#8  

01-02-2006, 04:23 PM

I have used a cleaning service (European Maids) for 3 1/2 years now. They send the same two ladies every other week, and they clean my house (5 bedrooms) top to bottom. I write a check to the cleaning service, which they deliver. For the first year, I didn't tip them. But they are amazing ladies, and they have done so much for me "over and above" their job. I have twin boys, and sometimes I'm scurrying around at the last minute picking up, and they just shoo me away....and pick up boatloads of toys.

After the cleaning service takes their cut, these women don't make much. I started tipping them $5 each about a year ago, and they have expressed their gratitude over and over again. I have really come to love these women, and I so appreciate their help. I'm glad to tip them.

I think tipping on a regular basis is optional, but the one thing I have always done is say thank you and talk to them with respect. It sounds like a small thing, but over the years they have shared with me that a lot of people just ignore them or talk down to them.

Enjoy your clean house! It's worth every penny....

  #9  

01-02-2006, 05:09 PM

Something I learned when planning my wedding...

If they own the company don't tip. If they don't; tip!

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  #10  

01-02-2006, 05:28 PM

I never tip my maid except at Christmas, or if I have her do a special job for me, although I don't consider that a tip, that's paying her for extra work in my mind. The lady who works for me doesn't work for an agency though, so she gets to keep 100% of what I give her, so that's why I don't tip.

  #11  

01-02-2006, 08:18 PM

I just tip at Christmas, I give him $100 which is just over the regular $90 fee.
(Memartha - you seem to be getting a great deal per hour! My cleaner spends about 3.5 hours alone.) He does do the whole house and always asks if there's anything special I need done, and never charges extra except for something major like steam cleaning furniture. I think he's probably making a little more per hour than his average job, the house is a good size but it's just me & DH so there are bedrooms & a shower that never really get used (and I almost ALWAYS have a room closed off for renovations!) , he wouldn't have known this when he quoted.

Mcgeiger, if you can swing it, GO for it! I considered this a huge luxury when I signed up and still do, but it's SO worth the money to me for the fact that I'm not spending my weekends cleaning and more importantly, not arguing with DH who has a higher tolerance of dirt than me! Good luck with your move.