Weddings Come on... Who has a tip jar?

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DJ SpShL K

New DJ
Feb 9, 2009
35
0
44
Athens, GA
www.dawgtowndj.com
I DJ'd an event Saturday... yeah it was your basic wedding. Nothing special... The FOB (Father of the Bride) asks me to play a few specific 50's songs and being a DIGITAL DJ, I plopped them back to back next on the playlist q. After the songs play he walks up and asks where my tip jar is. I explained to him we do not have a tip jar. He chuckles walks away and dances some more.

At the end of the night he hands me an envelope... with $100 in it. Now it's not the first tip... it just segways into...

Who has a tip jar? Do you see anything right/wrong about it?

I'll go ahead with my opinion...

It's tacky and unprofessional. To me. Don't take offense, I don't mean any. However, I cringe when I go to events see another DJ and he's got a big fish bowl with his own two dollars in it to "start" the idea.

Come on... seriously?
 
well to let you know I dont and have not used a tip jar in 30+yrs. I have received many tips after my gig which werent mentioned or begged for. However I dont begrudge or judge other DJs as long as they represent the music and gain the maximum enjoyment for their customers. It doesnt work for me any more than bringing out YMCA costumes or Walla Balla games etc. Heck even if they bring Peavey Gear doesnt make them bad nor me to cringe. If they kill the fun with improper song selection or train wreck mixes let the cringing begin. there is a place for all ideas as long as it results in the clients satisfaction. If I did use a tip jar I would definitely clear it with my client in any case.
 
The only time I have used a tip jar was when I was playing clubs. They don't pay much and I had it off to the side not really drawing attention. If I got some jerk who kept hounding me for his song, I would move the jar closer to him... It would usually end the battle right there.
 
Alright...lets comment on this tip jar idea.

I was anti-tip jar my first three years...until now!

When I play for bars, a tip jar is being considered. I offer them a super sweet deal, and I could use a few extra dollars. If the bar has a good night, they don't rub my back to help me out.

All other events...."HECK NO!!!"

I get paid enough on those other events, where a tip jar is absolutely beyond silly. You will never see a tip jar at any of my higher end events.

So to sum it up it one phrase:

Client hired events absolutely not, bar hired gigs will depend on the type of event.
 
Tip Jars

At Private for hire events "No". At Clubs, "Yes". Advertising, I see nothing wrong in having a Business Card/Brochure holder discreetly placed on your table. If you can have a small but noticeable logo on your facade or speakers, I do not see why not. Bands do it all the time with BIG signs/Banners. Its business, if you did a good job the folks there will see your name and remember you! Why loose a good opportunity? Again, to each his/her own!
 
At private events no tip jar or banners. At bar gigs no tip jar but I do hang an banner. At the bar gigs when the bartender hears someone say that I'm not playing his/her request they normaly tell them that I can't remember all request and that they should write it down for me....on a $5 bill!!!:sqeek::sqeek::sqlaugh::sqlaugh:

and most of the time it works...and most of the time thier request is already in the q:sqlaugh::sqlaugh:
 
I dont have a tip jar...been asked why not at bar gigs...still dont. Guess in my mind it sometimes makes people stupid...hey I want my song next I gave you a tip ......been there done that not going there again
 
I'm sort of considering this whole issue right now. I've got a repeat client (a volunteer fire department) that I've been working with for about 3 years now. They do 3 events a year, and I get paid full price for all of them.

They finally asked if I could do a special event on a Friday in June for them at no charge. They've agreed to include my name in any advertisement for the event, and to list me as a sponsor in the event program. The organizer of the event also told me that I should put a tip jar, and to be sure to hang a banner/sign to get maximum exposure...

Now, the sign at a "freebie" event I have no problem with, as that is essentially my "pay" (advertising/exposure) for the event. However, I am reticent (even WITH the organizer's approval) to put out a tip jar... Your thoughts??
 
DJ Zac said:
I'm sort of considering this whole issue right now. I've got a repeat client (a volunteer fire department) that I've been working with for about 3 years now. They do 3 events a year, and I get paid full price for all of them.

They finally asked if I could do a special event on a Friday in June for them at no charge. They've agreed to include my name in any advertisement for the event, and to list me as a sponsor in the event program. The organizer of the event also told me that I should put a tip jar, and to be sure to hang a banner/sign to get maximum exposure...

Now, the sign at a "freebie" event I have no problem with, as that is essentially my "pay" (advertising/exposure) for the event. However, I am reticent (even WITH the organizer's approval) to put out a tip jar... Your thoughts??
Click to expand...

Whats the difference between this "Freebie" event and the ones that you have been paid to do? Does the audience know that you are not charging and do they really care? My point is, tip Jars and banners are not a bad thing if done properly. Its all in our heads to be "Professional". Lets continue painting ourselves in corners! When in doubt just ask your client. You may be surprised by their answer. If they approve then whats the problem?
I would say though, I consider it Off Limits at a Wedding to put out a tip jar! A small Logo and Business cards/brochures "yes".
 
ahoustondj said:
Whats the difference between this "Freebie" event and the ones that you have been paid to do? Does the audience know that you are not charging and do they really care? My point is, tip Jars and banners are not a bad thing if done properly. Its all in our heads to be "Professional". Lets continue painting ourselves in corners! When in doubt just ask your client. You may be surprised by their answer. If they approve then whats the problem?
I would say though, I consider it Off Limits at a Wedding to put out a tip jar! A small Logo and Business cards/brochures "yes".
Click to expand...

I have to agree that my thoughts (despite the client's insistence that it is OK) are that a tip jar is simply tacky... The bottom line is that although the client is encouraging me to put out a tip jar, the guests at the event have no idea that I am doing this as a favor to the group, and I would immediately drop to the lowest common denominator: the "cheesy DJ" begging for extra money... :sqmad:

Will I accept a tip if offered? At an event like this, yes. Will I put my 24" x 24" sign on the front of my console? Yes. (Never at a wedding or high-end event, though...) Of course I will have plenty of cards available as well...

I guess I've answered my own question. :sqwink:
 
DJ Zac said:
I have to agree that my thoughts (despite the client's insistence that it is OK) are that a tip jar is simply tacky... The bottom line is that although the client is encouraging me to put out a tip jar, the guests at the event have no idea that I am doing this as a favor to the group, and I would immediately drop to the lowest common denominator: the "cheesy DJ" begging for extra money... :sqmad:

Will I accept a tip if offered? At an event like this, yes. Will I put my 24" x 24" sign on the front of my console? Yes. (Never at a wedding or high-end event, though...) Of course I will have plenty of cards available as well...

I guess I've answered my own question. :sqwink:
Click to expand...

Tips are monetary compliments! Ya gotta have a place to put 'em! :sqwink:
 
There are some venues like small bars that don't pay the entertainment at all. The management passes around a tip jar instead. Why anyone, band or DJ would risk playing half the night for a few dollars beats me but they do.

Even if you aren't being paid, ie a charity gig for instance, the audience will naturally presume that you're being paid anyway.

I guess it depends on the venue. Whether you're being paid or not is a moot point. A tip jar is more in line with bar or club work where the audience expects to see them. If it's a more formal gig (again, paid or not) like a black tie fundraiser for example, a tip jar would seem out of place.

Thoughts?
 
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