Using a building staff

Hi all. This is a two-fold question that deals with tipping and the building staff. Our expensive Monthly maintenance goes for building upkeep and staff salaries like all buildings. As a new co-op dweller in NYC I find myself not understanding the full role of the building staff regarding personal needs, thus why or how much they should be tipped for holidays or anything else. We have a doorman,... [more]

Hi all. This is a two-fold question that deals with tipping and the building staff. Our expensive Monthly maintenance goes for building upkeep and staff salaries like all buildings. As a new co-op dweller in NYC I find myself not understanding the full role of the building staff regarding personal needs, thus why or how much they should be tipped for holidays or anything else. We have a doorman, concierge, porters etc. and I don't know what they do...or should do for me to help in my personal life. What should I have our concierge do for me? What do you use the staff for? In my building, If I request a special favor (say to move a piece of furniture out for disposal) I give the helper a tip then and there. Why would/should I tip anyone who I have not personally dealt with or has done anything for me? I am sure this issue comes up every year around this time, but it's my first time. If I look at one porter for example...let's say he gets a fifty dollar tip form every apartment in the building...that would total nearly $20,000! That seems like one hell of a Christmas bump that I know I never have seen. Even cut it in half and thats still more than any bonus I have ever received. I don't want to deny anyone a rightful stipend, but I would like to know how people who have lived in Manhattan for while do it? Is this all about a blank offering keep people happy? If all I do is say hi to the staff when I see them in the hallway all year and they do nothing for me personally...why do they deserve holiday bonuses that would cost me hundreds? If I am all wrong on the whole subject, please straighten me out! Just want to do what is right. Thanks. [less]