Tipping the Doorman: A Delicate Balance
Let's talk about the age-old question that plagues New Yorkers like a never-ending winter: How much do you tip the doorman? It's a conundrum wrapped in a dilemma, served with a side of anxiety. Believe me, we've all been there, standing in the elevator, fumbling for cash, praying the doorman doesn't have superhuman hearing.
The Art of Tipping: A Fine Science
Tipping in New York is a black art. It's like trying to figure out the correct number of candles to put on a birthday cake - too many, and you're a showoff; too few, and you're a Scrooge. With the doorman, the stakes are even higher. You're not just tipping a service provider; you're tipping the gatekeeper to your sanctuary.
The general rule of thumb is to tip your doorman around $50-$150 for the holidays. But let's be real, this is NYC, where a "generous" tip can buy you a decent meal. So, how do you navigate this minefield?
Factors to Consider: It's Not Just About the Benjamins
Before you break out the Benjamins, consider a few factors:
- Level of Service: Does your doorman hail you a cab in the pouring rain? Do they hold your packages like they're priceless treasures? If so, maybe a little extra love is in order.
- Building Size: Smaller buildings might warrant a higher tip per doorman since they likely handle more responsibilities.
- Your Financial Situation: Let's be honest, if you're living on ramen noodles, you can't be expected to drop a hundred bucks on every custodian of your building.
- Your Conscience: Ultimately, the best tip is the one that makes you feel good.
The Etiquette of Tipping: Don't Be a Grinch
While we’re on the topic, let’s discuss some tipping etiquette. It’s not just about the amount; it’s about how you do it.
- Time it Right: Holiday season is the traditional tipping time, but if you move in mid-year, a tip is still appreciated.
- Hand it Over: Don’t be sneaky. A discreet, yet grateful, handshake with the envelope is the way to go.
- Be Gracious: A simple "thank you for everything you do" can go a long way.
How to Navigate the Tipping Waters
- How to determine the right tip amount? Consider the factors mentioned above and use your best judgment.
- How to handle multiple doormen? Divide the total tip amount equally among the doormen.
- How to tip if you’re new to the building? A smaller tip to start is acceptable, and you can increase it over time.
- How to tip if you rarely interact with the doorman? Even if you don’t interact often, they still provide a service, so a small token of appreciation is nice.
- How to handle situations where service is poor? If the service is consistently bad, you might want to consider speaking to the building management.
Remember, tipping is a gesture of appreciation, not a financial obligation. So, be generous when you can, but don't break the bank. And most importantly, don't let the stress of tipping ruin your holiday cheer.
Happy tipping!
