Using TIP jars

by sweetjen34 on Mon Jan 02, 2012 3:06 pm

I am a beginner face painter. I just did two events on new years eve, and at each event there were a few other face painters. They were pros, I was there as a volunteer amateur, although my line was equally long and expectations were the same!
Anyway, the pros each had jars on their table with "TIPS" written on it. I felt odd about asking for tips at an event where free painting was offered, so I didn't follow suit. However, I was still handed tips and received about $80, but I just put in my pocket.
How do you all feel about that practice? Am I just being dumb not to capitalize on the chance for some extra cash? Or is it kinda tacky? I dont know what the pros were paid... I was not paid at all for the afternoon event, and was paid $100 for the 4 hour event at night, again, I was hired as a complete amateur not a professional. They gave me some small tubs of paint but I brought my own because I didnt want to be limited, that was not expected from me though.
So..... TIP jars... a yes or a no?

by BekahCat on Mon Jan 02, 2012 3:15 pm

Tip jars, definitely a yes! Depending of course on the situation, don't put out a tip jar at a birthday party, but then that's common sense!

There's a thread somewhere on here talking about it, a few people put out clear jars that they put a few notes (dollar bills) in to 'seed' it. If people see money in the jar they'll put money in the jar. It's not a bad thing to ask for tips.

Ps. This topic should probably be in "General Face Painting"

Welcome to the forum! Smile

by Miss Ronnie on Mon Jan 02, 2012 3:46 pm

The only time I don't put out my tip jar is for birthday parties... other than that, I always have it very visibly next to my business card rack....
I have 2 different tip jars. One for certain types of events that is clear plastic and has "Tips make me smile" written in permanent marker. The other one is a pretty ceramic vase w/wires and beads along the top and has "Thanks a Bunch" painted on it (from the factory).

by skjfunny on Mon Jan 02, 2012 4:31 pm

I just started putting a small led candle made for votive candle holders in my clear tip jar...that uped the anti in a restaurant gig. ( Tip jars were covered in the contract.)
Feel it is important for the jar to be clear, seeded and simple....many do not think to make it TALL.
A gallon plastic clear jar with your wording done nicely on it stands out on a table. If it is too low many over see it and you miss out.
HOWEVER, we seldom put tip jars out at events we are paid to be at by a client...I simply think it is rude. (It should be covered in advance with your client.) Your clients guests should not feel as though they have to tip you, if they want to that's great except graciously. "Thank you it is wonderful to be appreciated!" with a giant smile.
Now New Year's Eve and then AGAIN on New Year's Day I was tipped $100 cash by two different clients....VERY unusual .... country area with little tipping. But I was laughing, gracious and they appreciated my attitude and speed. All situations are different, keep reading, keep learning and you'll find what is right for you. sunny

by Miss Ronnie on Mon Jan 02, 2012 6:33 pm

skjfunny... I am with you. I don't put the tip jar out where I am being paid at a corporate event... but for a contracted gig, like a festival or fair... yes, I do. My rule of thumb is this; if it is an outdoor event where the person who hired me is merely an event planner, then out goes the jar...

by sweetjen34 on Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:23 pm

Thanks everyone... I guess I'll decide case by case. I think I agree that if I was being paid by a corporation for their employees or clients then, no, a tip jar wouldnt work. Maybe its kind of the type of attendee... if they are invited to be there as special guests, then no... but if its an open ended event where people are coming on their own...then yes....

by sweetjen34 on Tue Jan 03, 2012 8:25 pm

Wait... let me clear something up... do you put out the tip jar even if you are getting paid for each face? Or just if you are hired for a festival for a certain amount of hours?

by Balloon Dreams in Seattle on Wed Jan 04, 2012 3:00 am

For me, If I am getting paid my normal hourly rate I will not put out a tip jar unless it is brought up by the person that hires me witch hardly ever happens. If I volunteer, offer a discount rate, PPF, or work for tips. I do make arrangements before hand.

by Miss Ronnie on Wed Jan 04, 2012 9:30 am

I put my tip jar out at a pay per face event. You will still get some tips, just not as much.

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