Hired a house cleaner, paid a nice amount to the company, but still wondering. Should I tip them or not? You ask your neighbors, ” Do you tip the House Cleaning Service. You are not alone in this. It’s not a simple yes-or-no situation, as it depends on many factors. You will surely not pay extra to a cleaner who isn’t even working satisfactorily. A tip is a way of showing appreciation for a job done well.
So, suppose the job is done really well. Your home is spotless and fresh. Now, you are feeling an anxiety that a simple thank you is enough or that a tip is an unwritten rule. In a region known for its high cost of living and tech-fueled hustle, tipping etiquette is far from simple. In this blog, we will dive into everything you need to know about the Bay Area’s tipping etiquette for house cleaners.
Should you tip your house cleaner?
Tipping house cleaners is not mandatory at all, but it’s customary in the Bay Area and even around the world. If cleaners are doing their job perfectly or exceptionally, they expect to be appreciated. If they are putting in more than the required effort, some small extra money is what they deserve. On the other hand, people do think that they get paid for what they do. They shouldn’t be entertained with rewards and tips for the job they are already getting paid for. There are different schools of thought in this regard, and the short answer is, “It depends.” Yeah, it depends on the service you got, who you hired, and how their work was.
How much should you tip house cleaners?
Like the question Should I tip? How much should I tip? Have the same answer. “It depends.”
If you have hired a cleaning service for one-time deep cleaning, the tip would be different for them compared to someone who’s your permanent house cleaner or offers recurring services. Also, if you want to tip any of them on exceptional work, the tip amount will be different.
One-Time Deep Cleaning:
One-time deep cleaning in case of move-in, move-out, or thorough cleaning of your decades-old home is a tough job. If you have hired a cleaning service for this purpose, you can pay 10 to 15 percent as a tip to their employees.
Recurring Cleaning Service:
For an independent cleaner or those who provide regular cleaning service, a holiday bonus or something at the time of need can be a nice and kind gesture.
Exceptional Service:
If your cleaner goes above and beyond, like tackling a particularly tough stain or tidying a cluttered area, a more generous tip shows your appreciation.
Also Read: Why is move-out cleaning important?
How can you tip house cleaners?
There can be different ways to tip any individual house cleaner or house cleaning service. Cash is often preferable as it gives the cleaner or the team immediate access to money. You can also do digital payment because many services now allow you to add a tip when paying online or through a company app. You can also use services like Venmo or Zelle if you have a personal relationship with an independent cleaner.
What if you don’t have cash for tips?
If you don’t have cash, let me tell you that showing kindness is a tip too. Beyond cash, there are a few ways to show gratitude:
Positive Reviews:
All the work of service providers goes by reviews. You hired that cleaning service based on reviews you read on Yelp. Better pass that information by writing a really nice review because testimonials help a lot to get new clients.
Referrals:
The cleaners you hired when you last moved out were referred by one of your friends. People believe in word of mouth. If you refer to a cleaning service, your friends will surely prefer that over others. It is a small help to the cleaners’ business.
Small Gestures:
Small gestures like offering a cold-water bottle on a hot day or a fresh cup of coffee on a cold one really makes a difference. Such small positive acts can foster a long-term relationship, and those who don’t need a cleaner from time to time.
Which cleaners should you tip?
If you have made up your mind that tipping is the right decision. Now you have to decide whether to tip every cleaner I hire or if there should be some specific ones I should tip. Yeah, before you reach your wallet, think about who you hired. Things will be different in the case of an independent cleaner or one who’s an employee of a large company.
Independent Cleaner:
Independent cleaners keep 100 percent of their earnings, and they decide rates on their own. Even if you don’t pay a tip, a little extra is already included in the rate they offer. A tip is always appreciated, but if you are their consistent client, it’s better to offer a holiday bonus or something similar instead of a regular tip.
Cleaning company employees:
Workers of large companies get paid a fixed hourly or monthly wage, regardless of the amount or quality of work they do. A tip for such cleaners is a supplement to their income to support their living. But must check the company policy before, because some don’t allow tips, and that can be a problem for the employee.
Now that you are aware of tipping etiquette, better hire one of the best cleaners in the Bay Area who actually deserves that too? JJ & CC Maintenance Services understands the value of a clean and comfortable home. That’s why we offer guaranteed satisfaction with our cleaning services throughout the Bay Area. Contact us now to give your home a fresh feel.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Cleaning Service for Your San Francisco Home
