Tips for Solo Acoustic Gigs -How To Get More Tips

[@Santaheckler]

Here’s something that’s worked well for me over the years. I get smaller, inexpensive 3x3 stickers with my logo on them. I will get them for around 10 cents a piece in large quantities. I have them for free in a box next to my tip jar. I will a few times during the show let people I have free stickers and to help themselves. It gets people up there to grab a sticker or two and they always seem to drop a few bucks in the jar. It’s also a way I can thank people if I need to on my break. Always give them to a kid if you can, they will show their parents and it’ll end up with a $1 tip at minimum. The way I see it, they are getting something to take home or whatever. It’s a great way to promote yourself too. Always cool to see your stickers on the bathroom stall. 🤣👍

[@FrankPersico]

Ooooh I like that one. Thanks for sharing. Great idea

[@LanceEads]

I've done something similar with older CDs of mine. I figure all the people that were going to buy them have already bought them, so I put a little stack next to my tip jar and give them away for free.

[@chrisgoodenough1374]

Sooo, tip bait?👍

[@johngdrakeguitar]

Always show gratitude. Right on.

[@FrankPersico]

At gigs and in life :)

[@jeffwickermusic134]

My nephew had the best idea for tips that I have ever seen. He took about a quart size opaque plastic bucket, wrote “Tips” on it, and mounted a very low wattage light bulb, in the bottom, so that the whole bucket lights up. It’s not obnoxiously bright, but just bright enough so that people can easily see it. This works very well! 😎👍🎸

[@FrankPersico]

Ooh that sounds cool. 😎

[@Dinga631]

You’re a true genuine soul Frank, thanks for what you do. 👏👏🇦🇺

[@FrankPersico]

I appreciate that!

[@humanimal5527]

Excellent knowledge here man. As an aspiring solo musician I appreciate it!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks. I wish you the best

[@luckyhaskins69]

And this is why you work Frank. You have tons of respect for the craft, and the business. I played a Saint Paddy's Day gig and I was right by the door. My tip jar hanging off the railing i was next to.. I made sever hundred in tips cuz it was right at the door. And the joint was swinging all night long. 2 tricks of mine are to always learn the name of every staff member and thank them on the microphone.. such as " sally is having tons of fun serving you tonight but don't forget she is not doing it just for fun folks.." always win over the staff.. When the boss comes in to count the money and asks the staff " how was the act " they will all say - very good. hire him again. I am often known to tip out the bar tender after i get paid as well. especially if i did really well on tips. after all, it is a team effort to get that money out of the customers pockets...we are all there for the same reason.. Win over the staff, and you have a solid gig. by the way, I will give ya a freebie here brother, i have used for years.... " thank you folks, time for every one to leave their loved ones and go home to their dependents" lol

[@FrankPersico]

Dude thanks for this wealth of info!!! I and the rest of the community I’m sure appreciate it!

[@luckyhaskins69]

@@FrankPersico Dude , your dropping a wealth of real deal info here daily. I love it. very nice to meet another in the trenches working guitar picker. btw... ok ok..horse with no name..im digging it. also thanks for dropping the reminder regarding tn whisky., I am working on it now after the nudge. great cut for me. except for...well you know...that cat that sang it is a bit allright hey? lol.

[@tonymullins8437]

Long time solo, duo and band performer here and just want to compliment you on the video. This is GREAT information for players of all skill levels. Here are a few things that work for me: 1) Set your tip jar slightly away from you or at least away from the lights of the stage. A lot of the people in the crowd just aren't comfortable walking right up to center stage in front of God and everyone to drop a fiver (or wtvr) into your jar. Your idea of placing it closer to the door is a solid suggestion that plays into this idead. 2) Seed money! Put a fiver in there or tape one to the bottom just as a reminder. 3) Tip your waitresses! I always hand over part of my/our tips if someone on the wait staff is helping us. Additionally, it's great etiquette to remind the crowd to take care of the wait staff and the bar keep. I'm not sure if it actually puts any $$$ in my jar, but it's certainly good Karma and endears you to the other folks working the venue. 4) Ask for requests! People will frequently tip you if you play the songs they ask for. Once you get a good stack of napkins (with written requests on them as is common it seems in our business) going, this will often get even more requests sent your way. Like you said, if you don't know 'em, learn 'em and make sure you tell the folks out in the audience as much. If you don't want to play Freebird (who does?), do Simple Man or Give Me Three Steps, just anything else by Skynyrd (just as an example).

[@FrankPersico]

Awesome feedback! I appreciate it and I’m sure the others do as well! Thanks so much

[@WEdHarris]

Very Informative! Great tips! Thanks so much!!

[@FrankPersico]

my pleasure. thanks for commenting

[@stevemcclanahan3845]

All Awesome “Tips!” Thank You Frank

[@FrankPersico]

My pleasure! Have a great day

[@RobinRowley]

Thanks Frank. Great tips for tips brother. Keep on. You are good.

[@FrankPersico]

I appreciate it. Thanks for the comment:)

[@ttaurus393]

Amazing how much we think alike. Great video sir. Also one thing that has worked wonderfully for me is make sure to say goodbye as the people are heading out. lots of time they aren't thinking about tipping and this gets there attention.

[@FrankPersico]

You must be at it awhile like myself lol

[@dennyps1]

Great video, I really enjoyed all of the helpful suggestions. The one that really made sense and took me by surprise was the PayPal QR code. I never even thought of it. Took me less than 5 minutes to set up.

[@FrankPersico]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nomandad2000]

Thanks for the shoutout!

[@FrankPersico]

you got it.. thanks for the great video ideas!..

[@nomandad2000]

@@FrankPersico 💯

[@adamrafferty]

Hey Frank!!! Adam Rafferty here - hope you are rockin it!!!!

[@FrankPersico]

Hey brotha. Been a pretty good summer and fall. I’m feeling blessed. Hope you are well!!

[@ThatSingerDude]

I have a 30oz beer cup I use.I push the money down when it starts getting full. Do not get a Glass jar.I had a gig where an employee was drunk(11:am in the morning) and knocked it over and it broke. The staff was so pissed at that guy.

[@FrankPersico]

That’s a good idea using one of those !!

[@ThatSingerDude]

@@FrankPersico I can't beleive that guy was drunk at work at 11:00 am lol. you got to learn to adapt to the audience and some nights are tough lol

[@tlsallada1]

I use a goldfish bowl and glued a dollar bill on the inside. It really seemed to help plant the seed to give a tip.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the “tip” pun intended lol

[@becomeaudible1]

I like to put little sayings on my tip can. The can is large enough to put a card on the side so I will put sayings like “ skews me while I tip this guy” Or “I dare you to try and fill it”. It makes people smile and sometimes they will put a bit more in. Works well.

[@FrankPersico]

Oooh I like this one. Thanks for sharing

[@Greenjagsurf]

Thanks for this! I've been thinking about busking for a while. This is cool stuff to think about. I've been thinking about a cute sign.

[@FrankPersico]

That's awesome! Go for it!

[@MrMikeonguitar]

I have a plastic picher for a tip jar. My wife used a Cricut to make the TIPS lettering that she put on it. There is a bar that I play in and I think because of the many people that are seated, not many people see it. So even though crowd response is good, i normally do not get a lot of tips. One day i lined the pitcher with small, cheap battery operated LED's. Seems like it helps!

[@FrankPersico]

Im sure that would help. Also i bet it makes the kids want to leave tips as well..A lot of people just need a "reminder" and a good looking tip cup can do just that:)

[@WichitaJackMusic]

Great video! If the venue is indoors, or at an outdoor gig that isn’t too windy, I will leave my guitar case (I play acoustic electric) open on the floor at the front of my setup. It helps to conceal my pedals and cables, and also gives a sort of old school busker vibe. I’ll seed it with two ones and a five, so the people instantly recognize that that is where the tips go. As the night goes on and it fills up, it gives people a great visualization of the fact that others have enjoyed your music enough to leave something, and encourages them to leave something as well. If wind is a factor, I keep a basic, plain jar, set it on the closed guitar case, and again seed it a bit. I never ask, and always thank for everyone who drops anything in. At the end of the day, playing music is about making an emotional connection with the people in the audience, and if you do, they will be eager to leave you something extra for it.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much and I appreciate you sharing your experience as well.

[@johnsather3485]

Frank, thanks for this video. For the first year of my acoustic duo act , I felt that a tip cup was kind of a pandering stunt, and thought that what I was getting paid was enough. Like you, I finally came around when people were coming up more and more wanting to leave a tip. The only comment I do have is that I have seen solo acts put a giant 5 gallon bucket with a giant TIPS sign on it, or I saw someone with a very large clear plastic jug with a light placed into the jar along with the TIPS lettering on the side, sitting on a stool as if the tip jar was another performer. I felt they overdid the gesture and made the act of asking for tips larger than the gig. It’s definitely an art form in placing a tip jar to make it easier for tippers who want to tip.

[@FrankPersico]

I went through the same process. And I do agree it’s about giving people the option to tip without pressure. I find it’s a turnoff when an artist is pushy about drawing attention to the tipcup. Thanks for commenting

[@van1976]

I don't put a tip jar out mainly because I don't need the money, that said I always seem to a have a few bucks in my pocket from tips. I so much didn't want to take that $5 from the elderly lady coming from the Library, but she insisted (it was the Classical Music I was playing)--I accept as it makes a "connection". I know what you're saying about the awkwardness of people wanting to tip and you have to STOP playing to take a couple bucks. I have done this in the past, attached by rubberband, a plastic jar to the Headstock of my guitar. Great if you are walking around and not in one spot. I also have a plastic bust of Mozart attached to the jar as well--lol. "Fur Elise" is always a hit....or for the young folks, Golden Earrings "Twilight Zone"...that is a "Rocker" that amazes teenagers! Good info... 5 STARS! --Van

[@FrankPersico]

You had me at “a plastic bust of Mozart” lol brilliant

[@hankjourdan4010]

Been at this for about 5 yrs..all self taught do to watch and listen to someone major help

[@FrankPersico]

That’s impressive. Hopefully my channel can give you some tips and inspiration

[@hankjourdan4010]

@FrankPersico it's the blessing/challenge/love of my life..my daughter sings along at age 10.

[@FASFatherandSon]

Another great video. I was practicing outside a restaurant waiting for my girlfriend and a guy gave me a $10 tip. I was like okay, maybe I should take a tip cup wherever I go lol.

[@FrankPersico]

Lol carry some cups with you!

[@mister-chad]

@fasfatherandson was jamming with some friends outside of a restaurant waiting for our table... still have those dollars in my guitar case.

[@chrisgoodenough1374]

I just leave my guitar case open in front of me with a “tips” sign inside the lid. Especially if playing on an elevated stage at an outdoor venue.

[@FrankPersico]

Nice!! Plenty of room:)

[@paul144]

Hey Frank! Love your channel! Long time no see...hope you've been well! Paul Livoti

[@FrankPersico]

Hey brotha. Great to hear from you!! Are you back in NY for summer?

[@paul144]

@@FrankPersico was just up there for a week, my grandsons first birthday. Been super busy down here in Vero Beach so I really dont work much when I come up to NY, just visit the kids & family.

[@Popsarocker1]

If you’ve ever been to Nashville, the tip bucket seems to be part of the culture there. However, it gets obnoxious and uncomfortable when they come around literally every other song with the bucket

[@FrankPersico]

Yes Nashville tip culture is a diff thing from places like NY

[@richardfranklinmorse]

When I played Irish Pubs in Europe you had to go through the audience on your break soliciting tips. It was awful, but lucrative.

[@DAVIDWATSONLIVE]

What are some things I can say to get tips? There are phrases that always work besides asking out right.

[@FrankPersico]

The best way to call attention to the fact that people can tip you is to simply say “thanks for the generous tip” into the mic from time to time throughout the course of the night. I don’t try to be cute and make hints towards asking people to tip. But that’s me there are plenty of players who have ways of doing it. To me it’s awkward

[@gregmartin2478]

well how about this one for instance asks to play by the owner for a couple of hours until the guy comes at 1opm. i play people come in some of them locals , some from away they like the sound . i get down the guy comes finally to play for 10pm . people from away say we came in because we loved what you played . tham nk you i say i am glad you like my tunes .the 10 pm guy get up there and plays for 30 mins and the very people who said to me that the reason they came in the bar was my playing. the 10pm guy got the tip and i got nothing. but thats the way it is i guess. the bar owner asks and i said yes so that life . i dont play at that bar anymore .unless i get a fee and tips

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for posting. Definitely think it is a good idea not to play unless you are already getting a guarantee pay from the venue itself. (i do realize in certain areas of the country that is not the custom and those places are tips only). BUT imho the people who liked you should have handed you the money directly having seen that you were still in the venue and not put it in a cup when someone else was playing. (unless they wanted to tip that person). but thats all part of the game. if they made a point of telling you they liked YOU then they should have handed YOU the tip. but people don't always think. thats just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Best of luck to you. cheers!

[@ronkeely909]

I worked at a bar that didn't allow me to put out a tip jar. They said it takes away from the waitstaff.

[@FrankPersico]

Ughh. I really do hate hearing stories about like this. It just shows how people really devalue musicians. Also shows how little people know about tipping. If people want to tip then they will tip you AND the waitstaff. I used to have a regular gig at a casino here in NYC that ended with Covid. Their rule was no tip cup. And on some level I agreed because the presentation of it didn’t look great. BUT they used to instruct me not to accept tips even if someone offered me one. Like I would literally have to stop playing to tell customers that I was NOT allowed to accept their tip. This actually would offend the customer. Some old lady would be smiling and digging around in her purse to give me a dollar and I had to go and tell her I can’t accept it. Imagine that. Just a sign of how out of touch a place can be with the reality of what this job is about.

[@LanceEads]

I thought I'd be clever by decorating my tip jar with the word "bread" written in bubble letters. Turns out, people under a certain age don't always know that bread is slang for dough - er - I mean, money.

[@FrankPersico]

lol they must have been scratching their heads!

[@Greenjagsurf]

I've been thinking about a cute sign but not sure how it would fly. Tips for a new pirate ship with a treasure chest tip jar, and the other tips for new guitar fund

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

Got 60$ in tips Thursday, good people, but owner hasn't mentioned booking me again, even though customers requested me, gig paid 150$

[@FrankPersico]

Give it some time. Sometimes venues take a minute to get their head out of their a$$ lol.

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

@@FrankPersico lot of venue owners I think are just young kids and they don't really know alot about music and different levels of music quality and skilled players, they just let anyone play then they get them locked in on rotation!!

[@ibethebandu.a.morrison653]

I was once busking in the subway when a woman came up to my guitar case and dumped about $5 worth of pennies from her pocket. It took me about half an hour to pick them out of my case. No thanks

[@FrankPersico]

Oh wow. That’s gotta be a pretty rare occurrence. Be thankful you weren’t set on fire smh…

[@stevemcclanahan3845]

@frankpersico I just tried the “Tip Cup” and it worked like a charm! I love the fact that it is both discrete (small in size) yet completely visible by the audience! I have a Gator brand small platform, with a recessed cup holder built into it,that attaches to my mic stand for the tip cup. To your point, when people tip me they are right in front of me and I can Easily say “Thank You!” Thx Again for this Awesome and Effective “Tip!”

[@FrankPersico]

I LOVE it!! So glad to hear and thanks for letting me know.

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

I get tips but waitresses get made , so I give them half my tips so it increases the chances of getting re booked

[@FrankPersico]

Really? Lol they get mad? Do they share their tips with you? Thats a first for me

[@rickgrebenikpuggles56]

@@FrankPersico no they don't share, it's insane

[@oldiesmike]

I have never agreed with people putting tip jars out. You are already getting paid for the gig. Shame on you.

[@FrankPersico]

You are certainly entitled to your opinion. Many musicians who play for a living may disagree with you. Also in the days before I put a tip up out I used think the same as you. But time after time people would approach me and be looking for a place to put a tip. It was always awkward because I would be playing and singing and couldn’t tell them to just leave the tip anywhere. This may surprise you to know but people like to tip musicians when they enjoy it. It makes THEM feel good. The tip cup doesn’t pressure anyone. If you don’t want to tip you don’t have to. Perhaps you have never found yourself in any of the above situations at your live gigs .. but another perspective for you to consider. Thanks for your comment. I love to hear from fellow musicians.

[@animalmansurvivor1452]

No, shame on YOU.

[@danntheband2877]

I agree with Frank’s response completely. Some people do enjoy tipping. Perhaps just have a tip jar available and don’t beg or try to shame the crowd into tipping. I have had multiple people ask for my Venmo QR code so they could tip electronically, so I set one up. Also, pay expectations vary per venue/management. Performance fees are sometimes like how wait staff get paid; a minimal base and expectation of bringing in a certain amount of tips. Like it or hate it, that’s the way it has been in the US for a while. Musicians gotta eat like everybody else. Lastly, I have heard many people seeking out live music and wondering why so many places don’t have it any more. Two things: Limited venue budgets for live music, resulting in no live music, and the low fees for places that still do. Tips are important to help sustain live acts.

[@FrankPersico]

@@danntheband2877 thanks for the comment. I think it’s easy for people who aren’t actively out there surviving on playing to get bent out of shape from lack of perspective of what it means to do this for a living. It’s always interesting to have someone shame you for trying to eat lol. But you have to take the comment from where its coming from. That being said i respect all peoples opinions (even if i disagree) and I appreciate you coming forward with your perspective. We are on the same page.

[@henrytaylor6097]

You probably don’t tip your waitress either.

[@BenScales]

This is an awesome video full of useful information. Tips are an essential part of my income, especially now that CD sales have disappeared from the equation. I understand where you’re coming from when you call out performers “shamelessly” begging for tips. It can be a real turn-off. I have a slightly different take on it. Personally, I use humor to “shamelessly beg” while directing the audience’s attention to my tip box with its QR codes for Venmo and PayPal prominently displayed. I’m also not above selling requests. 20 bucks will get you most any song I know, and several that I don’t but can pull up on my iPad. Sometimes I’ll run a “special” on songs like Hotel California or Southern Cross, if more than one table or group of patrons wants to hear it. Margaritaville, Wagon Wheel or Rocky Top will cost you $50 minimum, though I do have a parody version of Free Bird that always gets a laugh. A couple of weeks ago, a guy gave me $100 to play Country Roads twice, and I did it, with several comedic breaks and improvised lyrics on the second time through. Bottom line is I try to have fun with my tip soliciting so as to put the audience at ease while making sure they know I need their money. Of course, it depends on the gig, but I’m a firm believer in the maxim that (s)he who pays the fiddler calls the tune.

[@FrankPersico]

I love this. Thanks for sharing. It just goes to show how there are infinite ways to work your craft with a crowd. And at the end of the day it sounds like you are making it a positive experience for everyone: that’s what we should be doing after all.