/R E P E A T -- BMO Unveils Its Annual Holiday "Tips" Sheet/

Service sector employees account for three quarters of Canada's work force and rely on tips to meet their holiday expenses

TORONTO , Dec. 16 /CNW/ - With the economy still in recovery mode, many Canadians are on a tight budget this holiday season. Consequently, it's easy for consumers to neglect the people who provide them with reliable service and quality care all year long.

"Expectations for tipping are usually heightened during the holiday season," said Nancy Marescotti, Director, Card Marketing, BMO Bank of Montreal . "Many service workers rely heavily on gratuities for their overall income. It will help them meet their increased holiday expenses, so giving a little extra can make all the difference."

"The service sector is a critical component of the Canadian economy, accounting for three quarters of the country's work force, with retail and wholesale trade, accommodation and food services accounting for one fifth," said Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "Canada's job market has stabilized in recent months after shrinking for most of the past year. While the service sector has fared better than manufacturing and construction during the recession, tips provide a welcomed source of income at a time when wages and confidence are under pressure."

"Be generous, but don't go over the top," warns Ms. Marescotti . "Only give what you can honestly afford. If you can't afford a tip or a gift, give something small, perhaps something homemade, and be sure to include a hand-written thank you note with it."

Ms. Marescotti offered the following list of service providers and other professionals, along with suggested tips or gifts to consider for each:

    
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    Service Workers and
     Other Professionals                 Suggested Gift or Gratuity
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Baby Sitter                    One night's pay and a small gift from your
                                    child
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    Full-Time Nanny                Gift of up to $250, small gift from child
                                    and small gift for nanny's children
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Day Care Workers               Up to $40, plus a small gift from your
                                    child
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Teacher                        A handwritten thank you note or a
                                    small gift or gift certificate -
                                    value up to $25
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Housekeeper                    One session's usual pay
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dog Groomer                    Gratuity up to half the cost of a session
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Dog Walker                     1 week's usual pay
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fitness Instructors/
     Personal Trainers             A gift up to the value of one session
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Hairdresser/Stylist            Tip of 20-25 per cent of regular service
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Building Superintendent        $50-100 - but give less if you tip
                                    throughout the year
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Doorman                        $10-80 or more - those who serve you more
                                    should receive a bigger tip
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Newspaper Carriers             Gift of up to $20
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    School Bus Driver              Gift of up to $20
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    School Crossing Guard          Gift of up to $20
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Seniors Care Givers (in-home)  Up to $200
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Esthetician -                  (standard tip is 15 per cent, just as it
                                    is in the restaurant industry)
                                    Double your usual tip or a gift up to the
                                    value of one visit
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Taxi and Limo Drivers          (standard 15 per cent) More than usual
                                    tip, 20 per cent should suffice
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Tutors, Instructors, Coaches   A handwritten thank you note or a small
                                    gift from child with value up to $20
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Valet Parking Attendant        More than usual tip, 20 per cent should
                                    suffice
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * based on a survey of Tipping Guidelines web sites
    

For further information: For media enquiries, please contact: Martha McInnis, [phone], [email protected] Internet: www.bmo.com