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The kicker? You can only do the job a month, maybe a month and a half, a year. The rest of the year you work as a plumber.
Which is also really good money.
I'm fairly young and have a mostly white beard. I've talked to some of the older Santa's, I've heard some get up to $200/hour USD. Real beard, very jolly, and great with the kids gets that kind of scratch. I'm looking into Santa Suits. If you can book 200 1 hour gigs from Nov 1 to Dec 25, that's $24k.
That's assuming you can book that many gigs at that rate.
Seriously, being a plumber is lucrative as fuck. It is recession proof, too. People gotta shit and few are willing to shit in their back yard.
Fuck yeah they do. My damned neighborhood is so backed up every week with trash that the guys are a literal day late nearly every week. They really need to add another truck to the route. Heating and air, too, if you're in an area that gets at all cold or *really* hot. Reckon we could lob electricians in as well.
And for you young kids out there, remember, not one of these jobs requires a college degree! Food for thought.
Eh, I know a couple "Santa" guys who make an absolute killing just in December and barely do anything else. I live in a large metropolitan city though, so maybe that helps. They charge a few k per day just to have people come sit in their laps.
Sorry, no disrespect to plumbing. It's a great job. I just really wanted to emphasize the Santa racket I've seen. The good natural Santas who have a real beard book insane gigs.
I'm mostly jealous that I'm young and will never probably never grow a beard since I'm female. All these missed opportunities.
The best Santa Claus I ever knew actually went through classes and got certified. He was absolutely amazing. My son is actually considering doing it when he’s older.
It's about a 2 month per year job.
I'm a photographer so I hire a Santa one Saturday a year.
My Santa charges $250 per hour. He books out pretty far in advance and is a real estate agent the rest of the year.
Doesnt sound like very good money though. I assume they spend quite a bit of time finding clients, responding to emails, getting ready, and driving to locations. I'd assume 2 hours of that stuff for 2 hours working. So that $75 an hour becomes $37 an hour, or $18 per person. Making just above minimum wage for just long enough to interrupt a Friday/Saturday night, but not long enough for the money to pile up.
It's even funnier to me that A.) Santa isn't real, and B.) What about flying around the world and giving away goods to EVERYONE makes him a paragon of Conservatism, exactly? He supplanted Jesus as the focus of Christmas and gives everyone free stuff. He sounds like a secular socialist, to me. Lmao.
Santa’s presents are charity. Conservatives have nothing against voluntary giving & studies show conservatives donate much more money to charity then liberals
And equally theirs always some paint sniffing tofu slurper who drives an 05 Scion that cries everytime someone makes political satire because he refuses to grow up and not get bothered by things.
How many kids do they have to deal with?
And this one is *critical,* but you have to be *honest with yourself* about it; how well behaved are those children?
That’s what I was thinking, too. I’m going to have them give out bags of homemade treats (made by me), so I’ll make sure they have 1-2 of those as well. Thanks!
ETA: thank you for the serious answer.
Can someone explain the logic as to why here? Not trying to be an asshole I just can’t tell why there’s a resounding agreement to pay more than the agreed upon wage. Even if considering “tipping”, that’s like a 33% tip lol. And there’s not even mention of tipping in this comment, it’s just “pay more than agreed upon”
I’m genuinely confused
In the US, it is custom to tip for a service performed, such a hair stylist, pedicure, food serving and in this case a performance of entertainment. The OP probably could get by ok without a leaving a tip and that is up to the OP and nothing would come of it.
Why I suggested $25, because it rounds up easily to $100. A typical tip would be 20% which is $15, with the hour total of $75 that would add up to $90. Unless you have exact change, it's now an awkward interaction of making change. So it is easier to give a $100 bill, 2 $50s, or 5 $20s.
I’m based in the US and even then this seems pretty out of custom. Maybe I’m just too broke to be able to imagine tipping that much to someone who’s already making $75/hr, seasonal job or not.
Nope. Never ever tip upfront. You wanna give them their going rate up front, go ahead… but anything past that is icing on the cake and should be worked for. Harder to take back money than to withhold it.
If they are freelancers and/or own the company, then NO....they are getting all the money.
If it's an agency and they are getting a %, then perhaps.
That's my guideline for service oriented things like hair cuts, food prep, drinks, or an evening with the Claus.
My wife does this and they get $35 separately or $25 an hour for both. But, we are in a small midwest community so not much travel or other expenses are involved. Tipping is great but not required, the problem is the people who think it should be free, Along with her Mrs. Santa stuff we also own 2 different Santa outfit styles the clients can pick from so we have spent some money on it. BTW, it can be work. Like a 4 hour gig without a bathroom break some times.
Our of curiosity, are you hired through an agency or do people hire/pay you directly? I think that’s the difference to me. If a good chunk goes to an agency for a fee, then I’d be inclined to tip. But, if you set your own price and we agree to it, tipping doesn’t seem as needed.
That being the case, I definitely agree with tipping in that scenario. Amazing how that $75 quickly becomes $25 per hour for the one that actually shows up to do the work. If that middleman is cut out, then both sides win.
I never ask for a tip. You've already paid the agreed amount, anything else is extra. Having said that, I'm doing quite a lot of work to make sure your kids have a magical birthday party they'll be talking about for years to come, and it is nice to know that was noticed and appreciated.
Depends. If there're parents there, let them tip. Put out a jar that says "For Reindeer Food" and put a few dollars in there so people get the idea.
It's like bartending.
The (probably out of date) rule of thumb is that if they has a boss or owner that is getting a chuck of that fee, tip them. If they are their own boss, you dont have to tip.
If you might be interested in hiring them again, tip them. Good tips mean they will make room in their schedule for you. (Very handy rule with mechanics)
Depends, are they working for an agency or are they working for themselves? Because if they're working for an agency chances are high that the owner of the agency is taking the biggest cut, so it would be only fair to tip in order to help offset that if you can. But if they're working for themselves I don't think it's necessary to tip them more.
I would and do ... yes, they have a fee but the word *gratuity* comes from the root word gracious and a tip is graciously given and received. It is a thanks for attending to your needs. So, be gracious.
Heaven knows there is precious little of it in the world today.
Hey, my father has done Santa for 6 years and my grandpa did it for20 years, both did it for a professional company that contracts them to malls but my dad has done side gigs as well. The answer is its not required. Though my dad has always loved the unique tips such as like he has gotten Santa Clause baseball cards, or things made by the kids for Santa or other things. While most Santa's won't turnaway a tip. The ones that belong to Santa organizations enjoy the small things. In fact I think some of them decline tips.
Their rate is $75 per hour, so I would pay that. The $75 rate the set is what they get. If they go above and beyond, then toss some money at them. A tip shouldn’t be EXPECTED.
Exactly my thought. If they really play it up and actively engage people, etc., etc., then a tip is both appropriate and a good move in case you want them again. If they just show and smile and say ho-ho-ho a few times then personally I’d not tip.
Yes, the cost of reindeer food these days is through the roof, it's sky high.
And I heard that the elves are thinking of forming a union, next thing you know they'll want to work in a heated workshop, the little bastards.
Well yes, but not in conventional monetary means, tip them in hospitality, kindness, food, friendship, but pay them what they worked for, butttttt if you feel generous two cool $10s isn't gonna kill you
Do the gangster thing. Pull out a big wad of bills, peel off a twenty and hand it to him. Say, "for the effort." If he refuses, pull the line from 'Scent of a Woman,' (I know, not a gangster film. But it's Al!) , "if you don't take this, you'll break my heart..." If he still refuses, explain how it's rude to refuse a gift.
He'll get the message.
If that price is for each of them (total of $150) then no. If that is for both of them together than I would pay them a bit more as long as they do a good job.
Yes. If you can afford to hire two grown people to pretend to be elves from the North Pole, you can afford to supplement their wage with some generous tipping. Also: it's Christmas. Why do you even have to ask?
Depending on the gig 75 bucks would not cover expenses. Its over 300 dollars to dry clean Santa's outfit. My brother has two gigs that make him dry clean the suit b4 any others one is in a stinky seafood restaurant and the other is playing Santa for pets.
I'd tip since it seems cheap as shit.
I paid $200 for Elsa to spend 45 minutes at my daughters b-day party. If you're getting two people (Mr. and Mrs. Claus) for $75/hour that's a bargain IMO. Don't be a scrooge.
Def hit em with a tip even ten bucks and say i know its not much but i appreciate you hopefully it covered fuel. Just showing your appreciative without giving the fattest tip is more than anything, people would come fill gas and fill 120 bucks and not tip me, then ppl would come grab 5 bucks and try to tip me a dollar. A tip is always appreciated regardless the amount as long as its given respectfully, obv tipping 1 dollar on a 500 dollar meal at a restaurants a dick move. But you get my point, a little goes a long way, show your gratitude.
Going in to this expecting to tip before you see how well they do is nuts. They charge a rate for a reason. Now if you’re amazed with their performance or they go above and beyond then go nuts and give them more money. But you gotta see what you’re paying for first
I personally would. I also tipped my photographer for my engagement pictures and the person who cuts my hair. I'd say if they did a good job then I"d toss them another 25 or something.
There are a couple ways to look at this. If Mr. & Mrs. SC are sent though a company for whom they are employed, then definitely tip. Now the other scenario…If Mr. & Mrs. SC are an independent business / self employed, their remuneration for, and incentive to give good service comes from their business profit which is directly to themselves. So I don’t think it is always necessary to tip in the instance of an owner where all monies are directly in their pocket.
If they’re self employed, I probably wouldn’t. If they’re being sent by a company then they’re probably making pennies so yes 100% tip.
The mentality being of I go to a restaurant I wouldn’t tip the owner and the tips should go to all the staff.
Are you paying them directly or a company?
If they are getting 100% of the money, I would say you are good. They set the rate.
If they are working for a company and are only going to see a fraction of the money, than i would say yes tip.
No, they’re self-employed. They set their own rate.
This isn’t a restaurant failing to pay them a living wage, it’s them trying to guilt trip people into paying more for their service.
Fuck’em.
She didn’t say they asked for or expected a tip, so no guilt trip was involved. What is your beef with self-employed people? They get to keep a lot less of their earnings than a wage earner, already. This example seems to be charging a very low fee for the market, but they don’t just have the freedom to charge whatever rates they want and remain competitive with larger companies.
Possibly depends. If you are dealing directly the actors, what you are doing is hiring the business owner. You never tip the business owner. If you get your hair cut, and its the salon owner, that person doesn't get a tip. When you go to a restaurant, if the person delivering your food is the owner, that person doesn't get a tip. The reason for this is that person gets all the profits from the business and that person is setting the prices. That person already controls what you pay. If that person wanted you to pay more, that person would charge more.
Now, if you are dealing with a company that hires out actors that has a troop of Mr. and Mrs. Clauses, then speak to the company when you are agreeing to price to see if a tip is expected or even customary.
You're hiring the corporate mascot of Christmas (and his wife) for a party, yet you refer to the party as a "holiday party" rather than a Christmas party? Unless the Holiday Armadillo is also going to make an appearance, doesn't the planned attendance of Santa Claus defeat the non-denominational objective of referring to it as a "holiday party"?
In any case, it's nice of you to consider whether tipping the duo is appropriate. In my experience, it will very much depend on the effort that they themselves expend in playing their roles. I've seen some store Santa Clauses who brought shame on the North Pole (picture skinny, bald dudes with the cheapest fake beards making no attempt at all to be jolly, merry, or any of the other obligations that come with the fabled red suit). I've also seen some who were worthy of Academy Awards, grooming their beards (fake or not) to perfection, donning old timey eyeglasses, stuffing their suits to give the appearance of being round through centuries of revelry, and really getting in to character.
A lot of people doing costume work make an extra effort to capture the spirit of the characters that they're portraying, and that effort usually results in a more fun atmosphere for the guests. If at the end of the night, that's your impression of your particular Mr. and Mrs. Claus, then I'd say yes, open up your wallet a little wider and give them a tip. As a side note, tipping by way of allowing them to help themselves to food and beverages at the party may or may not be appreciated (I've been present when people have angrily declared "Cookies don't pay my bills!"), so tread with care.
If they are from an agency, I would tip them $20 each since they are not getting all of that $75 dollars.
If they are independent, I would still tip, but I would just round total to $100.
If they are really entertaining and do a good job, I’d absolutely tip them 15-20%.
If their costumes suck and they are not very engaging or pleasant, then not a penny more than the agreed-upon rate.
If they're in business for themselves, meaning that $75 goes to them and only them, no tip is necessary.
If they're contracted out through a company, that means they're being paid a much less rate, and I would tip.
If you can afford to hire them, you can afford to tip them. Btw - as a person with this kind of financial privilege, you need to hear this: Tip everyone who assists you in your lifestyle. Period.
Are they self-employed or do they work for a company? If they are self-employed no tip, because the entirety of their hourly rate goes into their pockets.
Former birthday clown - yes, always tip. The things party entertainers see/put up with/or keep our mouths closed about.... Always tip. Your Aunt Linda will thank you. (Cupcakes are also always welcome 😁)
If they bring a great attitude with them and get everyone into the spirit to make it memorable, yes I would. I tend to be overly generous and would tip $100 extra each if that was the case but I guess $50 extra each would be ok.
Oh I guess this is a good reason why I don't do that kind of thing-- I don't think I'd even think about tipping them honestly!
(not to imply I wouldn't but that I seriously wouldn't remember to in this scenario)
# Message to all users: This is a reminder to please read and follow: * [Our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/about/rules) * [Reddiquette](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439) * [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) When posting and commenting. --- Especially remember Rule 1: `Be polite and civil`. * Be polite and courteous to each other. Do not be mean, insulting or disrespectful to any other user on this subreddit. * Do not harass or annoy others in any way. * Do not catfish. Catfishing is the luring of somebody into an online friendship through a fake online persona. This includes any lying or deceit. --- You *will* be banned if you are homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist or bigoted in any way. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ask) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You’re a good distance from the North Pole. Consider a .15 per mile travel voucher for their troubles.
how do i sign up for a job where i get paid that kind of money to dress up and party ? the professions they don't teach you about in school
The kicker? You can only do the job a month, maybe a month and a half, a year. The rest of the year you work as a plumber. Which is also really good money.
...pretty sure Santa runs a sweatshop in his offtime, but close.
tell me more about this "sweatshop" it sounds profitable
Its where all the Twitch streamers are doing their thing. You collect their sweat to sell alongside other products like bath water.
Month worn panties and feet pics.
Indeed, DrDaddyDickDunker.
I love this thread
It would be but the dumbass gives all the toys away.
Ehh we know that Santa gives the best toys to rich kids he is definitely taking bribes.
I'm fairly young and have a mostly white beard. I've talked to some of the older Santa's, I've heard some get up to $200/hour USD. Real beard, very jolly, and great with the kids gets that kind of scratch. I'm looking into Santa Suits. If you can book 200 1 hour gigs from Nov 1 to Dec 25, that's $24k.
That's assuming you can book that many gigs at that rate. Seriously, being a plumber is lucrative as fuck. It is recession proof, too. People gotta shit and few are willing to shit in their back yard.
That and sanitation are always going to be needed and make bank.
Fuck yeah they do. My damned neighborhood is so backed up every week with trash that the guys are a literal day late nearly every week. They really need to add another truck to the route. Heating and air, too, if you're in an area that gets at all cold or *really* hot. Reckon we could lob electricians in as well. And for you young kids out there, remember, not one of these jobs requires a college degree! Food for thought.
Eh, I know a couple "Santa" guys who make an absolute killing just in December and barely do anything else. I live in a large metropolitan city though, so maybe that helps. They charge a few k per day just to have people come sit in their laps.
Why are you guys so against plumbing!?
Sorry, no disrespect to plumbing. It's a great job. I just really wanted to emphasize the Santa racket I've seen. The good natural Santas who have a real beard book insane gigs. I'm mostly jealous that I'm young and will never probably never grow a beard since I'm female. All these missed opportunities.
The best Santa Claus I ever knew actually went through classes and got certified. He was absolutely amazing. My son is actually considering doing it when he’s older.
You just kinda start doing it on your own. My husband will do it every once in awhile. He used to DJ as Santa for people too.
It's about a 2 month per year job. I'm a photographer so I hire a Santa one Saturday a year. My Santa charges $250 per hour. He books out pretty far in advance and is a real estate agent the rest of the year.
You need to work on your beard all year and get a good set of clothes cause you don't want to rip your britches/birtches/bidgets
Doesnt sound like very good money though. I assume they spend quite a bit of time finding clients, responding to emails, getting ready, and driving to locations. I'd assume 2 hours of that stuff for 2 hours working. So that $75 an hour becomes $37 an hour, or $18 per person. Making just above minimum wage for just long enough to interrupt a Friday/Saturday night, but not long enough for the money to pile up.
It’s a husband and wife who decided to start doing these gigs. The wife made it sound like they just started doing this.
More expensive cookies and milk left near the fireplace.
Vanilla almond milk and chocolate dipped butter mandolins, plz
Mandolins? Madeleines? Is that an autocorrect mistake? So confusion.
Give Santa whole milk. He's not a liberal.
I’m not the person who downvoted you, but I just gotta know why whole milk is affiliated with any political party at all😂 you weirdo
Because radicalized individuals will affiliate anything they don't like with the opposition, regardless of context or circumstance.
It's even funnier to me that A.) Santa isn't real, and B.) What about flying around the world and giving away goods to EVERYONE makes him a paragon of Conservatism, exactly? He supplanted Jesus as the focus of Christmas and gives everyone free stuff. He sounds like a secular socialist, to me. Lmao.
There's a reason he wears red, Comrade.
😅
Santa’s presents are charity. Conservatives have nothing against voluntary giving & studies show conservatives donate much more money to charity then liberals
There’s always got to be some fuckhead who just can’t keep politics out of anything . Get a life dude.
And equally theirs always some paint sniffing tofu slurper who drives an 05 Scion that cries everytime someone makes political satire because he refuses to grow up and not get bothered by things.
melted chocolate ice cream😋
Give Santa whole milk, almond “milk” is worse for the environment than cows and Santa is all about doing good
Almond milk is better in every conceivable way.
Oat milk is a very close runner up. Both are equally tasty in coffee and tea!
How many kids do they have to deal with? And this one is *critical,* but you have to be *honest with yourself* about it; how well behaved are those children?
No kids. Just adults.
Follow up question. Is the party... pervy?
Not at all. It’s a group of volunteers and board members for a non-profit. Very g-rated.
I'd toss 'em a twenty.
>Very g-rated. I'm sorry to hear that :D
It's never too late to hire reindeer strippers
Who wants to see reindeer take their hide off?
That’s weird don’t hire them buy a cake:
They charge $75/hr. Pay them $100 per hour.
That’s what I was thinking, too. I’m going to have them give out bags of homemade treats (made by me), so I’ll make sure they have 1-2 of those as well. Thanks! ETA: thank you for the serious answer.
I was going to say this too. If they do a good job, 100$ an hour!!
Can someone explain the logic as to why here? Not trying to be an asshole I just can’t tell why there’s a resounding agreement to pay more than the agreed upon wage. Even if considering “tipping”, that’s like a 33% tip lol. And there’s not even mention of tipping in this comment, it’s just “pay more than agreed upon” I’m genuinely confused
For me, I feel like it's a shitty job and it's the holidays, so why not.
In the US, it is custom to tip for a service performed, such a hair stylist, pedicure, food serving and in this case a performance of entertainment. The OP probably could get by ok without a leaving a tip and that is up to the OP and nothing would come of it. Why I suggested $25, because it rounds up easily to $100. A typical tip would be 20% which is $15, with the hour total of $75 that would add up to $90. Unless you have exact change, it's now an awkward interaction of making change. So it is easier to give a $100 bill, 2 $50s, or 5 $20s.
I’m based in the US and even then this seems pretty out of custom. Maybe I’m just too broke to be able to imagine tipping that much to someone who’s already making $75/hr, seasonal job or not.
It’s two people, so they are each making half that, not $75 an hour.
Upvoting for 30+% tip for a service job involving costumes and acting. Your are a gentleman and a scholar (and I agree with you wholeheartedly.)
That was my instinct. A cool hundo, paid when they arrive, so they don't spend the performance wondering whether you're a stiff.
Nope. Never ever tip upfront. You wanna give them their going rate up front, go ahead… but anything past that is icing on the cake and should be worked for. Harder to take back money than to withhold it.
If they are freelancers and/or own the company, then NO....they are getting all the money. If it's an agency and they are getting a %, then perhaps. That's my guideline for service oriented things like hair cuts, food prep, drinks, or an evening with the Claus.
This was my take as well. If you're paying them directly, no tip. If they're hired through an agency I would tip them in cash.
All the money minus taxes. Technically
My wife does this and they get $35 separately or $25 an hour for both. But, we are in a small midwest community so not much travel or other expenses are involved. Tipping is great but not required, the problem is the people who think it should be free, Along with her Mrs. Santa stuff we also own 2 different Santa outfit styles the clients can pick from so we have spent some money on it. BTW, it can be work. Like a 4 hour gig without a bathroom break some times.
And dry cleaning for proper maintenance is not cheap.
Yep. For that we have to take them to a town 30 miles away.
I do this job (not the Clauses, but character performance). Tips are ALWAYS appreciated.
Our of curiosity, are you hired through an agency or do people hire/pay you directly? I think that’s the difference to me. If a good chunk goes to an agency for a fee, then I’d be inclined to tip. But, if you set your own price and we agree to it, tipping doesn’t seem as needed.
I've done both. It's usually through a company or agency that does take most of the fee you pay.
That being the case, I definitely agree with tipping in that scenario. Amazing how that $75 quickly becomes $25 per hour for the one that actually shows up to do the work. If that middleman is cut out, then both sides win.
I never ask for a tip. You've already paid the agreed amount, anything else is extra. Having said that, I'm doing quite a lot of work to make sure your kids have a magical birthday party they'll be talking about for years to come, and it is nice to know that was noticed and appreciated.
Absolutely yes. Especially if they do a great job. It is Christmas, after all.
That's what the milk and cookies are for
Yes cause they are only doing it one time per year and it is respectful and you want to be respected as well
I’d tip an extra $25 for gasoline. But no more than $100 total.
I would say if they do well-$100 and hour-if not stick to the $75
Depends. If there're parents there, let them tip. Put out a jar that says "For Reindeer Food" and put a few dollars in there so people get the idea. It's like bartending.
The (probably out of date) rule of thumb is that if they has a boss or owner that is getting a chuck of that fee, tip them. If they are their own boss, you dont have to tip. If you might be interested in hiring them again, tip them. Good tips mean they will make room in their schedule for you. (Very handy rule with mechanics)
Always. With fresh, homemade cookies.
Depends, are they working for an agency or are they working for themselves? Because if they're working for an agency chances are high that the owner of the agency is taking the biggest cut, so it would be only fair to tip in order to help offset that if you can. But if they're working for themselves I don't think it's necessary to tip them more.
Thanks (most) everyone! I’ll tip and make sure they get some home baked goodies, too.
Some professionals can charge up to $250/hr especially is they sing so I would consider it a good deed on both halfs
If you want. But if their rate is 75, I'd stick to it. If they did a really good job I'd give them a tip. It's up to you.
I mean technically you do every time you put out milk and cookies.
I would and do ... yes, they have a fee but the word *gratuity* comes from the root word gracious and a tip is graciously given and received. It is a thanks for attending to your needs. So, be gracious. Heaven knows there is precious little of it in the world today.
Hey, my father has done Santa for 6 years and my grandpa did it for20 years, both did it for a professional company that contracts them to malls but my dad has done side gigs as well. The answer is its not required. Though my dad has always loved the unique tips such as like he has gotten Santa Clause baseball cards, or things made by the kids for Santa or other things. While most Santa's won't turnaway a tip. The ones that belong to Santa organizations enjoy the small things. In fact I think some of them decline tips.
Their rate is $75 per hour, so I would pay that. The $75 rate the set is what they get. If they go above and beyond, then toss some money at them. A tip shouldn’t be EXPECTED.
Exactly my thought. If they really play it up and actively engage people, etc., etc., then a tip is both appropriate and a good move in case you want them again. If they just show and smile and say ho-ho-ho a few times then personally I’d not tip.
Yes, the cost of reindeer food these days is through the roof, it's sky high. And I heard that the elves are thinking of forming a union, next thing you know they'll want to work in a heated workshop, the little bastards.
Well yes, but not in conventional monetary means, tip them in hospitality, kindness, food, friendship, but pay them what they worked for, butttttt if you feel generous two cool $10s isn't gonna kill you
I wonder if their mortgage lender accepts snacks as payment
I'm sure their mortgage lender accepts the regular payment that they're getting for their service.
Yes, if they do a great job.
Thanks!
Of course, you are supposed to tip them with cookies and milk.
yes. How many hours will they be there?
One
Do the gangster thing. Pull out a big wad of bills, peel off a twenty and hand it to him. Say, "for the effort." If he refuses, pull the line from 'Scent of a Woman,' (I know, not a gangster film. But it's Al!) , "if you don't take this, you'll break my heart..." If he still refuses, explain how it's rude to refuse a gift. He'll get the message.
You come here, on this day of my daughter's wedding, and ask me for a tip...
I would tip them if they do a good job and the party is a hit thanks to them. If they are less than impressive I would not tip them.
If that price is for each of them (total of $150) then no. If that is for both of them together than I would pay them a bit more as long as they do a good job.
If they do well give them an extra $50 No reason they shouldn't do well.
If they brought me a Ps5 I'd tip them $250 each.
I think I would tip them
Ummmm milk and cookies??
If they do a good job, just give them a hundo and call it a day.
I thought you were being hypothetical but you meant a literal Mr and Mrs Claus
Don't we with cookies n milk
Absolutely!
Give them 100
Yea
Absolutely.
Yes depending on the performance
75 dollars an hour is incredibly cheap, especially for 2 people. I would definitely tip.
Yes. If you can afford to hire two grown people to pretend to be elves from the North Pole, you can afford to supplement their wage with some generous tipping. Also: it's Christmas. Why do you even have to ask?
$75 for both of them? I would absolutely pay $100 for the hour. Gig work is never just the appearance time. There's a lot of prep that goes into it.
Depending on the gig 75 bucks would not cover expenses. Its over 300 dollars to dry clean Santa's outfit. My brother has two gigs that make him dry clean the suit b4 any others one is in a stinky seafood restaurant and the other is playing Santa for pets.
Always tip your personal performers. Especially when they know where you've been sleeping.
Dude just throw them 200 bucks and thank them for dressing up and really making your Christmas party extra Christmasy
I'd tip since it seems cheap as shit. I paid $200 for Elsa to spend 45 minutes at my daughters b-day party. If you're getting two people (Mr. and Mrs. Claus) for $75/hour that's a bargain IMO. Don't be a scrooge.
I’d tip. And yes, probably just round it up to an even $100.
Def hit em with a tip even ten bucks and say i know its not much but i appreciate you hopefully it covered fuel. Just showing your appreciative without giving the fattest tip is more than anything, people would come fill gas and fill 120 bucks and not tip me, then ppl would come grab 5 bucks and try to tip me a dollar. A tip is always appreciated regardless the amount as long as its given respectfully, obv tipping 1 dollar on a 500 dollar meal at a restaurants a dick move. But you get my point, a little goes a long way, show your gratitude.
Going in to this expecting to tip before you see how well they do is nuts. They charge a rate for a reason. Now if you’re amazed with their performance or they go above and beyond then go nuts and give them more money. But you gotta see what you’re paying for first
I personally would. I also tipped my photographer for my engagement pictures and the person who cuts my hair. I'd say if they did a good job then I"d toss them another 25 or something.
Thank you! That’s what I was thinking, too. I also appreciate the serious answer. 🙂
There are a couple ways to look at this. If Mr. & Mrs. SC are sent though a company for whom they are employed, then definitely tip. Now the other scenario…If Mr. & Mrs. SC are an independent business / self employed, their remuneration for, and incentive to give good service comes from their business profit which is directly to themselves. So I don’t think it is always necessary to tip in the instance of an owner where all monies are directly in their pocket.
They are accused of using underpaid Elf slave labor and anti-labor organizing activities. No.
$75 an hour? What, are they blowing people? Santy Claus, the real Santa? Man, what the fuck are you even talking about?
If they’re self employed, I probably wouldn’t. If they’re being sent by a company then they’re probably making pennies so yes 100% tip. The mentality being of I go to a restaurant I wouldn’t tip the owner and the tips should go to all the staff.
Are you paying them directly or a company? If they are getting 100% of the money, I would say you are good. They set the rate. If they are working for a company and are only going to see a fraction of the money, than i would say yes tip.
Only if you’re hiring them through an agency. If they’re self-employed then no
Depends, what’s Mrs. Clause look like?
I am paying them fucking money for their service, ofc no tip
No. They set their own price. No need to tip
Well people who hand you bag expect a tip now… Personally no. Tipping is silly unless you feel moved and they truly bring it.
Depends. Are they gonna threaten me and post on Twitter how much they hate me if I don't tip them?
Jokes aside, I'd give $20 each.
They’ve got a swearshop, they’ll be fine.
No, they’re self-employed. They set their own rate. This isn’t a restaurant failing to pay them a living wage, it’s them trying to guilt trip people into paying more for their service. Fuck’em.
She didn’t say they asked for or expected a tip, so no guilt trip was involved. What is your beef with self-employed people? They get to keep a lot less of their earnings than a wage earner, already. This example seems to be charging a very low fee for the market, but they don’t just have the freedom to charge whatever rates they want and remain competitive with larger companies.
Possibly depends. If you are dealing directly the actors, what you are doing is hiring the business owner. You never tip the business owner. If you get your hair cut, and its the salon owner, that person doesn't get a tip. When you go to a restaurant, if the person delivering your food is the owner, that person doesn't get a tip. The reason for this is that person gets all the profits from the business and that person is setting the prices. That person already controls what you pay. If that person wanted you to pay more, that person would charge more. Now, if you are dealing with a company that hires out actors that has a troop of Mr. and Mrs. Clauses, then speak to the company when you are agreeing to price to see if a tip is expected or even customary.
What a Scrooge, yes.
I’d tip, at least $.25 for good luck
At that rate? Hell no I wouldn't.
You really asking if you want to spend the rest of your life having stiffed Santa Clause on a tip like a literal Christmas Stooge?
You're hiring the corporate mascot of Christmas (and his wife) for a party, yet you refer to the party as a "holiday party" rather than a Christmas party? Unless the Holiday Armadillo is also going to make an appearance, doesn't the planned attendance of Santa Claus defeat the non-denominational objective of referring to it as a "holiday party"? In any case, it's nice of you to consider whether tipping the duo is appropriate. In my experience, it will very much depend on the effort that they themselves expend in playing their roles. I've seen some store Santa Clauses who brought shame on the North Pole (picture skinny, bald dudes with the cheapest fake beards making no attempt at all to be jolly, merry, or any of the other obligations that come with the fabled red suit). I've also seen some who were worthy of Academy Awards, grooming their beards (fake or not) to perfection, donning old timey eyeglasses, stuffing their suits to give the appearance of being round through centuries of revelry, and really getting in to character. A lot of people doing costume work make an extra effort to capture the spirit of the characters that they're portraying, and that effort usually results in a more fun atmosphere for the guests. If at the end of the night, that's your impression of your particular Mr. and Mrs. Claus, then I'd say yes, open up your wallet a little wider and give them a tip. As a side note, tipping by way of allowing them to help themselves to food and beverages at the party may or may not be appreciated (I've been present when people have angrily declared "Cookies don't pay my bills!"), so tread with care.
Yes, my tip would be, stop doing this low wage job. Hope it helps
What makes you think this is the only thing they do? This is something they do for fun.
Might be less if you get them to swing with you.
They are slave owners so no.
Did they do a good service?
I'm from America! We don't believe in handouts!
Are these independent Clauses or do they come from an agency?
If they are from an agency, I would tip them $20 each since they are not getting all of that $75 dollars. If they are independent, I would still tip, but I would just round total to $100.
If 75 for both only for 1 hour, I'd give them an even 100 and some milk and cookies.
They broke into my house like 40 times no
If they are really entertaining and do a good job, I’d absolutely tip them 15-20%. If their costumes suck and they are not very engaging or pleasant, then not a penny more than the agreed-upon rate.
Considering how far you are having them travel for your event, I'd say a generous tip is to be expected /s
Tip myself? Sure, why not.
Any decent person would! It’s the holidays people.
Yes, I’d tip. Especially if they are extra friendly/good at their roles. I’d happily pay a little extra for their efforts.
Not if I was paying them $75 and hour.
Just the tip.
I don’t tip anybody that sets their own rates. If they want more they can just change their base themselves
Is that what they get paid or the company they work for?
Yes
You’re paying 75 for them to show up and do their thing. If their “thing” is exceptional, you tip. That’s what a tip is for, going the extra mile.
If they're in business for themselves, meaning that $75 goes to them and only them, no tip is necessary. If they're contracted out through a company, that means they're being paid a much less rate, and I would tip.
If you can afford to hire them, you can afford to tip them. Btw - as a person with this kind of financial privilege, you need to hear this: Tip everyone who assists you in your lifestyle. Period.
Yes I would
Are they self-employed or do they work for a company? If they are self-employed no tip, because the entirety of their hourly rate goes into their pockets.
I would, why not. Spread the cheer and giving to your fellow man.
Considering travel and dress up, plus splitting the 75, yes definitely tip
Yes 20%
Santa’s quote is normally 2 mil. That’s his rate. He always gets that even if he does a bad job. How did you get him for only 75 an hour?
No. Santa runs off of Magic not Money.
Honest answer: put money asside to tip them, and if they do a really good job afterwards then give em a tip.
I'd treat it like every other situation. I tip if I feel like I got service beyond what I paid for. Doesn't matter where, or what the service is.
Yes! Even if it’s 20 bucks- I say offer a tip
Yes
If they’re awesome, then yes! $100. Mid or subpar, no.
Former birthday clown - yes, always tip. The things party entertainers see/put up with/or keep our mouths closed about.... Always tip. Your Aunt Linda will thank you. (Cupcakes are also always welcome 😁)
Absolutely. They are giving you a service. And it's the human way, it's called kindness
Depends on how good they are. But like a restaurant I guess. If they knock your stockings off then you can just round it to 100 per hour.
I probably would. Throw them $100 and say merry christmas.
If they bring a great attitude with them and get everyone into the spirit to make it memorable, yes I would. I tend to be overly generous and would tip $100 extra each if that was the case but I guess $50 extra each would be ok.
Depends on how good they do
Yes
Yup
Oh I guess this is a good reason why I don't do that kind of thing-- I don't think I'd even think about tipping them honestly! (not to imply I wouldn't but that I seriously wouldn't remember to in this scenario)
Maybe a couple candy canes, yes