I started down this "tippy" path today as a result of staging and de-staging vacant homes.  The tipping can really add up.  So then I got to thinking about it - everything has rules; so tipping must, I am sure.  I know it does for restaurant service obviously, but what about other services . . . am I breaking the rules; abiding by them; or foolishly giving precious green bills away that fall somewhere in between generous and acceptable to poor?

After all, I provide a service, home staging, and I have never been offered a tip.  Now, that being said, I have never expected one or even thought of it until today when I was questioning my ethics on following what ever tipping rules may exist out there.  This chain of thought expanded with unlinked connections regarding where all my pocket book TEN'S and TWENTY'S were disappearing to . . . without receipts, I might add! (And no, my husband and kids are not stealing them - been there; done that; under control!)

Then, well, it occurred to me, I provided a service as a Realtor® when I was practicing Real Estate and no one ever "tipped" me.  Plus I am quite sure there is an ethics problem (in GA anyways) for receiving any monetary tip or gift of large monetary value for real estate services as a Realtor®.   

So I did some Internet research.  Here's a link to a site I found that's as good as, well, Martha Stewart, when not in jail . . .

Tipping Etiquette

Here are my favorite fun things that I learned from this site:

Tipping the Owner

Do you tip the owner of a company when he or she provides you a service? 

 The answer used to be no.

Now it is yes.  

Oh, dear, What do you think, home stagers?  Are you being tipped for your service?

The following is what I was really digging for when I stumbled on the above:

Tipping for Deliveries --(Here's where the majority of all my tip money goes as a home stager! - whether I have my stuff delivered to stage; or I use a furniture rental company to deliver for staging)

Furniture or appliance deliveries - $5-$10 per person. If the delivery is huge, then $20 per person

Personal note to others interested:  I have been WAY OVER tipping and tomorrow is a new day! 

And here are my notes on all the DO NOT TIP CATAGORIES that are of interest to Real Estate agents, home stagers and sellers and buyers.

Do Not Tip List!  

• Appliance repairman  
• Carpet cleaners  
• Contractors, installers, and home re-modelers  
• Electricians and plumbers
• Interior designer  
• Maids  
• Mortgage loan officer  
• Painters (house)
• Personal shopper  
• Realtors® or real estate agents -- The best way to say thanks to a Realtor® is to refer people to them
• Telephone, security, cable, satellite, internet installers or repairmen  
• Title company closing agents.
• Weekly lawn or landscaping service
• Window washer  

So I didn't see Home Inspectors or Home Stagers on the list; nor Virtual Assistants for that matter; but I would think not.

But one thing I know is, as I am swamped staging and de-staging over the next 10 days and going forward, I will gladly be tipping the furniture delivery guys with confidence! (and the correct amount!)

HAPPY TIPPING!!!