If you’re an Aussie on the ‘tight-ass’ side of life, which we mostly are, then I suggest you stay the hell away from New York around Christmas.
Holiday tipping – is customary, and it’s way way out of control.
In my apartment building alone, just this week, I must tip: the security guard who sleeps at his desk as I struggle to unlock the door to the building, the guy who mops the elevator, the super intendant, the super’s kid who does the gardening and the maintenance man. But how much? A couple of bucks each? Maybe five because you’re feeling generous? No. Try a minimum of $20 and preference towards $100.
Think about how much you resent paying your hairdresser for a normal cut and dye. Now move to New York and add a 10% tax then a 20% tip on an already pricey service. Now, because ‘tis the season’ you add an extra big Holiday-bonus tip! God knows how much this is, but you can bet it’s around $50 plus.
Needless to say I am ignoring my shabby split ends for another few weeks until the silliness is over.
Also – how do I even do this tipping thing? The men in my building are starting to stare at me expectantly when I see them, and I’m totally unprepared (do they take credit card?). How do you go about slipping strange men loads of money on your way through. I guess I should embrace this New York moment, and make it look as shady as possible. Maybe pull it out of my bra, and give them a wink. Or hand it over, and ask them to please release one hostage.
Actually, if I can wear dark glasses a hat and very red lipstick, and live out my fantasy - making it look like I’m bribing them to make someone disappear from my life, then the tip will have just paid for itself.
No comments:
Post a Comment