News Tip

I subscribe to the Times and this week found an envelope stuffed into my paper with a name and address printed on the front. A card was inside, signed by my delivery person. In this season of holiday tipping, how much should I tip for his service?

Leon, Upper West Side

If, like many New Yorkers, you only receive the paper on the weekend, a tip of $10 seems to be the standard, give or take a few bucks. But if you have the paper delivered seven days a week up that tip to $20 or $25. The primary source for Gothamist's information was our morning delivery person, but his figures checked out when we asked friends and co-workers their preferred tipping amounts.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Doug Gordon in Miscellaneous on December 9, 2004 10:18 AM

Comments [rss]

Jon

Over the past year, there have been two days when the paper wasn't delivered at all, and nearly a dozen when delivery was seriously late. I usually mail $20, but $15 should suffice for 2004.

The Grinch

Cool...now how much should I put in the tip jar at Starbucks? Particularly the one on Wall St where they just hand you a cup for you to fill yourself?

It wouldn't be New York without paying ripoff prices, and then being expected to tip to get decent service, if you happen to be lucky and the person is so inclined.

Gotta run, time go to the post office and pick up some stamps and envelopes to attach to various items left for my neighbors. And pick up sundry remedies for seasonal crankiness.

happy merry everyone...

Doug

Just put your check or cash in the envelope provided - the delivery people usually pre-address the envelope - stick a stamp on it and send it.

andy

$5 is about what you'd tip a waiter for a $37 meal and they only have to travel 20 feet to serve you once. For a guy to get up early and travel who knows how far (I doubt these guys can afford uptown apts) to deliver your paper by 7:00 everyday, I think $20 a year is the least you can cough up.

tien

the delivery price is more than double the newsstand? that's news to me. i was billed $37 for 4 weeks. considering the newsstand price is $1 for monday-saturday and at least $4 for sunday, that's actually a savings.

sg, they give you a handy self addressed card to send them.

alice, uptown

In all the years I received the Times, I never felt compelled to leave more than $5 for the service. For one thing, the delivery price is more than double the newsstand. For another, going back more than 20 years, when $5 could actually buy you something more than a latte at Starbucks and I did tip, I never received any sort of acknowledgement.

Don't get me wrong: I am fine with tipping. But I don't think a thank-you is amiss.