I just moved into a new apartment. Weekly housekeeping is included in the rent. I have to provide the supplies and call the office to schedule the housekeeper to come when I want her. I plan to use her weekly. Since her fee is paid as part of my rent, should I tip her each time? I haven't used her at all yet so have no idea how thorough a job she will do. Would it be acceptable/appropriate to simply give her a generous tip a couple of times a year if she's doing a good job? The apartment office said tipping was entirely optional.
2007-02-03 06:13:32 · 10 answers · asked by nana 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
See how well you like her work, first. If so, you might consider leaving a little bit on the kitchen table for her, or something.
2007-02-03 06:17:37 · answer #1 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't because I don't have them clean my room while I'm staying there. I put up the sign that says no maid service needed and hang my towels for environmental purposes. I don't want that much waste because of me. Housekeepers get paid an hourly wage, but I don't have them do anything extra that would make me tip them, and I keep my rooms clean. I also bring my own blankets and make the bed, and remake it when I leave. I'm sensitive to some detergents so it's easier this way. I bring my own towels for my body, but use the hotels for my hair. I try to make everything easy for the maids, and I always thought that was just as appreciated as giving a tip. if you want a tip, I'll pig out and leave trash everywhere. I'll string the sheets all around, and leave a wad of dripping towels on the carpet. I'll even be sure to spill something sticky on the counters, so you have something to clean and leave you a dollar per person. If that's what housekeepers want, I'll do it. I just thought I was being nice because I know it's time consuming to pick up a room. But if that's what they want . . .and no offense, it's your job, if you want more money find a better paying job, and never one that may depend on tips. I know I'm a barista and NEVER gripe about not getting tips. I don't get a lot of tips and tell people it's not necessary b/c it's not! I get an hourly wage and that's okay w/ me.
2016-03-29 03:12:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm an Event Planner so I often deal with etiquette/tipping situations like this! From feeling out your situation by what you wrote, it doesn't sound like management is totally AGAINST tipping, and I would assume that if they said it was 'optional,' there are indeed some people who must tip. If management was against it, they would have said something like, "We ensure that our housekeepers are well cared for, so there is no need to go above and beyond what you are already providing." (Or something along those lines.)
Definitely make sure you are at your home during her first visit. Introduce yourself, smile, and stay there so you get an idea of how long she stays, and how thoroughly she cleans. It's easy to tell if other people tip a housekeeper by how hard she works, believe it or not. If she does a quick once-over and tries to rush out of there, chances are, she's not used to tips and assumes you won't give her one, so there is no need for her to really do a good job. If you sense that she is working pretty hard, chances are, she's trying for a tip. Feel it out, and decide for yourself.
Since weekly tips can add up (and you're expected to give a 20% bonus during the holidays, whether you've been tipping all year or not!), an alternative is to leave a nice hand-written note for her first time, instead of a tip. That way you can welcome her and make her feel appreciated, and it will get her into the habit of not getting a weekly tip. That way you're not giving a tip each week, it's not expected, and it's not awkward. Give a generous bonus and a handwritten holiday card at the end of the year to show your appreciation.
Either way works very well, and both are perfectly polite.
2007-02-03 06:39:26 · answer #3 · answered by Kris 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tip if you feel she does a good job.
One word of warning - I had trusted my housekeepers in my home and later found out they'd been stealing out of a jewelry box I kept in my closet which I thought was secured from sight. I lost my grandmother's wedding ring and my gold bracelet. I will never trust another housekeeping service again. Be sure your valuables are locked away somehow and not in a carryable case, bc they may take the entire case!
2007-02-03 06:53:33 · answer #4 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A tip is in order. How much depends on the amount of work she does and how well. I'd tip a little each time and then give a larger amount at Christmas time.
2007-02-04 02:30:21 · answer #5 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not each time....but if it is a good job cleaning, I would consider it to encourage more.
2007-02-04 01:49:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
see how her work is, and yes you should tip, most definately
2007-02-03 06:28:59 · answer #7 · answered by melissa s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would
2007-02-03 07:48:07 · answer #8 · answered by njyecats 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes of course you should.....
2007-02-03 06:49:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as u wish....
2007-02-03 06:44:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋