THUNDER BAY – Its a question that concerns many people. Just what is a fair and reasonable tip? The term means “To insure promptness” and in many cases people never are sure what a tip should be. From the $2 tip to the pizza delivery to 15% of the bill at your favourite restaurant, often the world of tipping confuses people.
Here are some suggestions for tipping prepared by the Bank of Montreal (BMO).
“Long weekends generally mean good news for Canada’s hospitality, recreation and entertainment industries,” said David Heatherly, Vice President, Payment Products, BMO Bank of Montreal. “And according to our Summer Spending Survey, more than half of Canadians this summer will be taking their vacation in Canada.”
An expected increase in recreational spending in Canada is forecasted during summer months and over the long weekend, local businesses are poised to be booming. “This bodes well for the many service providers in Canada, including seasonal workers who rely on gratuities and the generosity of satisfied patrons to boost their summer earnings,” added Mr. Heatherly.
With that in mind, BMO offers the following list of summer service providers and other professionals, along with suggested tips or gifts to consider for each:
| Services and Other Professionals | Suggested Gift or Gratuity | |
| Occasional and/or Regular Baby Sitter | One evening’s pay given before the start of the academic year. | |
| Full-Time Baby Sitter | One week’s pay and a gift from your child(ren) given before the start of the academic year. | |
| Summer Camp Counsellor | A Thank You note and $10 per week following the camps completion. Please consult the camp’s Tipping Policy as many do not accept gratuities. | |
| Seasonal Sports Instructor | The cost of one lesson or a gift of equal value given on final day of lessons. | |
| Volunteer Sports Team Coach | A Thank You note and a gift certificate valued for up to $20. | |
| Dog Groomer | 10% per service. | |
| Dog Walker/Pet Sitter | Up to 20% or small gift after service is no longer required. | |
| House Sitter | A gift brought back from your vacation. | |
| Gardener/Pool Cleaner | $20 to $50 or the cost of one session given at the end of the season. | |
| Lawn Mower | $10 to $25 given at the end of the season. | |
| Hairdresser/Stylist | 15% to 20% per service. | |
| Aesthetician | 15% of each treatment received before tax. | |
| Airport Baggage Handler | $1 to $3 per bag and an extra dollar if bags are bulky or heavy. | |
| Hotel Bellhop | $1 to $5 per bag. | |
| Hotel Concierge | $5 for basic service and up to $25 for special or difficult requests. | |
| Hotel Housekeeper | $1 to $5 per night given at the end of your stay. | |
| Hotel Pool Attendant | $2 to $5 per service. | |
| Hotel Room Service | 15% of before tax bill. | |
| Waitress/Waiter | 15% of before tax bill. | |
| Bartender | $1 per drink or 15% to 20% of bar bill before tax. | |
| Food Delivery | 15% to 20% and if the size of your party is 10 or more add 5%. | |
| Tour Guide | 10% to 20% of the cost of the tour. | |
| Extended Tour Guide | $1 to $10 per day. | |
| Golf Caddy | $10 to $25 above golf course fee. Please consult golf course guide on tipping policy. | |
| Taxi and Limo Drivers | 15% of amount displayed on meter. | |
| Valet Parking Attendant | $1 to $5 per car for one night of service. | |
| * based on a survey of Tipping Guidelines web sites | ||
