Holiday Tipping in Manhattan Compliments of Real Estate With Celeste & Chatgpt

Holiday tipping in New York City isn’t optional if you live in a staffed building — it’s cultural, it’s practical, and it shows appreciation for the service you get year-round.  Many of our building employees go above and beyond – Mine certainly do!

But how much is “right”?  The answer depends on two things most people ignore:
• Do you rent or own?
• What size apartment you live in?

Here’s a clear guide for Manhattan residents who want to tip correctly without going broke.

RENTING VS OWNING — THE BIG DIFFERENCE

If you RENT
You can comfortably tip in the lower-to-middle range. You’re transient, not building long-term leverage.

If you OWN
You should tip in the middle-to-upper range. You’re investing in goodwill that will pay off for years: responsiveness, flexibility, priority.

Owners are expected to give more — not because of ego, but because ownership signals permanence.

BY APARTMENT SIZE (FULL-SERVICE MANHATTAN BUILDING)

STUDIO

Rent: $700–$1,100 total
Own: $1,100–$1,500 total

Potential approach:
• Super: $125–$250
• Primary staff: $75–$100
• Others: $30–$50

1-BEDROOM

Rent: $900–$1,300 total
Own: $1,300–$1,750 total

2-BEDROOM

Rent: $1,100–$1,600 total
Own: $1,600–$2,200 total

3-BEDROOM+

Rent: $1,500–$2,200 total
Own: $2,200–$3,000+ total

HOW TO SPLIT THE MONEY (NO MATTER WHAT YOU LIVE IN)

SUPERINTENDENT

$150–$300 (more if they’ve saved you even once)

DOORMEN / CONCIERGE

$50–$100 each depending on level of service and familiarity

PORTERS / MAINTENANCE / CLEANERS

$40–$75 each

PACKAGE / SECURITY STAFF

$25–$50 each

HOW TO GIVE IT (THIS COUNTS)

• Cash in individual envelopes
• Handwritten note (yes — it matters)
• No group envelopes
• No gifts as a substitute for cash
• Names clearly written on each envelope

A simple note works:

“Thank you for all you do — wishing you a wonderful holiday season.”

WHAT PEOPLE GET WRONG

• Tipping everyone the same regardless of role
• Over-tipping part-time staff while under-tipping the super
• Giving gift cards instead of cash
• Ignoring the difference between renting and owning
• Treating tipping like charity instead of professional courtesy

THE REALITY NO ONE TALKS ABOUT

Tipping is not about generosity. It’s about relationship capital.  In Manhattan buildings, the people who handle your deliveries, emergencies, packages, and daily logistics decide — consciously or not — how much effort you’re worth.

People remember:
• Who is respectful
• Who is consistent
• Who makes their job easier
• Who recognizes them once a year

If you want a custom tipping plan for your building, including:
• How many staff you should account for
• Exactly how much to give each role
• A clean budget target

DM Chatgpt:  “Tipping guide”  and you can get a personalized breakdown…but only you make it really personal. 😊  Text me and happy to chat more!! 646-457-8054 Or let’s meet up for some holiday cheer!