Year end tips for cleaning service companies?

[Anonymous]

I write the check to one of the women, and ask her to share it with the others. This is done when they are all together. That way, the cleaning service administrators don't get it -- the women themselves do.

[Anonymous]

I almost never tip during the year. Last year I gave 100 - which is a bit more than what she gets each week. We don't have a big income--so hiring someone is a real splurge. The fact that I can trust her in our house is what I value the most. Thus, the year end tip/thanks.

[Anonymous]

I was always told 1 weeks pay for cleaning people. Since it's a service, I would leave cash for your person directly.

[Anonymous]

Our biweekly cleaning is $90. It's a service and the same 3 ladies come. I gave them $40/each for a holiday tip. I don't tip during the year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What if you have been using the cleaning service only for 2 months and plan not to continue after the new year? Not to be a Scrooge, but I'm unemployed and used the service only to get me through the early months of motherhood. I was going to give $20 to the woman who does the work and $20 to the owner of the cleaning service. Does that sound about right?

I think it's fine not to tip in this case. Tipping is discretionary, even if it's come to be somewhat standard. Since you've only used her for a couple of months, and won't continue to do so, I don't think it's a big deal not to tip. I tip my cleaning lady one week's pay, but I've used her for years and the tip is a way of saying "thanks for all of the trusted and outstanding service over the years."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have hired a maid company to come and clean once, before we move. Should I tip these people?

I would maybe tip them a bit, since they are part of a service and not pocketing the money directly. I'd probably tip 15%-20% (total, not for each person). If it were an independent cleaning person, I wouldn't tip in this case.