2011 Vinny Ribas
Audiences tip you for various reasons. The most common are:
- •Playing a song they request
- Playing their ‘favorite song’
- •Playing a little past closing time
- •Making them feel great
If you play venues in which tipping is popular, here are some things 
you can do to increase your chances of getting tipped well.
- Be sure you have some kind of tip jar or other vessel within audience reach for tips.
- You might put a few dollars in it before you start to encourage others to tip.
- You may want to put a sign on it that lets the audience know that it is for tips.
- If you think you will play the same place more than once, learn some of the ‘regulars’ names and favorite songs. Wait till they show up to play them. This works with your original songs as well. If someone returns to see you perform a second time and you know they bought a CD before, ask them what their favorite song was. Then play it. If it looks like they can’t remember the song titles or never even listened to it, then pick one you think they would like and dedicate it to them.
- Learn the waitresseses, waiters and bartenders’ songs as well, including your cover songs. They also tip.
- Sing a song each set about money – it’s subliminal but it works.
- People tend to tip after sing-a-long type songs because they feel great. Even if you do all originals, be sure you have something that the audience can participate in.
- Learn how to peacefully deal with rude fans. If you play your cards right, they will tip you as a form of apology.
- When rehearsing songs for your gigs, learn the most – requested songs that you know you are going to be asked for. That way you don’t miss out on a big tipping opportunity.
- 10.Remember that people don’t know what they ove, they love what they know. They feel comfortable when the surroundings seem familiar,. That includes the music. Unless you are in concert’ and known for your originals, you might want to sprinkle some songs into your show that people will recognize. You can still do them your own way. After all, a great song is a great song. Period.
Here’s to a very profitable gig!
