’t sure whether to give, to whom, or how much during the holidays.

We interviewed etiquette experts and surveyed online about 3,100 subscribers to ConsumerReports.org to find out what they do. Many said they often don’t know whether to tip. Perhaps that’s why 42 percent told us that they refrained from giving any holiday gifts to their housekeepers, newspaper carriers, and 11 other commonly used service providers.

Nonetheless, three general principles emerged from our research that can help you show your appreciation without busting the budget.

Reward those who make a difference. Start by “looking at people whose work has had the greatest impact on you,” says Elizabeth Howell, a spokeswoman for the Emily Post Institute in Burlington, Vt., which provides etiquette advice. Among the most important are people who take care of your home and your family, particularly your children.

Indeed, child-care providers in our survey were among the most often tipped (by those who used such services). If you have in-home care, Howell says that the appropriate tip is one week’s pay or more plus a gift from the child. (If your kids are at a day-care center, she suggests $25 to $70 for each worker, plus a gift.)

Tipping anything less is a no-no. Hilka Klinkenberg, managing director of Etiquette International, a New York consulting company, says that while she knows that some families are struggling, “if you can take vacations and go out to dinner, you are under-bonusing.” If you can’t give as much as you’d like, she suggests that you add a note of thanks to whatever you do give.

Think about those whose services you use frequently. They may include a beautician, a barber, or the newspaper carrier. If you regularly pamper yourself at the spa or the salon, a representative of the National Cosmetology Association says that you should give double your usual tip. But, Howell says, “If you normally include a tip after the service, you don’t have to give extra money during the holidays.”

Include those who go out of their way. There are probably some people in your life who go above and beyond the call without ever being asked but aren’t usually tipped. Examples: the water-delivery person who always hefts the 5-gallon jug onto the cooler or the building superintendent who installs lightbulbs for you. “If someone goes out of their way to give you good service, why not reward them?” Howell says.

You don’t always have to give cash, and sometimes it’s forbidden. U.S. Postal Service workers are not supposed to accept cash, even though 32 percent of our respondents said they gave mail carriers cash or gifts that are typically worth around $20. You can show your appreciation--legally--by giving a noncash gift worth up to $20.

Respondents to our survey were even more likely to give holiday gifts to schoolteachers than to child-care providers. But Howell says that handing the teacher cash is “inappropriate.” You don’t want to look like you’re trying to buy good grades for your child, after all. Instead, join with other parents to give a class gift. Or give something small, such as a bookstore gift card. According to our readers, $10 is just fine.

Answer 2

With your rent as high as it is and taking into consideration that the super isn't one of the greatest and he's a little off the wall, I'm not sure I'd leave him $50. It's not excessive, but I think a card with a letter explaining how much you appreciate the things he does do, as well as maybe some movie tickets or a certificate to his favorite resturant would be more appropriate. This way he'll remember you long after the money is spent and know that you appreciate him....and that would put you on top of his list when it comes time to fix something that may be wrong!

Answer 3

Yes I think $50.00 is fair. I manage an apartment complex, and believe me, you do not make much money at this job, and have alot of stress. His good intentions are there, and he seems to be honest.

Answer 4

slightly bit your artwork. they'll bear in mind it longer than funds. besides, they gets a commission extremely properly (greater helpful than you in all likelihood - you're an artist!) to not be mean. my brother in regulation is an artist.

Answer 5

I think a gift basket at about a $25.oo dollar range is appropriate. What he does for you is his job. your act of kindness is very thoughtful. Again my answer is $25.oo

Answer 6

$50 sounds about right to me. That`s very nice of you to think of him and I`m sure he will appreciate it.

Answer 7

Make it $50 or less.