The Gene Team Annual Holiday Tipping Guide

Live In A Luxury Condo? You’ll Need These Tips On Tipping.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, 

Jack Frost nipping at your nose, 

If you call a condo in the sky your home, 

You’ll need to tip the staff below!

Yes, holiday time means tipping time. The staffers in the double-breasted brassy buttoned overcoats who so courteously open doors, store packages, watch your toddler as you dash back up to your condo, or help you with bulky furniture, most likely earn around $50K a year. Tipping makes a big difference to their bottom line. However, knowing how much to tip and who gets what can be more difficult than trying to wheel a bike in through a revolving door in a gale-force wind.  

Here’s a breakdown of tipping protocols in the New York City

Resident Manager/Super & Handyman: 
If you’re just scraping by managing to pay your mortgage and utilities, save money for these guys’ tips like you would save for a vacation because they don’t come cheap. Condo owners should look to tip around $1000 for these two lifesavers, with the Resident Manager/Super getting slightly more due to their seniority.

Doormen:
Prepare to pay your building’s gatekeepers $125-$450 a piece. That includes the overnight and weekend staffers. You can squeeze in an extra $100 for your favorites.

Maintenance Staff & Porters
These guys keep the engine running. Whether it’s fixing faulty hot water tanks, disposing of the trash, or bringing up your Amazon packages. A $100-$300 tip is an average amount to show your appreciation.

Garage: 
No need to tip the same for miscellaneous garage staff you never interact with as those you do. Leaving $25-$75 for each of the staffers is fine but adjust upwards to the guys who take and bring your car to you every weekend.

The Do's and Dont's of Tipping

How To Present Your Tip
Discretion is generally the rule of thumb. No need to announce it in the lobby. For staff you have a personal relationship with, you might want to hand them a card containing cash in person. Also, no need to write a novel. A simple, “Thanks so much for your help this year,” or “We appreciate everything you do for us,” is fine. Also, don’t assume the staff celebrates the holidays in the same way you do, or at all, so leave out cards with religious sentiments in favor of ones that just celebrate the season. 

What To Give & Not To Give:
Basic rule of thumb — cash is king. Don’t write a check or give fancy foods, clothing, or even gift cards instead of the almighty dollar. Staffers have families to feed, bills to pay, and presents to buy too. Even though you might discuss music or golf with them, it doesn’t mean they want an Apple Music gift card or a golfing polo shirt.