Tip Jar question

Subject: Tip Jar question
From: Cool Beans
Date: 27 Apr 25 - 11:33 AM

I have some gigs at a farmers' market this summer. They're paying me and said it's also okay to bring a tip jar. Any advice on what makes a good tip jar--size, material, signage? I do plan to seed it with a little currency beforehand. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: gillymor
Date: 27 Apr 25 - 11:36 AM

A hat if you're out of the wind.

Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 27 Apr 25 - 11:48 AM

Your instrument case? That’s what I used on the occasions I went busking some years ago.

Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: Fred
Date: 27 Apr 25 - 12:12 PM

Yep, guitar case used by me too. Or as Gilly said, a hat, anything that will allow money to be tossed in.

Fred

Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: Fred
Date: 27 Apr 25 - 12:33 PM

What I WOULD add is that I've had money stolen when busking.

If the "jar" is getting a lot, remove most so that it isn't attractive to opportunists thieves.

Fred

Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 29 Apr 25 - 01:48 PM

I've seen more examples than I can count of paper money blowing away when open guitar cases are used at outdoor gigs! All it takes is one unexpected gust of wind...

What I have noticed lately is that many performers are going digital with their tips - they may put out a tip jar (or bucket) but there is also a QR Splotch on it so those who go cashless can contribute via phone. Also, tips can't be stolen that way.


Jay

Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Apr 25 - 06:31 PM

We always took a bucket to our local farmers’ market when busking there, one of those with a “no return” slot in it. We had a description of who we were and what the money was going to taped to the outside of it. Found that people didn’t really notice it if placed on the ground, so would have it up on a chair in front of us, so they were less likely to ignore it!

Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: GUEST,PHJim
Date: 01 May 25 - 01:55 PM

My Autoharp case has a yellow sign with red letters that say:

BROKEN STRING FUND
Visa & Mastercard cheerfully accepted