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Tip Jar question

27 Apr 25 - 11:33 AM (#4221671)
Subject: Tip Jar question
From: Cool Beans

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.


27 Apr 25 - 11:36 AM (#4221672)
Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: gillymor

A hat if you're out of the wind.


27 Apr 25 - 11:48 AM (#4221673)
Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: Backwoodsman

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


27 Apr 25 - 12:12 PM (#4221679)
Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: Fred

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

Fred


27 Apr 25 - 12:33 PM (#4221682)
Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: Fred

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


29 Apr 25 - 01:48 PM (#4221791)
Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: BrooklynJay

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


30 Apr 25 - 06:31 PM (#4221886)
Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: Tattie Bogle

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!


01 May 25 - 01:55 PM (#4221914)
Subject: RE: Tip Jar question
From: GUEST,PHJim

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

BROKEN STRING FUND
Visa & Mastercard cheerfully accepted