Another likely casualty of the recession: Tips.
A downward trend in tipping house cleaners, barbers, hairdressers and others who provide us with services is expected to continue this holiday season, Consumer Reports magazine notes in a new survey.
The magazine surveyed more than 1,800 consumers in January, shortly after the 2008 holiday season, and found that fewer people tipped than in the previous year.
A separate survey conducted in October by Consumer Reports showed the tighter tipping trend might continue into the holidays. According to the survey, 26 percent of the respondents who usually tip or give a gift to a service provider said they would spend less this holiday season than last. Only six percent said they planned to spend more.
The big recipients last holiday season were house cleaners, with 58 percent of respondents who employ them tipping with cash, check or a gift card, and 17 percent tipping them with a gift. House cleaners also received a larger gratuity than other service providers, averaging about $50 or an equivalent gift per tip.
Other tipping tidbits from the survey:
--The median tip value for manicurists was $10, half the amount given during the 2007 holiday season; the median tip for pet-care providers dropped from $30 to $25.
For the full results of the survey, go online for the December issue of the magazine.
What's your tipping plan for the holidays? How about just a card or a homemade gift?
Comment below.
That would save me a lot of money. Thanks for some cleaning tips!
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