Holiday tipping suggestions

Wednesday, December 22nd 2004, 10:09 am

By: News On 6

Tis the season for giving, but some people aren't sure how much to give, when it comes to holiday tips. The people who get tips say this time of year; they generally do a little better.

News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan has tips on holiday tipping. At a place like Michael Brothers Hair at 1700 South Cheyenne, a tip might seem to be part of the transaction. This time of year, people routinely bring gifts for their hair dresser. Michael Brothers: "They might bake you something, they might send you flowers, they might go out and buy you something, it's a variety."

But despite the belief that tips are expected, Michael Brothers says most businesses are just happy to have good customers. â€œSome people can afford just to come see us and we appreciate people who come as clients and some people are able to do more than that, and that's always appreciated.â€

Etiquette experts suggest more people deserve tips at the holidays - everyone from babysitters to trash collectors. The amount varies, but depends on the level of personal service provided. For those who don't know what's right for a parking attendant. Walter Berg with Central Parking: â€œWe'd like to get a dollar in tip, there's some that do tip and some that don't.â€

Berg says he can't predict who will tip and who won't, but he says this time of year, people are generally more giving. â€œNow we do get things from our customers, they'll give us candy, we'll get some food.â€

Some experts suggest tipping delivery drivers, and almost all suggest a tip for the mail carrier, but it has to be something other than cash. Some mail carriers we spoke with say it's not uncommon for them to get a holiday gift - one had just gotten a bottle of wine. But federal rules prohibit them from taking gifts worth more than $20. That restriction is limited to post office employees.

For everyone, holiday tips come in handy, and help spread Christmas cheer. For people who routinely get tips - the holiday guide is to typically double the tip, especially for people working on a holiday.

For everyone else, the guide some experts use is, if it makes you feel better to tip them at Christmas, go ahead.