Tipping the people you don't see

Propinas para los que no ves

The Hamptons run on workers most homeowners and visitors never meet face-to-face. Tipping is not optional generosity — it's how the system actually pays a fair wage. Here is a sliding scale based on years of practice and conversations with workers.

Landscaping crew (weekly): $40–$80 cash to the crew chief at the start of the season + a $100–$300 holiday tip per worker (not just the company).
House cleaner: 15–20% of the visit, plus one full day's pay at the holidays. Always cash, always direct.
Nanny / childcare: One to two weeks' pay at year-end. A small bonus on birthdays (theirs and the kids').
Dog walker / pet sitter: 15–20% per visit; one week's pay at the holidays.
Barista: $1–$2 per drink. Round up. Always.
Pool service: $20–$50 per visit in the busy summer; $100–$200 at the holidays.
Painters / handymen / one-time trades: $20–$50 per worker per day on the job, on top of the contracted rate.
Delivery driver: $5–$10 minimum, more in bad weather.

Cash is preferred — it goes directly to the worker, not the company.