Economy likely to rewrite some rules on tipping

NEW YORK (AP) — This holiday season, a leaner budget might clarify which people truly make a difference in your life. The challenge will be figuring out how much to tip them.

Determining what to give during the holidays, if anything, will likely be more complicated than in years past. Even if money is tight, it’s hard not to feel guilty about skimping on the usual year-end bonus. You might also worry that not tipping will create an awkward tension or result in shoddier service.

Still, you won’t be alone if you scale back. About a quarter of respondents to a recent Consumer Reports survey plan to tip less this holiday season than they did last year. Only 6 percent plan to give more. If you’re among those on a tighter budget, here’s how you can save without appearing cheap.

KNOW THE CUSTOMS

There are no hard-and-fast rules, but year-end tips are generally the cost of a single session. So if a haircut costs $40, that’s how much you could give as a tip.

And holiday bonuses are generally reserved for people you’ve relied on for at least six months.

For someone such as a paperboy who doesn’t charge per delivery, ask others what they’re giving if you’re at a total loss. Remember that some workers have guidelines on what they can accept. Mail carriers, for example, can take only noncash gifts valued at $20 or less. That could include a gift card, but not personal checks in any amount. Alcohol isn’t allowed either.

Teachers generally can’t accept cash either. The rules vary, however, so be sure to check with the school.

FOCUS ON KEY PEOPLE

One way to save is to focus on those you feel must be tipped.

Last holiday season, for instance, the downturn didn’t affect how much housekeepers and teachers got. But fewer people tipped their barbers, garbage collectors, mail carriers and manicurists, according to Consumer Reports.

Start by identifying those you feel absolutely should get tips. They’ll likely be people you have frequent or intimate contact with, such as child- or pet-care providers.

You might also want to consider financial situations when drawing up your list. A yoga instructor might not need, or expect, a tip as much as a manicurist. Another reason you might leave someone off the list: You already tip them generously throughout the year.

CONSIDER NONCASH GIFTS

If cash tips aren’t in the budgetary stars, you can still give small gifts that don’t cost a lot.

Baked goods, jams and candles are the perennial crowd pleasers.

Another option is pooling resources to buy a nice gift. For example, tenants in an apartment building could team up to buy an iPod for the super.

If you feel you can’t afford a tip or gift, thank-you notes can still make a difference. You could even spruce it up with a Godiva chocolate; one box should be enough for all your envelopes.

Of course, you might feel sheepish about giving a card that doesn’t have any cash inside. But at the very least, a warm message can help ease any awkwardness that might come from avoiding the issue altogether.

If you still can’t shake your guilt, consider lightly touching on your economic situation in the note. Business etiquette author Mitchell suggests thanking the person for bearing with you during these tough times.