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DONATING OR TIPPING? THAT IS THE QUESTION OF THE SEASON

By Susan Emo

Real Estate Agent with Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage

December 06, 2011 08:46 AM

In Jennifer Chiongbian's post today How Much Should I Tip Staff for Apartments in Manhatten I was struck by how different (or is that differently?) we each live our lives.

Tis the season for goodwill to all man but when I read the results of the Tipping Poll in Jennifer's post, the only word that comes to mind is Gobsmacked!!!

Some are getting more goodwill than I ever imagined!

Please note: This is not a negative post about Jennifer!!!!

This is only about information she kindly shared.

These were the 4 tip categories that shook me to my very core:

Super, resident manager: $75 -$175 on average (broad range: $50 - $500)
Doorman, concierge: $25-$150 on average (broad range: $10 - $1,000)
Porter, handyman: $20 - $30 on average (broad range: $10 - $75)
Garage attendant: $25 - $75 avg (broad range $15-$100)

So lets do some simple math:

Jennifer's building has 300 units: 300 people tipping an average amount as follows:

Super: $100 per = $30,000
Doorman: $100 per = $30,000
Porter: $25 per = $7500
Garage Attendant: $50 per = $15,000

TOTAL: $82,500

These people already have jobs - an income, money. They will be celebrating the holidays, most likely with good food and gifts.

What would a local charity be able to do with $82,500??

The people who WON'T be celebrating this year could certainly use that amount of donated funds!

How many apartment buildings are there in Manhatten? I shudder to think.

Jennifer says her building of 300 units is quite small - gasp!

I live in The Town of Gananoque, a town of less than 5200 people, so you can imagine how difficult it would be for us to raise even what Workers get as tips in Manhatten from ONE BUILDING!!!

People, please consider donating the group collective of TIPS to a worthwhile charity: The Salvation Army, Your Local Shelter, Foodbank . . . put the donation in the staff members names to help them with their taxes :0)

Make your money make a difference!

PLEASE!!

thanks for reading,

Susan Emo,
Gananoque Realtor

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Randi Brammer

Randi Brammer, Acctg. - Hinckley, MN

Accountant & Tax Preparer

Tipping for excellent service is one thing, but just because you have to is another. I don't get where the 15-20% came in. I always thought 10% was plenty.

Dec 06, 2011 05:38 AM

Liz and Bill Spear

Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH

Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

It's one heck of a bonus and how much of that do you think actually makes it to the IRS official income report? :)

Dec 06, 2011 05:44 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Randi - I am surprised at how many people tip people who are probably making more money then they do! I remember flying once and as we were getting close to landing a collection for the pilot was being taken up!!!!! Talk about needing an air sick bag :0)

I will tip when someone goes above and beyond their job description. I will not tip otherwise. Handing me a coffee thru the drive-thru window does not qualify!!!

Dec 06, 2011 05:49 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Hi Bill - exactly . . . a huge bonus!! I hope the IRS does read these Tip Polls and follow up on the receivers of same.

Dec 06, 2011 05:51 AM

Shar Sitter

Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN

Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

I always tip wait staff no matter what, been there and it is a tough job. Just getting something handed to me over a counter I tip once in a while, depends on the person and if I have cash!

Dec 06, 2011 07:39 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Hi Shar - it seems that those who waited tables in the past, tip the most today. I have friends who still work in bars and they make more than most Realtors I know, lol

Dec 06, 2011 08:08 AM

Roger D. Mucci

Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH

Lets shake things up at your home today!

Having been in the service industry for years as a hairdresser and waiter, I have a tendency to tip very well when I dine out, or for any service performed well. Living in Manhattan in a doorman building is quite different than most places, I've done that too. The doorman that worked during the day got a much bigger tip from me at Christmas than the others who worked evenings and weekends, but mainly because he did so much more. The super was excellent also. Crazy how their salaries are structured too. Believe me, I know supers and doormen, they don't make all that much and they count on those tips at Christmas to survive. Same with waiters, bartenders and a lot of other people in the service industry. They usually make less than minimum wage, it's that way now and always has been.

As much as I think your idea is great my friend, I don't think it would work for most of these people.

Dec 06, 2011 08:30 AM

Tara Skinner at Keller Williams Advantage Realty

Keller Williams Advantage Realty - Golden, CO

- Connect with us!

Tipping and donating is an art form, for sure. During the holidays it is great to give what you can because every little bit helps!

Dec 06, 2011 10:17 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Roger - We will have to agree to disagree on this subject my friend :0) Nobody forces these people into these positions and as I said, the majority of them make more than those that feel the need to tip them. Do you seriously believe that a doorman deserves in excess of $30,000 as a tip? In this day and age with entire families living on the streets?

Dec 06, 2011 11:33 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Rick - there are so many in need of our help and I agree, we need to do what we can. Those that are employed, with a roof over their head, and food on their table are not included. I give monetary assistance to those who are in need real help.

Dec 06, 2011 11:35 AM

Karen Bernetti

Southington, CT

You sure know how to put things in perspective.....it's great to reward hard work done by the people who serve us by tipping them well, but we can't lose sight of those who have nothing who could really use our help as well.

Dec 06, 2011 03:29 PM

Gwynn Carpenter

Gwynn Teal Carpenter-Broker: Home and Hearth Realty (Austin) - Austin, TX

: Broker, Home & Hearth Realty (512)467-6191

Susan: Tipping makes sense when service is over and above what is the basic. One of my best friends (now) came from the superior service she gave as a wait staff person in my favorite restaurant...and she was able to purchase a home because of tipping (rented for 20 years). Yes, her tips got reported - reason she could purchase a home. Don't know anything about doormen or garage men or porters - they too must earn a living but tipping should be optional NOT required!

Dec 06, 2011 09:04 PM

Malcolm Johnston

Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate LTD., Trenton, Ontario - Trenton, ON

Trenton Real Estate

I have discovered that tipping well pays off in the long run Susan. People do tend to remember, and when I go back I'm always treated very well.

Dec 07, 2011 04:37 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Karen - I'm glad you were able to see the other side of tipping.

Dec 07, 2011 05:42 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Gwynn - above and beyond is what I will tip for. Not for someone simply doing their job, and usually not doing it well either. I love hearing stories about people like your friend who sounds like she is a good, honest, hardworking soul who deserves to be a homeowner.

Dec 07, 2011 05:45 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

Malcolm, I'm not a big fan of extortion! "Tip me or I won't do my job"!

Dec 07, 2011 05:49 AM