Tip Jar?

Sassy Frass · #1 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 06:58 PM

Hello everyone! Just wanted to ask if anyone out there uses a "Tip Jar" and if so, What does your look like? I'm just trying to get some ideas...I'm doing a gig for the local school, and not getting much in the way of pay and I need to know what everyone else does...

Thanks!

saphireSue · #2 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 08:23 PM

I don't have anything fancy, one of those plastic candy jars with a sign that reads tips. Seed you jar ahead of time with a few $1 and $5 that can easily be seen, if you use change you'll get change, empty change out if possible from time to time. and don't let the jar get to full, or they may feel you've gotten enough and don't need anymore.

Sassy Frass · #3 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 08:32 PM

Thanks Saphire, I asked my daughter (a teacher at the school) if she thought it would be okay to do the "tip jar" and she said she thought we would get a good deal of money that way...I hope so. I am new and a little shy when it comes to these things.
Another lady asked me to do a street fair with her and said we could use tip jars there too...can you use the tip jar anywhere?
Does most everyone use one?

saphireSue · #4 (**permalink**) 04-15-2008, 08:42 PM

If your being paid for an event then no tip jar, unless you clear it with the person paying you for the event.

I use mine at a couple of fair/festivals and it is the only money I make.

Sassy Frass · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 06:41 AM

Thanks for the advice Saphire!

Waldo · #6 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 10:06 AM

I tried one at my family reunion, but didn't have much success. I even tried seeding it, but came back with less money than I started with? I get no respect.

in Harmony with Jesus · #7 (**permalink**) 04-16-2008, 10:16 AM

LOL!!! at the family reunion Waldo?!? Too Funny!

Chance Marmalade · #8 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 05:28 AM

You might try going old school and start "passing the hat" literally. The best use of a hat pass I have ever seen was at Pier 39 in San Francisco where the vaudevillian built up our expectations of an AMAZING feat of dangerous juggling and jokery. Kept mentioning it throughout the whole 10 minute show until finally the time arrrived. Before she presented this amazing stunt though she passed the hat. She made a lot of money from what I could see. After she passed the hat she blew us all away with exactly what she'd promised.

Another thing you might consider is when you see someone about to put coins in your hat put your hand out instead and quickly stow the coins in your pocket. The last thing you probably want is to inspire others to give you their lint covered pennies. Always smile and make eye contact with everyone who gives you any amount of money but be sure to eliminate coin collecting as much as possible.

If you're collecting tips statically while doing balloon animals or something you might consider a cute way to go about it like having an animal puppet with a sign that says "Please feed the animals." I am sure you could play with the idea and make it funny!

Sassy Frass · #9 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 07:38 AM

Thanks Chance I like the idea of the big build up and then "pass the hat" before the finale!
Thanks for the tips on eye contact and coins...I really hadn't thought of these as being significant but I'm hearing from alot of people "NO COINS IN THE TIP JAR"!
Eye contact is using your head too! (NO PUN INTENDED) SMILE!
Thanks!

Wowza · #10 (**permalink**) 04-17-2008, 02:24 PM

Bubbles and Wowza use a large peanut can that we've covered in a shiny metallic gift wrap. Then we pasted on a "Tips Appreciated" message with two cartoonish clowns on either side.

We only use the can for events where we're not paid to attend. Usually it's set on the table where Bubbles is face painting, next to the book of designs the kiddies can choose from. With it in plain sight, the parents can drop a tip in after their child is done.