Holiday tipping... housecleaner

[descovy]

Hi all,

It's time to think of Holiday tipping. For me, something new this year is that we have hired a housekeeper, Carol, in March. She comes every other week and charges $70. Trying to figure out how to tip her. Recently (September) she started bringing her sister-in-law to help... gets out of my house in 1 1/2hrs instead of 3 hours on her own. I still pay Carol $70, I assume she compensates sister-in-law on her own.

Do I just tip Carol? Do I tip them both? How? Do I put it in a card? The crummy thing is I have forgotten SIL's name... (I'm usually not here when she comes, husband is, and he stays away) Carol is the one I call, chat with a bit when I am here. So I am embarrased that I forgot SIL's name.

They both do a very good job

 

[Justsyd2]

A normal holiday tip for a housekeeper is one visit's pay ($70), and half of that for her helper. I would give it to them in cash inside a Christmas card.

 

[Kitzka]

agree with the PP.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

I would just tip the $70 one visit. Bringing her SIL is your housekeepers choice, not yours and you shouldn't feel obligated to pay an additional tip for her too. If you'd like, you could conveniently enclose your tip as 2 20's, 2 10's and 2 5's, so it is easily shared (which they can figure out for themselves).

 

[disneystacy]

I tip my housekeeper 300.00, BUT she also babysits for me and cleans once a week. I would be lost without her. I would say 70.00 for them to split or if you are really feeling generous 100.00