The Tip Jar

Musicians like to have a tip jar nearby. The musician takes pride in his jar. Not just any jar will do...it has to be the RIGHT jar, an effective jar. Other than his axe, the tip jar could be considered the most important item for a musician to have with him at the gig.

Factors in determining the proper jar include size and design. When it comes to size, it must be big enough to hold the lettuce coming in on the big nights, but not too large as to make the slim contents of a slow night look really pitiful. The jar needs to be large enough that it will not go unnoticed. It should "call out" to everyone in the room, yet in a subtle way. My idea of having a bright neon flashing arrow pointing at my jar as it rotates on a special fluorescent elevated display table is probably not subtle enough. The design of the jar is very important for maximum positive results. It must have a large enough opening to easily accept multible bills at once, but yet be small enough that the tipper won't have the ability to stick their hand into the jar to root around and grab change back from a large bill.

Once you've decided on a jar, it is essential that you take into consideration a very important factor...LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! A jar at the bandstand is mandatory. Sometimes it may be appropriate to have more than one jar set out. I like to put one at the bar, in each restroom, in the lobby, at the front desk, on each table, at the cash register, in the manager's office, at the aquarium, and, of course, one or two next to the door. I prefer to use jars of various colors. Studies show that different individuals are attracted to different colors. To maximize results, I like to put the colored jars in a placement rotation throughout the evening. The most effective method is to rotate the jars every hour. During the musician's break it is always good to go outside and stuff tip reminder flyers underneath the windshield wiper of each parked vehicle.

After the gig is done and all the jars have been emptied and contents tucked away in a safe hiding place, I go home and tell my wife that I forgot to set out a jar.