Tipping a cleaning person?

Sylvan77 · April 2011

Hi everyone,

I've never hired a cleaning person before, so I have no idea what the custom is. The people who are coming are a husband/wife team and so they don't have to give a cut to anyone. My thinking is that I don't tip them. Am I wrong?

niemand88f · April 2011

Yes, the etiquette is that you do not tip the owners of a business because they are keeping all profits anyway. But if you use them all year and they do a good job, it would be nice to give a gift around Christmas.

brighteyed · April 2011

I have two house cleaning jobs a week. I don't expect tips but have gotten them from the one every once in awhile, just as an little extra thank you. The other job I've had for almost 6 years now and haven't gotten tips but she has increased my pay yearly. My husband also owns a commercial cleaning company and I work with him nights. 2 out of the 11 accounts we have give us a bonus at the end of the year or at christmas time....which kind of ticks me off. Cleaning is a difficult and often thankless job:( But it sure does pay the bills.

brighteyed · April 2011

As for keeping all the profits- Ha! Between liability insurance, workers comp, payroll services, paying employees, buying supplies and equipment, and not necessarily being paid on time or consistently by all your accounts but still having to pay employees (essentially out of your own pocket)and countless other things we certainly do not keep all the profits. Also having to pay taxes at the end of the year sucks. But owning a business certainly has it's advantages.

Sylvan77 · April 2011

I think what I will do is pay the stated rate, but as I plan on using this couple every other week (if things go well), I'll give them a bonus at Christmas, and maybe a raise next year.

In terms of "keeping the profits" I just meant that they don't have a "boss" they have to give a cut to. Paying taxes is just part of life (we all do it!). I'm sure they've factored all that stuff into the negotiated rate.

Thanks!

msmerymac · April 2011

brighteyed:
As for keeping all the profits- Ha! Between liability insurance, workers comp, payroll services, paying employees, buying supplies and equipment, and not necessarily being paid on time or consistently by all your accounts but still having to pay employees (essentially out of your own pocket)and countless other things we certainly do not keep all the profits. Also having to pay taxes at the end of the year sucks. But owning a business certainly has it's advantages.

That's why I hate the "don't tip the owner" rule. Tip for a job well done or for a preofession where tips are expected.

I use a company w/ employees, but yes, we tip about 20%.

Temp38995750004016 · April 2011

I have a weekly housekeeper, and occasionally I give her an extra $10 or more, if I ask her to do some extra things around the house. At Christmas we give her one month's pay extra./

Tipping a cleaning person?

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