By JIMENITA SWAIN, Guardian Business Desk, jimenita@nasguard.com -

'Tis the season to give and be jolly, but how many people make a conscious decision to tip a little extra during this time of year or, when the shoe is on the other foot, look to receive a little bit more?

Guardian Business decided to canvass the views of service providers of every strip for their expectations around tipping during this time of goodwill.

"I don't expect it (tips), but sometimes it happens," said personal trainer Aaron A Green. "I appreciate it, but I don't expect it because they have already paid me for the services I offer them."

Body Zone trainer Roshanda said she too takes a relaxed attitude when it comes to gratuitities.

"I don't really expect it but I do get it. I think more so because I'm in school," she said, suggesting those tips range from $10 to $20.

That amount may actually fall short of what American retail analysts suggest is the appropriate gratuity for those who help us out all year round. Those experts argue that Roshanda and others should essentially be handed the equivalent of one workout consultation, or one hairdressing fee as in the case of Shacara Pratt.

The Afrotique Hair and Nail Studio stylist says she's become accustomed to customers giving her a little extra during this time of year — sometimes as much as $100 for the services she provides. "Probably because I get so accustomed to it happening (tipping), I expect bigger tips around this time," Pratt said. "Sometimes persons who would tip you $5, sometimes they would go up $20. Some people give you $50- some people give you $100- it depends."

A word to the wise, other service providers have much more rigid expectations.

Packing boy Joel Johnson, a C C Sweeting junior high student, will see hundreds of Bahamians load up their pantry supplies before the week ends. "I work hard and I have plenty to pack," said the 14-year-old, offering it as his best argument for customers to reach deeper into their pockets this time of year.

The packer who works at Super Value on Nassau Street explained that at times he also had to walk great distances to assist shoppers in taking their purchases home. With that in mind, the expectation is he'll find a more monetary reward than a dollar or two.

"Since Christmas time I have been getting like $5," he added. It's money he sees as a clear indication those shoppers recognize his extra effort.

Those same U.S. analysts say regardless of whether you expect a little extra this time of year or not, it is important to show gratitude for whatever you receive. That goes both ways, although those who themselves received a bonus at work may want to pass some of that on.