Is it tacky/bad form...

[Sixgunn]

To "point out" the band's tip jar/box at gigs?

Our singer seems to think it is but to me, it often goes unnoticed. To be honest, when I see a band at clubs or bars, I generally don't think about it (I know, shame on me). I do it in a humorous way but she'd very against it.

What say you, TB?

 

[4SG]

Having a tip jar usually means you’re not otherwise getting paid (or not being paid that much).
So, not out of line to mention—once—during or at end of a gig.
Just don’t count the money in front of the crowd...

 

[DirtDog]

Are the tips supplemental to your performance fee?

 

[Sixgunn]

Are the tips supplemental to your performance fee?

Yep.

 

[charlie monroe]

If the venue has a cover charge it is 100% tacky, imho.

If you are getting paid, but the audience had free entry, it is a greyer zone.

 

[Sixgunn]

If the venue has a cover charge it is 100% tacky, imho.

If you are getting paid, but the audience had free entry, it is a greyer zone.

I agree about the cover charge. Our gigs are no cover venues.

 

[Runnerman]

Tip jars are ok....asking for tips....not so much IMHO

 

[Lesfunk]

If the band accepts requests from the audience its ok to let them know about a tip bucket

Something like, “folks, we do have a tip jar on stage so if there’s anything you’d like to hear, feel free to ask and we’ll se what we can do..”

 

[two fingers]

Man, visit Nashville sometime. Those guys/gals are pros at getting tips without being jerks about it.

I think there's no problem at all with asking for them. Why have it if you're not gonna mention it?

Either that or make the jar much more obvious. Perhaps lime green and hit it with a black light.

But if you're not going to mention it, don't put one out.

 

[Bodeanly]

If you are already getting paid, don't ask for tips, but make the jar visible. One of my friends has a huge bucket with battery operated LED's that flashes "TACO FUND." I've seen another that says "Child Support."

 

[richntiff]

My rule of thumb is ' if I'm wondering if something is tacky/out of line/bad form - then it probably is'. That being said - on a no cover gig, a tip jar is certainly acceptable - and you can find funny ways to mention it without sounding like a numbnutz.

 

[portpc]

We use them all the time at non-cover venues, Never mention it, Do however keep it where it can be seen and not too close to the band so folks have it accessible.

Usually prime it with a few bucks I borrow from the drummer so it looks relevant, He usually forgets (as he's a drummer..) and I come out ahead..

 

[Ostie]

If you are already getting paid, don't ask for tips, but make the jar visible. One of my friends has a huge bucket with battery operated LED's that flashes "TACO FUND." I've seen another that says "Child Support."

Ours says “MUSIC LESSONS”

 

[Bodeanly]

Ours says “MUSIC LESSONS”

I would be more inclined to tip if it said this or anything other than “tips.”

 

[Plectrum72]

Ladies and Gentlemen I'd like to take a moment to introduce the band. We have Janis on lead vocals. Jimi is on guitar. John on drums. Me on bass. And we can't forget the most important member of the band, Phil. Phil the tip jar.

Totally acceptable at bar gigs with no cover charge.

 

[JdoubleH]

Ours is labeled "Freebird"

 

[moon-bass]

Here in New Orleans it's standard. More often than not the band will point out the tip jar and in many cases will have someone walk around the room with the tip jar soliciting $$$. I have seen creative asks, but around here it's a given in most places.

 

[interp]

Tip jars are ok....asking for tips....not so much IMHO

Putting a tip jar out IS asking for tips.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I personally don't like/prefer mentioning tips during a performance. Placing a tip jar somewhere in view is good enough. You would be annoyed if a waiter told you "by the way, I'm expecting a tip from you for my service". IMO, money should not be mentioned during a performance as it takes the fun away, but that's just me.

 

[interp]

If there is no cover I have no problem with it. We play a couple of places where we are paid a paltry sum and we put out a “karma jar” with the consent of the owner. We mention it once or twice during the evening, but we don’t make a big deal about it.