This will be the first holiday season for my wife and me in a white-glove building on Park Avenue. How much should we be tipping the staff? — Gordon K., Upper East Side
Tips can vary from building to building, so it’s a good idea to make discreet inquiries among your neighbors about going rates in your particular high-rise. Suffice to say, based on your 10021 location, you should be prepared to shell out. I consulted with Park Avenue resident Joan Caraganis Jakobson, who offered these guidelines: $200 per porter; $200 to $300 for each doorman and elevator attendant; $400 to $600 for the super. Though the cash adds up quickly (particularly if you have several doormen), bear in mind that these individuals greet you with a smile no matter what their mood (or yours) and help make your life a bit easier all year long. I, for one, think that anyone who spends the better part of his day holed up in a windowless elevator cab more than earns a few Benjamins come holiday time.
I’ve heard conflicting things about whether I should be tipping my letter carrier. What’s the real story? — Roland N., Riverside South
Federal law prohibits mail carriers from accepting cash. Fortunately, Uncle Sam is not a complete Grinch, so material goods of less than $20 in value are permitted. You can be a bit less tight-fisted with other workers who bring items to your doorstep. For example, if you subscribe to a newspaper (bless you!), you’ve likely encountered a pre-addressed envelope from your delivery person. This (ahem) gentle suggestion can be ignored, particularly if your paper often arrives soggy, late or not at all. However, if the delivery service is consistently good, you should most certainly tip. Anywhere from $10 to $30 is appropriate. And don’t forget about those who bring you goodies even when it’s not Christmas, e.g. your UPS, FedEx or FreshDirect delivery person. Here, a $20 tip will be appropriate; a gift (or baked goods) also lets these folks know how much you appreciate their service.
I live in a brownstone co-op without a doorman. Besides the super, is there anyone else I should be tipping? — Jana T., Clinton
Easy to overlook but nonetheless important is the building’s managing agent. He or she might not be on the premises, but it’s likely that life in your co-op would be a lot more chaotic without the managing agent’s services. Check to see whether a bonus is being presented by the building’s board of directors on behalf of the shareholders. If no such arrangements have been made, consider a gift of your own — particularly if the agent has gone out of his or her way to assist you with a refinance or other paperwork-intensive process this year.
Got a question about etiquette in the realm of New York real estate? Drop me a line at testingthemarketnyc@gmail.com or tweet me @mistermanners.