By John Johnston
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Thank-yous - in the form of money or gifts - may be in order for those who have provided you with services throughout the year.

"Anytime someone renders service for you and is being paid, a tip is not necessary," says Ann Marie Sabath, founder of Cincinnati-based At Ease Inc., a business protocol and etiquette training company. "When these individuals are going above and beyond the call of duty, however, a tip should be given."

Suggested tip amounts vary widely. Hilka Klinkenberg's Etiquette International, the Emily Post Institute and Tipping.org. all advise weighing several factors, such as your relationship with the service provider, how long you've known the person, and quality and policies of the business.

• Apartment superintendent/custodian: $20 to $100.

• Baby sitter: One week's pay plus small gift.

• Beauty salon staff: $10 to $60 each perhaps a small gift.

• Day-care provider: $15 up to a week's pay, plus small gift.

• Doorman: $20-$100.

• Housekeeper: $25-$50 or one week's pay or gift equal to that.

• Letter carrier: (Officially, U.S. postal workers cannot accept cash gifts.) Gift under $20.

• Nanny: One to four weeks' pay plus a gift from the child.

• Newspaper carrier: $10-$25 for daily delivery; $5-$15 for weekly.

• Parking attendant: $10 to $30.

• Personal trainer: $25 up to one week's pay.

• Trash collector: $10-$20 each for good service; $30 combined for mediocre.

E-mail jjohnston@enquirer.com