Karaoke Forums

Years ago I had a tip jar but nothing ususally appeared in it, and then I got to thinking that it was a bad idea.  It put me in an "us and them" position.  There was the KJ and the singers at the party and I just wanted to be one of the partiers who happened to be KJing.  So, I got rid of it.  This actually worked out better in the long run because I got more private party gigs and that's really were the money is.

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Okay, who took my pants?

Hmmmmm, personally I don't have a tip jar, but have thought about putting one out for a long time.  Every few gigs, I tend to get a few tips.  I got a $7 tip last night.  I do NOT expect them, but yes they sure are nice to help the night along.  I enjoy reading all of the good/bads on the tip jar idea!  Thanks for all the info...MrD

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[highlight=midnightblue]MrD - KJ/DJ Specialist
Visit MrD on facebook - mrdsentertainment
& on myspace - larrynance[/highlight]

I know some people disagree with a tip jar and that's fine. If people don't want to tip they don't have to. I think as long as people are handing me tips I need a tip jar.

The only thing I don't like about a tip jar is I don't always see who puts money in. If it's a $1 or $100 I'd like to thank them. The other night I had 2 twenties in my jar and had no idea who put them in. Usually the bigger tippers seem to hand the money to me which I do appreciate, but the smaller tippers should be thanked too.

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[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Uh, soda drinkers spend money too. In fact, soda has a larger profit than booze. Considering the bar charges over two bucks per can. The whole idea that only booze drinkers are pushing money over the bar is just wrong. That mentality comes from the same place where one would think that a soda is not a "drink". Seeing that I myself will drink several cans of soda a night (Diet Pepsi) plus I'll "buy a round" for friends, I spend upwards of fifty or more a night. One bar I go to won't let the water drinkers sit there on the bars dime, so they charge a glass washing fee.

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You may be the exception & not the rule.  MOST soda drinkers will buy one & nurse it for 2 hours.  They know the places that are stupid enough to give free refills so they buy one & refill the rest of the night - rarely even tipping the waitress.  
Bars need to charge for EVERY drink be it soda, coffee, water AND refills!

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Most places are now serving only bottled water, too, so people can't just come in and get a glass of water for free. Of course if they buy something else, including alcoholic beverages and ask for water, that comes in a glass with ice, for free.

k

When I get tips from anyone...I most certainly say something to them, then I place the money right on top of my gear for people to see.  Noone has ripped it off yet.  I generally drink 4-5 drinks a night, followed by 6 or so Pepsi's the 2nd half of the night....MrD

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[highlight=midnightblue]MrD - KJ/DJ Specialist
Visit MrD on facebook - mrdsentertainment
& on myspace - larrynance[/highlight]

Best tip jar I ever saw had blinking xmas lights at the bottom. Caught the eye for sure.

Well down here... in both the bar I work at and the bars I go to on my off nights... cokes are like a buck fifty and free refills. So yeah thats the bar's bad for letting that stand. And usually no.... most of those guys that do that at least in my experience down here... don't eat at the bar.

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KJ for Elite Entertainment at Charlie Horse Saloon in Ocala Florida.

I feel guilty about taking tips ?  I'm not talking about a BRIBE  but just this Saturday a guy came up and ask to sing a song and offered me $5 as a tip.   He didn't want anything for the $5 but said he was visiting from New England and tipping  was normal ?

I've never once felt guilty for taking tips. I guess its because I have so many friends in the service industry that make their living off of tips. And I always tip well at least 20% if not more. I've always just felt it was a sign of appreciation for a good show.

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KJ for Elite Entertainment at Charlie Horse Saloon in Ocala Florida.

Since I started this post, the bartenders are now picking up my tab (5-6 beers) at the end of the night ... I think it's their way of saying thank you for bringing in more people on the karaoke nights.  That way too I get my full fee at the end of the show.  I still get a couple of bucks in my tips jar (occasionally).  I think the most I've got on one night is like $22.