The tip jar

Larry

"Uncle Larry"
So the former star bass player in my trio...she moved to Nashville and is doing quite well down there. She came up and we had her on a few gigs over the holidays. We got talking about the tip jar. She says it's a regular occurrence down South. Up here near Philadelphia, sometimes I see it, most times I don't. My typical gig pays $100.00 USD. I spend probably 1/5th of that in gas and tolls usually, and from the time I leave my house till the time I come home is at least 8 hours. Myself I think we should definitely put one out.

IYO, does it cheapen the bands vibe if a tip jar is out? I'm not sure. What do you guys think?

I think it's a good idea. If someone really is enjoying the band, what better way to express their appreciation right? I mean we get some really heartfelt comments. I think if there was a tip jar, these people would probably use it.
 
Some may put some cash in, but I think that if you are getting paid, then you are getting paid. If you do decide to put it out I would by no means mention it. Put it in a conspicuos place and leave it at that. They are already tipping the bar tender and waitresses and sometimes it gets to be a little too much.
 
Sort of like busking huh? I kind of like the idea actually. Seems like that would go over well at an open mic at a coffee house at least. The hipsters will love it.
 
Some may put some cash in, but I think that if you are getting paid, then you are getting paid. If you do decide to put it out I would by no means mention it. Put it in a conspicuos place and leave it at that. They are already tipping the bar tender and waitresses and sometimes it gets to be a little too much.

Oh yes definitely agree that it's very tacky to mention the tip jar. The fact that it's there is enough. As a joke sometimes we say we take requests, just write your request on the back of a 20 and it's yours lol.
 
We always remind the audience to tip the waitstaff and barkeep. The tip jar is always out and so over the top decorated no mention is needed.
 
Most shows I see where the band is getting tipped they are not actually making money at the door. I do think It cheapens the band and I don't think I would personally do it but I say give it a try if you like the idea. To each their own. However a Merch table with some t-shirts is another good way to make some extra money. Drunk people love buying stuff.
 
Oh yes definitely agree that it's very tacky to mention the tip jar. The fact that it's there is enough. As a joke sometimes we say we take requests, just write your request on the back of a 20 and it's yours lol.

I like the idea of a "request jar." Especially if you're playing with a band that's up for it, ability-wise and attitude-wise. Hype it up and make a schtick out of it. Call yourselves "The Requestors" and push the fact that tips/requests put the band on the spot, and it's kinda like a reality show in a way. Hot damn...that's a genius marketing move! Take it and run with it, and consider it my retribution for causing you to lose out on that Lenny Kravitz gig. :p
 
I like the idea of a "request jar." Especially if you're playing with a band that's up for it, ability-wise and attitude-wise. Hype it up and make a schtick out of it. Call yourselves "The Requestors" and push the fact that tips/requests put the band on the spot, and it's kinda like a reality show in a way. Hot damn...that's a genius marketing move! Take it and run with it, and consider it my retribution for causing you to lose out on that Lenny Kravitz gig. :p

*slow clap*

I was just waiting for an op to use that, it's just a masterstroke of a forum chop. I really hate that you have ideas I like Phil.

Good idea tho, for those with the repertoire to back it up.

We're not that good where we could do that, field all requests. If we we could get by on song snippets....then we might be able to pull that off.
 
I have seen request jars at many single musician gigs. Like a piano bar or one man band etc. Ask for a song, and pay for it. I have also bought drinks for single musician acts at times, but still not sure of the tip jar.
 
Tip jar depends on the gig, some venues absolutely prohibit it, or any mention of soliciting tips or selling merch. But, they're usually the places that pay a good flat rate, such as casinos.

Some of my local bands have a tip jar at appropriate venues, with an occasional announcement by the leader gently requesting "gas money back to" wherever. And one venue doesn't really pay much, but encourages passing the "bucket o' love", and this is where the more imbibed patrons cough up 5s and 10s.

But I don't think it necessarily cheapens the band, as long as it's the appopriate situation. A wedding band that's getting $2500 and dinner at a reception should not be soliciting tips.

Bermuda
 
"And they sit at the bar......and put bread in my jar....and say....man what are you doin' here"......Piano Man

Worked for Billy,..why not a request jar?I think it's high time,people started paying for music,especially ,live music again.

Steve B
 
I would be curious to hear what the UK/Oz/NZ/EU people think about the idea of a tip jar for live music. I am wondering because on travel forums the tipping debate has shown that there can be quite a difference in cultural norms toward tipping depending on where you are from.
 
Every New Year's Eve we do a couple of sets for a town event that has about 15 different acts at any one time. After we finish, I always make it a point to catch this Great New Orleans singer and his band. Toward the end, he and half the band members take off their hats and march a second line up and down the aisles collecting money. People have already paid to wear a button to go to any of the shows. And each of the acts has been paid in advance.

But the organizer said as long as the buttons are sold out (plus they sell New Years party favors and food), each group can do whatever they want for extra money- sell CDs, T-shirts, dance with a hat, whatever...
 
I would be curious to hear what the UK/Oz/NZ/EU people think about the idea of a tip jar for live music. I am wondering because on travel forums the tipping debate has shown that there can be quite a difference in cultural norms toward tipping depending on where you are from.


How about in Asia? I live in Taiwan, and Tipping IS a city here.... Jokes..

Seriously tho, the concept of leaving a tip of any kind doesn't exist here. Taxis, restaurants, bars, etc, no way. It just doesn't happen. And trust me, having traveled around the world, the service here is THE BEST in the world. Intuitively, that makes sense. Do your job properly, and you get paid. It also helps that workers get paid a living wage, but that's a whole other discussion...

Anyway, I've never seen a tip jar over here for any live music, and we've never brought up the idea. There are lots of buskers with a tip jar in front of them, but you have to be get a busking license to play in public.
 
Being in Oz, at least where I am, tipping is pretty rare. Sure, cafes have jars by the till but otherwise rarely do you see one.

I'm pretty confident that a tip jar here would not go over well. You would want to okay it with the venue way before the gig, but even then it could be seen as an insult. I would rather get more gigs in the future than risk the venues wrath. At most normal gigs, pub shows, festivals etc my fee is AU$200, and special events, weddings and corporate gigs it is more. That being said I feel that the pay is pretty good, and would not want to put that at risk in any way.

I agree that the way to make extra $ would be to do merch. No venues frown upon that here at all. Yes the outlay can be a bit daunting, but if it's more bucks ya want ya gotta spend some bucks to get it.
 
I don't know. I figure if you're getting paid, then there's no need to ask for tips. But usually I've seen folks leave a tip even if there is no jar. I just try to appear "above" asking for money. But if you're in a non-paying situation, then I say it's a free-for-all because you're playing for nothing.
 
Like others said, it depends on the venue and situation. My bands put up a tip jar more often than not. One time, the owner of the venue brought out a jar for us because he was used to seeing bands with jars at his place.

I think one determining factor is whether there is a cover charge. If the patrons pay a cover, then I don't think they should be asked to tip on top of that.
 
No tip jar for us. We do bring a box of CDs, though. We tell the crowd that if they like what they hear, they can take a CD free of charge, or if the mood strikes them, they can pay us whatever they think the CD is worth, but no more than $10.

You'd be surprised how many people pay.
 
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