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Even in down economic times, Americans still give a holiday helping hand to service employees.
Sixty-two percent of respondents to a Consumer Reports poll said they doled out cash and gifts last Christmas season to workers whom they depend on for regular services.
“Give cash, the value of one session or a week’s wage to self-employed, lower-wage earners,” said CR’s Tobie Stanger.
“You should also note that mail carriers can’t accept cash or checks, but can accept gift cards of $20 or less that can’t be exchanged for cash.”
Housekeepers cleaned up the most at Christmas last year, as 49 percent of respondents gave money or gift cards to them, while another 12 percent gave a non-monetary gift.
Christmas tippers were also generous to hairdressers, with 36 percent giving cash and 8 percent giving gifts.
Poll results were aimed at a national audience and didn’t include Big Apple-centric jobs like building superintendents, porters and doormen.
Max Ren, owner of Passion Hair Salon in the Upper West Side, said tips are on the rise after bottoming out in 2008.
“Now we get 30 percent [tip off a single job]. We used to get 100 percent.”
Pet-care providers also scored holiday treats, with 25 percent of respondents saying they gave money, while another 10 percent gave gifts.
“They are generous. It depends on the relationship, but I usually get tipped a week’s pay,” said dog walker Max Boingeang, 39, of Washington Heights. “Some give me a big tip, $500, $600.”
He added: “I’m not focused on the tip. I’d rather have a client who’s continuous than one who tips well and is gone next week.”
Sanitation workers were on the trash heap of tips, with just 7 percent saying they gave to their garbage men last year.
Letter carriers didn’t do much better, with only 13 percent getting holiday green from customers, the Consumer Reports poll said.
Henry Nespoli, head of the sanitation union, said New York public servants are barred from accepting tips.
Besides, Nespoli said, customers would be hard pressed to tip garbage men, because they’re out of sight and out of mind: “We work early in the morning. We fly by.”