HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Who do you tip, and how much? People who provide services for you work hard and generally are paid less than minimum wage, with the expectation that their tips will supplement their income.

Folks in the service industry are practiced in giving great service. Tip, of course, the server at a restaurant (at least 20 percent-25 percent). Tip also the hotel bellman, the valet and the skycap ($1-$2 per bag), but also tip the hairstylist, the deliveryman and your hotel housekeeper ($2-$5 per night).

Tip even if the service is not perfect. But also speak to the manager.

DEAR HELOISE: My feet sweat, even during the winter because I have them in heavy hosiery, socks and boots.

This can make for stinky feet and shoes. Do you have a hint to help?

— Melissa R. in Pittsburgh DEAR READER: Even in Texas, we wear heavy footwear, especially, of course, cowboy boots.

Keep your feet clean and dry. And here’s a way to deodorize the inside of your footwear:

Pick up a pair of cheapie knee-high hosiery at the discount store. Pour a generous amount of baking soda into each hose and tie it closed. Slip a pouch into each shoe, and leave overnight. This will freshen the shoes and absorb odors.

Baking soda is a workhorse around the house. I have used it for 40 years in my personal and professional lives. Baking soda makes an inexpensive toothpaste. Sprinkle some on your damp toothbrush and brush gently, then rinse.

DEAR HELOISE: I just read the letter from the customer with hints for better customer service (Nov. 10). Let me give hints from the other side of the equation:

How about keeping your children from running loose, tearing up packages to get merchandise out to play with, riding the bikes and skateboards around the store, hula-hooping, opening food items and helping themselves?

Then there are the customers deciding they don’t want items and just leaving them any old place. This is especially aggravating when it’s a perishable item.

People are simply much more impatient, entitled and rude nowadays. It makes for a lot of drama from both sides. — Another Reader, via email