Not Sure How Much to Tip This Holiday Season? – Just Ask Yourself, “What Would Santa Do?” TORONTO, December 20, 2007 – If you think Santa’s Elves work for free, think again. Even the jolly old man himself digs deep into his red velvet pockets each year to say thanks to his army of toy makers for their year-long support. In Canada, more than seventy-five percent of working people are employed in the service industry and many are hoping their year-long clients, holiday shoppers and restaurant revelers will also leave a little something extra in their stockings to say thanks for a job well done. Nancy Marescotti, Director, BMO Mosaik MasterCard, says the Holiday Season is typically a time when we extend a special thanks to the people who have provided us with dependable service and quality care all year long but whom we might not have tipped regularly throughout the year. “Service workers we’ve talked to all agree that they have heightened expectations and hopes that their customers will be more generous at this time of year,” she said. “For many workers, tips are an important part of their overall income that really help them meet the extra expenses of the holiday season.” Ms. Marescotti said that Canadians will typically show their appreciation at this time of year with tips or gifts, depending on the nature of the relationship they have with their service providers. “Obviously you’re not going to ‘tip’ your son’s teacher or day care provider, but a personal gift that shows you really appreciate their care and attention is always going to be well received,” she said. “And, if you’re a rewards Collector, purchasing a gift on a BMO Mosaik credit or BMO Bank of Montreal debit card can earn you AirMiles, so you’d be treating yourself as well.” “You don’t have to overdo it,” cautions Ms. Marescotti. “Be mindful of what you can truly afford. If you can’t afford a tip or cash gift, write a personal note of thanks and give it with a smaller gift, perhaps something homemade.” Ms. Marescotti offered a representative list of service providers and other professionals, and suggests a range of tips or gifts* to consider for each:
* based on a survey of Tipping Guidelines web sites - 30 - Contact:
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