Can you stand another tipping question? Re:housecleaner

[lecach]

We have a lady come in about every 3 or 4 weeks to clean (I do a little cleaning in between but not as much as I should ). We pay her $55 and she cleans the bathrooms, changes the sheets, vacuums, etc. We've had her since January I think. I dont usually give holiday tips - it doesnt seem customary in our area. But I have never had someone clean my house before either. Should I tip her when she comes next Thursday, if so how much?

 

[ntburns22]

I never had a housekeeper but I remember when I was in college on breaks I would babysit for a family. They gave their housekeeper double one weeks pay for Christmas. $120, instead of $60 for that week. They doubled mine too, it was great!

 

[Beth76]

Does she work for a service or is she her own "boss"? If she works for a service then a tip would be nice, I'm sure. But, if you just pay her cash, she more than likely doesn't pay taxes on that and she sets the prices, so I wouldn't tip. But, maybe give her a little gift.

 

[SC Minnie]

If she works for herself I would suggest getting her a small gift or gift card to a restaurant or something. If she does a good job it is just a way to say you appreciate what she does especially if she does extra things occasionally.

 

[lecach]

She works for herself....I'll try to come up with something.

 

[preb]

I have a mother/daughter team that work for themselves and come in every other week. I gave them each a gift card equal to what I pay them each visit.

 

[Bob Slydell]

We tipped ours (she works for herself and comes every 2 weeks) double her usual fee.

 

[floridafam]

I probably would give any person who worked in my home a tip at the holidays. Cleaning people, babysitters, a nanny, etc.

I'm sure it would be appreciated.

 

[mrsv98]

I have a lady who works for herself. She comes every two weeks and I pay her $75. She is coming on Thurs for an extra cleaning since I am having Christmas Eve here and I plan to give her $100 for the holiday.

 

[Trish Bessette]

I'd give her double next week when she comes.

 

[kdibattista]

Ours is coming today and I'm surprising her by paying her what we normally do ($60) and giving her the day off. I always like unexpected days off and I hope she will too!!! She works for herself but works very, very hard.

 

[mickeyfan2]

You should give her an extra pay.

 

[lecach]

Wow - you guys are so much more generous than I am!! Heck - we only spent $60 on our DS's Christmas present. I spent $150 on DH. There is no way I am going to spend an additional $55 on the housecleaner. I'll get her a $10 giftcard - that'll have to do.