December is here and we’re all tackling our lists of gifts for family, partners, friends, and coworkers. For New Yorkers, there’s an extra group on the list: building staff. It’s certainly a unique part of New York/city life and can be tricky to navigate.
So we’ve put together a holiday tipping guide and are diving into everything you need to know from how much to tip building staff NYC, what happens if you don’t tip, and more.
Keep reading!
How Much To Tip Building Staff NYC?
There’s no hard and fast rule for how much to tip building staff. But here’s a general range:
- Super: $75-$175
- Doorman: $25-$150
- Handyman or Porter: $20-$30
- Parking Attendant: $25-$75
What Factors Determine How Much You Tip?
The exact number will vary between each resident and can depend on these factors:
- How long have lived in your apartment? If you’ve only been in your apartment for a year or two, your staff probably isn’t expecting as much as they are from someone who has lived in the building for a while and has a longer relationship with them.
- Do you own or rent your apartment? Usually, residents who own an apartment will tip higher than a renter as they have more at stake for the care and maintenance of the building.
- How often do you make requests from your staff? If you’re often asking for help with packages or repairs in your apartment, you should definitely thank your staff.
- Do you tip along the way? If you tip when repairs are done, you can budget for a smaller year-end tip.
Does Each Doorman Need to Receive the Same Amount?
No, you choose how much each doorman receives. If a doorman is new, it’s understandable for them to receive a lower tip. If a doorman consistently provides exceptional service, it’s fair to reflect that in their tip.
When Should You Tip?
It’s common practice to tip sometime between Thanksgiving and the end of December. Be mindful that a lot of staff really rely on the tips they receive for holiday expenses, so if you’re able to, give it sooner rather than later.
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How Should You Deliver a Tip?
The best way to deliver your tip is in a signed and sealed card (how adorable are these cards with the iconic NYC taxi?!) with cash or a check enclosed, that way, staff can keep track of your gift. Your card doesn’t have to be overly wordy but expressing your appreciation and perhaps naming a specific situation where they were helpful goes a long way. You can also include your apartment number or a photo from your Christmas card to help them connect the name to the face.
While it’s nice to hand-deliver each gift, it can be hard to track down each person. It’s totally acceptable to leave the gifts with a super to distribute among staff. If you’re nervous to hand off envelopes of cash, you can also opt for checks.
Is It Okay to Give a Gift Instead of Money?
It’s best practice to stick with cash for end-of-the-year tips. Unless you have a close relationship with members of your staff and know for sure you can choose a gift they’ll like, they’ll be more appreciative of the extra cash they can use for holiday expenses.
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What Happens if You Don’t Tip?
Nothing really. The majority of your building will leave a tip and some staff might take notice but it shouldn’t affect the service you receive.
Remember that a tip isn’t mandatory. It’s a kind gesture to thank the people who keep your building safe, clean, and comfortable. If you’re not in the position to tip, there are many other ways to express your gratitude.
Navigating holiday gifting and how much to tip building staff in NYC can be tricky, but we hope this gives you more clarity this holiday season!
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