Tipping and Drink Tickets

[Unrepresented]

Question is fairly straightforward:

You're getting paid strictly in drink tickets for playing originals at the local bar.

Do you tip?

[RWP]

I would. The bartender is doing his/her job and it doesn't matter how you are paying.

[QORC]

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

Question is fairly straightforward:

You're getting paid strictly in drink tickets for playing originals at the local bar.

Do you tip?

hell yes!! those people need to make a livin' too!!

[HomeBrewTJ]

Of course, it would be rude not too.

[Unrepresented]

Originally Posted by RWP

I would. The bartender is doing his/her job and it doesn't matter how you are paying.

That'd be fair if the bartenders were similarly paid in a specific currency that was non-transferable and was redeemable only by service providers who also expected tips.

If my only compensation by the establishment is drinks, why should I be forced to pay money out of pocket to enjoy them?

[lowender56]

I spent several years in the "service" industry and I would tip.
It's like this, you could be someone who made their drink money driving a taxi, you would and should tip for your drinks.
You working by playing music for your drinks should not be any different.

[RWP]

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

That'd be fair if the bartenders were similarly paid in a specific currency that was non-transferable and was redeemable only by service providers who also expected tips.

If my only compensation by the establishment is drinks, why should I be forced to pay money out of pocket to enjoy them?

I see your point but the bartenders may not.

[Unrepresented]

Originally Posted by lowender56

I spent several years in the "service" industry and I would tip.
It's like this, you could be someone who made their drink money driving a taxi, you would and should tip for your drinks.
You working by playing music for your drinks should not be any different.

But the taxi driver in question is paid in cash. He chooses to spend his pay at the bar where I'm playing.

I'm playing the bar and only compensated in drinks. If I was getting paid cash, I'd have no question about whether or not to tip, just as the taxi driver would, because I'd have my choice about where I could redeem my pay. Either at the venue I'm playing, or the bar across the street.

[Unrepresented]

Originally Posted by RWP

I see your point but the bartenders may not.

a) perhaps they should demand a portion of payment from the establishment for every drink ticket they receive,

b) They should be appreciative of the hard work we've done to bring/keep business in their establishment.

[RWP]

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

b) They should be appreciative of the hard work we've done to bring/keep business in their establishment.

This IS a good argument. Frankly being paid in drink tickets really isn't what you are worth anyway, so I can see your point.
I would like to hear the point of view from a bartender. Maybe they feel exactly as you do.

[Unrepresented]

Originally Posted by RWP

This IS a good argument.

I'm filled with unpopular ideas that have reasonable arguments behind them.

Originally Posted by RWP

Frankly being paid in drink tickets really isn't what you are worth anyway, so I can see your point.

Don't jump to too big a conclusion until you've heard us.

Originally Posted by RWP

I would like to hear the point of view from a bartender. Maybe they feel exactly as you do.

Bartenders like to get paid. They're probably not "bartending for exposure." Their answers don't count.

[RWP]

How about, don't drink, keep the tickets and sell them on ebay!

[Zappstorius]

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

That'd be fair if the bartenders were similarly paid in a specific currency that was non-transferable and was redeemable only by service providers who also expected tips.

If my only compensation by the establishment is drinks, why should I be forced to pay money out of pocket to enjoy them?

You are not "forced" to tip, just like the bartender isn't "forced" to get your drink in any sort of timetable. Your peragative, but don't complain about waiting a half hour at the bar waiting for your next beer while the guy sitting next to you has had 3.

[HomeBrewTJ]

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

If my only compensation by the establishment is drinks...

...then you're playing the wrong establishments.

[Unrepresented]

Originally Posted by HomeBrewTJ

...then you're playing the wrong establishments.

Agreed. I'd far prefer to be compensated handsomely for my time at venues with great PA's and receptive, built-in crowds, but realistically as an originals act with limited connections the available establishments are limited, even moreso if we refuse to pay to play by prepuchasing tickets.

This isn't a discussion about whether musicians should be paid more, it's an issue about whether I'm cheap and justified or just cheap.

When I'm a customer at one of these venues (such as last night) I tip, and I tip fairly well. When I'm a coworker of sorts, I don't feel compelled.

[txbasschik]

Originally Posted by Unrepresented

Question is fairly straightforward:

You're getting paid strictly in drink tickets for playing originals at the local bar.

Do you tip?

Yes...if the service was good. If the waitstaff treats me like a PITA, and acts like they're doing me a favor by serving me, then I do *not* tip them. If they treat me just as well as any nicely-behaved paying customer, then they get a tip.

Cherie

[jady]

We get free drinks + cash at the bar we frequently play at and I always tip the bartender well. It creates a bond and in return, she always makes passes through the bar with a tip bucket, we usually get $75-$100 per night in tips. If you scratch their backs, they will scratch yours.

[evan_phi]

Originally Posted by jady

We get free drinks + cash at the bar we frequently play at and I always tip the bartender well. It creates a bond and in return, she always makes passes through the bar with a tip bucket, we usually get $75-$100 per night in tips. If you scratch their backs, they will scratch yours.

good answer. if its a place you play alot, make sure the barkeep knows you appreciate them.

[lonote]

I can't imagine playing for drink tickets only and no money but if I did, I wouldn't tip. Your compensation is free drinks. Let the cheapskate club owner pay his staff...he can certainly afford it since he isn't paying the band!

[Jerry Ziarko]

One of the first things I do when setting up is order a soft drink (which is free) and tip the bartender 5 or 6 dollars. Guess who never waits to get served during the night?