What to Do With Holiday Tips This Year?
Tipping on holidays is one way to thank postal workers, service staff, and homeowners (the good ones) for their hard work throughout the year. And while some services have slowed down (such as dog walking, babysitting, and hairdressing), that doesn’t mean your appreciation for them should, too. Here are some tips on how to tip for this year’s holidays.
Increase your tip this year if you can.
Your hairdresser and manicurist are likely working on a much lower income than expected this year. Small businesses in particular were hit hard, 43% of which temporarily closed during the pandemic. If you usually tip your hairdresser, dog, or nanny, you can still tip them despite the reduced interaction this year. If you have the financial ability, tip twice as much as usual to offset the decline in your business. (Personally, I only tip 20% for food delivery.) If you’re wondering who can tip and how much you can offer them, we’ve got a guide .
Tip with contactless payment options
During the pandemic, the number of contactless payments increased to reduce the risk of transmission . (Also, there was a serious shortage of coins ). If you want to tip the doorman this year, consider tipping it digitally. Payment apps such as Zelle, Chase QuickPay, Venmo, and CashApp are some of the platforms available for electronic funds transfer. Each application has different functions; for example, CashApp has a minimal interface for easy translations, while Venmo includes likes, comments and emoticons similar to the social media platform.
You can try to search that person’s billing information on every platform, but you run the risk of sending money to someone else who bears the name of your homeowner or dog breeder. Ask the person what they prefer, in case they are doing well with their bank or personal situation.
Use money transfer or check if digital payment is not possible
If someone you want to tip doesn’t have electronic payments set up, or you want to give them something in their hands, there are other payment options besides cash.
Checks still exist (although you might have to look in your closet to find them) and can be an alternative to cash or digital transfers. You can order them online so that they are sent directly to an individual by mail, so as not to go to the bank; be aware that procedures vary from bank to bank and fees may apply, so be sure to check with your bank. (You will also need that person’s address if you don’t already have one.)
Money transfers avoid some of the hassle of mailing checks and are closest to cash. You can purchase money orders at any local post office, and the commission depends on the order amount. Consider buying multiple money orders at once and addressing them appropriately, pairing them with a thoughtful note or holiday card.