Tip Jars

[Glitterfly Faces]

Hi All,

My next question is about tip jars at parties.
I am hired for a Christmas party with approx. 100 kids for $60 for the 2 hours.  It is a non profit org. in my city.
I just e-mailed the person in charge and asked her if I could set out a tip jar.

My questions is....
Is this tacky?
Would you be offended if you brought your child to a company Christmas party and the face painter had a tip jar?
What are the odds of people actually giving me a tip since they all will assume that I am already being paid by the event organizers?
And would a christmas jar that said "Tips not expected...but, very much appreciated."
OR do you have something else you put on your tip jars?

I asked my hubby's advice and he said that he would not tip b/c he would assume I am being paid by the organizers and that being at a Christmas party no one really carries cash with them.

Any thoughts or advice.....experiences with tip jars?

Thanks again.

Kim

[Sherry]

Hi Kim,

When I was first starting out, I was wary of putting out a tip jar.  I wanted to, because in the beginning I really needed any help I could get.  It's so expensive starting out.  If it were me, I'd just decorate a jar pretty and write "Tips" on it.  I don't think you have to say anything or be pushy, just set it out and those that want to tip will.  It seems very common around here.  In fact, I have customers ask me where the tip jar is sometimes. 

Hope this helps,
Sherry

[MandiIlene]

I don't put anything on my tip jar, I just get an appropriate holiday jar from the dollar tree and stick 2 bucks in it, they get the hint and you don't have to overly advertise.

Clean out your jar often!

Don't put change in, unless you want $.50 as a tip

But if that is your rate for nonprofit, i would think they wouldn't like it if you put out a jar, unless you discussed it with them prior. I work for the libraries for that much and I don't put a jar out there, most library parties are at 10 am, and don't interfere with anything else I have, and they do give me lots of repeat business, so I don't mind the lesser per hour income, but I do hand my card to EVERYONE in my chair!

~*~Mandi~*~

[Shannon Fennell]

Is it a private event or a public event? 

If it is a private party (meaning only their people, not the general public) I would NOT put out a tip jar.    And if it is a private party... I would not expect tips nor ask for them. 

If an entertainer was hired by my company to face paint at my company party, and they had a tip jar out, when I knew they were being paid... I would not tip and probably would mention it to the organizer too as that is "double dipping" really. 

I am actually a good tipper... but, I do NOT like to be told to do it even passively!

If you gave them a discounted rate WITHOUT negotiating that in advance then you probably will be stuck - although they may agree.  But if it is a public event where you are painting all comers for free - sure, ask if you can put out a tip jar.

[Glitterfly Faces]

Thanks Ladies.
Great rule to go by.  Private party...no tip jar.
I appreciate the advice.
BTW - they e-mailed back and said no to the tip jar.
Best wishes,
Kim

[Alison]

I'm so sorry to hear that they said 'No'.
At that rate of $30/hour, you're barely being paid.

[Glitterfly Faces]

Yah, I know.  Bummer big time.
But, maybe I will get some exposure from the party. 
I got this job throught the flop of a craft show. :

Thanks ladies.
Kim

[Alison]

I tried to get a permit today for a place where it's very competitive.  
The paperwork got confusing, and I asked the man in charge what I should answer.

Only a few people get permits here.  If you give any authorities any trouble, you won't get one.

He told me to write that I'm not charging for Anything.  He said that then I could just ask for Donations,
and I'd have to accept whatever people give.  

I didn't argue - even though I Know that the other artists (and fake-artist-vendors) do charge,
and they would resent my trying to get all the customers by not charging.  
I didn't argue because I wouldn't get a permit if I gave the office any trouble, and I'm not the type of person who would risk all the trouble the illegal-vendors deal with intermittently.  

So now I'll be there - the only one not charging.  Could you imagine a family of 5 asking for full-face-'dinosaurs' - with glitter and rhinestones and a fancy balloon for each - and then actually paying enough to keep me from losing money?  Can you imagine cliques of school-kids having 'fun' with My time and money?  Is there any way I can handle things so I'd be sure that I wouldn't be losing money?  

[Sherry]

That's awful Alison, but there are steps you can take.  Is this a super busy venue and that's why so many people try to get into it?

Here are some tips I've heard when you're only working for tips.  Seed your tip jar with bills, a five preferably.  Definitely not change and if anyone throw change in, empty it at the first opportunity, but leave some bills.  You can have a sign that says, "Suggested Donation $5" or whatever you'd like the donation to be.  I watched a Magician busking and at the end of his show he also gave us an amount of his suggested donation and in fact, he educated us all that we were supposed to donate.  I thought I was just taking my son to watch a magic show.

[Glitterfly Faces]

Maybe get a feel if they are reaching for their wallets and do the face painting accordingly.  I know that when I tip someone, I always place the tip in the jar as they are doing whatever it is they do.  That way they can be more generous with the product.
If it is some kids just playing around....do a small cheek design and get them out of your chair. 

I think when people see you are donations only, they will give you something.  But, you do get those really cheap parents who don't realize the cost of living b/c they are living on the  welfare system.  Sorry just my opinion.  And some people just expect everything in life for free.

Good luck with this new adventure.

[Alison]

Yeah - It will be an interesting experience.
I hope I remember to write about how it works out -

[Sherry]

Me too!  Sending good vibes your way!   

[Alison]

Thank You Sherry.  It's so good to hear that -
It's so good that I know that you really do mean well for us all here
at the Forum.  Coming here makes the world a comfortable place.

And you know that we're rootin fer you too, Kim

[Glitterfly Faces]

Awe.............thanks Alison.
I love the support you all give me.
I love the great advice you all give me. 
Best wishes,
Kim