Fairly new, is how new? A few weeks, a few months?
I wouldn’t necessarily see his sending a Xmas card or writing “Thanks for your business” as fishing for a tip, more just good PR and as a newer client good business rapport.
If he has done several jobs/projects/repairs for you and you plan of keeping him in your stable of handy work horse guys I’d at least give him a bottle of wine, maybe a gift cert. for dinner for 2 somewhere moderately priced, or a cash “tip” if you feel like it. I’d say gifting or tipping a valued helper at this time of year would be a nice gesture but keeping your gift/tip in a monetary range you are comfortable with. You don’t have to gift or tip him $50 or $100, $25 would be decent enough.

A “tip” can be anything, not only cash.

About 6 months. He’s done several small projects for me.

^^^ Yes, I think 6 months is long enough t offer a little “tip.” If it was a one time gig, no, but if you’re keeping him on your handy list, I probably would. Also, you can always give it to him after the holiday if you are too busy to get to it in the next few days.

Doesn’t sound like it at all, just a nice guy being genuine.

@ucme he is a real nice guy and I didn’t mean the question to sound suspicious. Just wondering if I should tip him or not. I don’t usually do a lot of Christmas tipping – just my hairdresser and house cleaner. This year I tipped the mail carrier because she gave me very good service.

@janbb If you feel it right to tip then go ahead, no obligation, you’d simply be reciprocating his good nature, not to mention standard of work.

From CNN’s Tipping Guide: Handyman: No tip

From EHow: “Sole Proprietor”

“In general, you should never tip the owner of the business, only the employee. So don’t even consider tipping the handyman who works alone under his own business. If you own your own home and have called in a handyman, you may want to tip him, but it is not necessary.”

@marinelife This would be a one time Christmas “gift.” Do you think that makes a difference?

No, I doubt that he is fishing for a tip. We receive Christmas cards from small business owners that we have done business with throughout the year. By sending a holiday greeting, it is a way to thank customers for their business.

I have hardly ever tipped workmen unless they have done something exceptional. I don’t think he wants a tip he just wants your business.

Not looking for a tip. More of just looking for a reason the make you think of him and get his contact info in your house.

I do the same with my small business. I hate Jesus and sent out Christmas cards. It is like business cards that won’t be immediately tossed in the trash.

My own experience has been that I give my handyman/gardener a generous tip/bonus for Christmas. He has gone the extra mile for me this year, and I am sure he will continue to do so. But he has been around for over a year and is both skilled and kind. Additionally, I let him and three of his friends hunt on my property.

I’d say he’s simply sending you a Christmas card and perhaps trying to be a good businessman. If you want to give him a tip and you feel he deserves one, give one. Personally, if someone works for me, I like to show my appreciation at Christmas. It might simply be through a personal card, letter or even email with sincere thanks for their work. Or I might buy them a gift. I bought my hairdresser a present and do each year because she does a fabulous job with my hair and I think of her as a dear friend. You have a different tipping culture there so I may be off-track with this one though.

I don’t think a tip is in mind at all. Take him at his word, and the card as a grateful courtesy, as well as a less than subtle hint that he would appreciate your FUTURE business..

You guys have reassured me that it is not necessary.