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James Harrison Special user Ontario, Canada 762 Posts |
Now before you all beat me over the head saying "Its unprofessional!!" Let me try to explain.
I work for a restaurant in Canada, (Mississauga, if you know where that is) and I work three hours every Wednesday. I realise that 'hustling' is just that, trying to make people pay you money for what they just saw. I don't want to come across as that. I just want it to be known that tips are alright, without beating it over there head. Now before you waiters/magicians come and say "Thats taking away from the waiters/waitresses tips. They make there living with those." Bull poop! I've never had any employee say to me that I've 'taken away there tips." I talk with my crew, and I've asked them to be very up front with me about it. And every one of them say that there tips are the same, if not better, even after I've accepted tips from a table. Heck, I've even seen a table of thirty hockey kids with coaches pay for a 300 dollar meal, tip me a five, and still give the waitress a 40 dollar tip. (There has been times where they were cheap, in which I dig in my pocket and hide it under a plate for her. I mean come on, no tip for a 400 dollar meal is pretty bad.) I've read alot of magicians say that they don't promote tips, but yet they make about the same as they are being paid. (Its been in print) Its a little different up in Canada. Its not expected of customers to tip. Heck, a third the time they don't. (Well, maybe about 15%) Now, please, if you don't accept tips, I understand. Please save me your soapbox speeches. I'm meerly trying to get ideas about tips from magicians that do make their living and factor in tips as part of their pay. Please I rewrite this, please do not flame me for this post, I've read the other posts on accepting tips. I just would like some ideas from the other side. Thanks, |
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Doug Byrd Veteran user VA 361 Posts |
Danny Tong of Florida Restaurant Magician Fame uses a close-up pad on a plywood board with feet as his working surface. All the magic happens there. He borrows a couple of bills from the spectator and then uses them for about two or three effects. Tight before he is about to leave the table as he is packing his stuff away just as a kind of after-thought he notices the money on HIS working surface. He NEVER hands the money back. He picks up the whole tray and hands it to the spectator. Now he has to physically reach into the performer's working area to take his money back while every one at the table looks on. This sets up an uncomfortable feeling for the spectator and he will just say, "Keep it!" most times.
FYI - I myself do not nor would I ever work for tips, and most of the people on here who say they make as much in tips as they do what they are being paid are not making the play for tips (they are just being offered). My soapbox is now back in my car and I'm driving away. Doug
"Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc"
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James Harrison Special user Ontario, Canada 762 Posts |
lol, I hope I didn't come across too offensive about the soapbox thing.
Thank you for the idea Doug. |
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Mark Martinez Inner circle Wisconsin 1276 Posts |
If I am not mistaken, I have seen magicians with name tags that read,
"Name Blah Blah Blah House Magician (in smaller print) Tips Accepted" Even thought I have never solicited tips, I have to believe that this servers two purposes. 1. It lets the customers know that it is appropriate to tip. 2. Keeps you from having to say anything about it! When you introduce yourself at the table you can make sure to draw attention to the tag by saying "Hello may name is so and so" while pointing at your tag. People will read the tag and you don’t have to push the tip issue. At that point, you just need to do a few effects that get the money out of their wallets!
Magically,
Mark Success comes before work only in the dictionary. - Anonymous |
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Magicbarry Loyal user Toronto 276 Posts |
I'll offer this from a Canadian perspective: I'd suggest just not telling people, unless they ask. Canadians don't like to be told that someone accepts tips, because they feel like they're being pressured to do so. Even if you're just wearing a name tag that says you accept tips, it feels like they're obligated to pay up, and Canadians don't like that. Remember, they didn't come to the restaurant to see you, they came for the food. You're an added bonus, and they're thrilled with the bonus, but it's one they hadn't planned on paying for.
Canadians get riled up just seeing tip cups at Tim Horton's. While it is a tipping culture, people want their tips to be seen as a gift, rather than a payment. If you tell them you accept tips, it's like telling them there's an entertainment fee. If they want to tip, but don't know whether it's appropriate, they can ask their server. Fortunately, you've discussed this with the wait staff, so they know that you accept tips. I've never noticed Canadians to be bashful about tipping, so if they want to tip you, they'll do so. A Canadian who tips will feel compelled to do so even if they just suspect you accept tips. You won't lose many tips by not telling people you accept them. But it's important to be aware that when Canadians tip, they like to feel like they're doing you a favour. We're very nice folk, as you know, and we like to do nice things. If we view our tips as a gift, we enjoy giving them. If you're going to find a way to tell people, I'd suggest something ultra-polite, in typical Canadian fashion. Something to the effect of, "Gratuities are appreciated, but not required." Let them know they have the option not to tip and they'll feel much better about actually doing it. By the way, what restaurant do you work? I don't find myself dining in Mississauga very often, but I'm sure there are other GTA posters on the Café who would love to stop by, tip money in hand. |
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thatmagicguy New user Las Vegas, NV 35 Posts |
I don't like much working for tips either....but here is something I've done before with great success. Hand one of the server a $10 spot and ask here to bring it you as you are getting ready to start a show for a table. The server should walk up and say, "Table 15 wants to make sure you stop by their table when you are done here and hand you the $10 spot."
This let's the current table know that tips are accepted, and that you are in 'demand'. If it's a regular gig, the people there will know that you take tips. You aren't outright asking for it, but you are suggesting it. Oh and btw, make sure if you do well that night in tips, you give that server the $10 spot. Realize of course that it could be a five or 20 or a hundred...depending on the type of restaruant you are in...I don't suggest trying the $100 bill at a Village INN or IHOP!
I'm moving back to Vegas.....anyone there that can help me out in getting adjusted to the Sin City again!?!!?
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Peter Marucci Inner circle 5389 Posts |
James Harrison says: "I realise that 'hustling' is just that, trying to make people pay you money for what they just saw."
I think "begging" would be a better description! Yes, I know where Mississauga is (it's only about an hour from me.) And, from a "Canadian" perspective (whatever that is), I agree with Magicbarry, who says: "people want their tips to be seen as a gift, rather than a payment." That aside, if you INSIST on grovelling for tips, at least do it with a little class -- for the sake of the rest of us who don't, as well as yourself. You might wear a name tag with your name and, in smaller letters: "Magic free, donations appreciated". Whatever you do, avoid the word "tip". Also avoid any "cute" pins or tags that have really, really jerky sayings on them like "Tipping is not a city in China!" And, finally, avoid the horrible ploy of borrowing a bill and then creating a situation where it is so disgustingly dirtied that the spectator doesn't want it back and tells you to keep it. (This always reminds me of an old western movie where the town drunk is begging change and one of the bar patrons tosses a silver dollar into the spitoon. The drunk only thinks for a second before fishing it out!) Please don't mistake this for a flame or anything like that. It's not. It's just an answer to your question. Feel free to disregard any or all of it. |
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frank Regular user Baltimore, MD 109 Posts |
James:
The best you can do is to simply TEST all the methods that appeal to you. That's the nice thing about working there every Wednesday, you can try a different idea each week and see what kind of response you get. frank
FREE 5 Day Get Your First Restaurant Show Email Mini Course - to sign up...
Send a Blank Email Here:[email]freemagicinfo@getresponse.com[/email] |
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James Harrison Special user Ontario, Canada 762 Posts |
Peter- I valve your opinion very much. We met in Kitchener at a meeting in October I think.
I know that asking for tips is like begging. What I'm looking for is something to suggest that tipping is allowed, at the same time, not beg for them. I have pride, but I also have bills to pay. Barry- I work at Montana's Cook House at 401 and Dixie. Just south of 401 near the Dixie Auto Centre. If any one here does come, then by all means feel free to let the employees know your coming to see the magician. Best tip you can leave me. |
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kasper777 Regular user 144 Posts |
I do things a little different. I work outside the restaurant where the people wait and do a "street act" Infront of my table is a hat for them to tip me. This works well for me. They see the money in there so they know they can tip. If I'm doing a show for a big crowd, right before I finish I tell them if they enjoyed the show to tell the manager, 'cause it keeps me employed and donations are accepted, and I just keep on going.
Working outside doing a "street" style act works better for me, I also enjoy it more. It has a few extra things too, one, I'm outside enjoying the nice weather, two, if things slow down for about 15 mins I'm oustide and the manager can't see that I'm slow (out of sight out of mind) , if it gets too slow I can go inside and table hop, three, with a bigger setting I can do a full cups and balls routine and I seem to have more freedom to play with the audience. Just my thoughts. Nolan |
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DreamBig Regular user 144 Posts |
Quote:
On 2003-05-30 12:57, Peter Marucci wrote: Quite the contrary. I know Mr Marucci's strong thoughts and beliefs on tips from previous posts. Yet, he is able to bring a little balance to the subject and give suggestions if you're going to accept or "beg" for "donations." I definitely didn't read this as a flame. And it would be a shame if anyone disregarded ANY of his post. Free Advice from a TRUE PRO (for only the price of an internet connection)! Thank you Mr. Marucci. |
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Arlen Regular user Keith Arlen Lack 143 Posts |
"Danny Tong of Florida Restaurant Magician Fame uses a close-up pad on a plywood board with feet as his working surface. All the magic happens there. He borrows a couple of bills from the spectator and then uses them for about two or three effects. Tight before he is about to leave the table as he is packing his stuff away just as a kind of after-thought he notices the money on HIS working surface. He NEVER hands the money back. He picks up the whole tray and hands it to the spectator. Now he has to physically reach into the performer's working area to take his money back while every one at the table looks on. This sets up an uncomfortable feeling for the spectator and he will just say, "Keep it!" most times."
This is the most blatant grifter hustle I have ever heard of. It reeks no class! It is a fact that people will not go to a dining experience they are uncomfortable in. I'll bet these patrons never come back. That defeats the purpose of why the restraint hired you in the first place. I would not begrudge a magi a tip if it is offered but to hint, push, ask, cajole someone into giving a tip is just plain not right. You are there to make them want to come back. Restraints rely on repeat business unless they are by a major freeway or hotel row. The magi that hustles for tips, is doing the restraint a great disservice. Ideally you would have negotiated a wage that makes tipping unnecessary. But if not, here is the best way: First off, your magic needs to be strong stuff. If you are not getting tipped regularly, then you need to look at your skills as a magi. Are they just smiling and shaking their heads or are they jumping out of their seats in wonder. If it is the first, then chances are you just are not that good "YET"! If they are truly blown away, and you are still not tipped, then you are not managing them right. Or your effects are out of order. Do your strongest non bill effect first then go into a barrowed bill routine (and it better be a good one). At the end hand the spectator back their bill (No puppy dog eyes please). If you are hot, then chances are you will get the bill back. Also, ask for smaller bills ($5.00). Most will want their $20.00 back so do not ask for one. Also, look at the place you are working and the kind of cliental they have. This can be a catch 22 as the manager may have hired you to help establish a good cliental. Advertising will only help there. In my experience, tipping is always based on the strength and impact of an effect. Not because you have deviously created an awkward moment for the spectator. Also, the older (65 and up) folks generally do not tip. At least that has been my experience. People should feel compelled to tip due to the impact of an effect. Not because you look hungry or for another reason. Just my 2 cents worth. Hey, I just gave you a really nice tip! to bad you had to ask for it. Ha, ha. I have allot of experience in this type of performance environment if you need to talk by phone about it further, call me. My number is on my web page. Good luck. |
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0pus Inner circle New Jersey 1739 Posts |
I think that if I went to a restaurant and a "house" magician intruded on my dinner and then tried to extract a tip from me I would complain strongly to the management and let them know that they have lost me as a customer. If the restaurant does not have the wherewithal to pay their magicians a living wage then they have no business inflicting them on their customers.
It's like a live, unsolicited sales call; I don't appreciate receiving them via phone, and I find a magician making that kind of pitch during my dinner obnoxious. Just my personal thoughts about being on the receiving end. 0pus |
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johnathanblades New user 54 Posts |
Oh boy,
Typical of moral standards being flaunted among a string. The question, my freind James, is how would one increase there tip ratio. 1) Leave a five dollar bill protruding slightly from your outside breast pocket. 2) Use a cup or glass in one of your routines leave it face down until you perform with it and then leave it face up when your done. 3) You can also use the old joke with the glass or cup, when they respond well to a trick or routine, take a bill and place it in your glass and say "Darn, that was so good, I have to tip myself. 4) A give away such as origami, a balloon animal, fortune fish, etc. somtimes aids in them tipping. I know ther are alot more methods out there both direct and indirect, you'll will just have to search for them. By the way, I thought that Canada has some kind of system where the tip is already included in there bill. Is'nt that where the joke derives from..."Whats the difference between a Canadian and a canoe?... canoes tip!" Johnathan |
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Jason Wethington Special user Orlando, Fl 615 Posts |
Be nice. That is the best advice I can give you. I do not ask for tips but If they ask if I accept them I just give them a firm yes or no depending on the event. I always try to refuse at least once saying "you don't have to" if they press again then I graciously accept. The trouble here is we are trying to be sneaky about something. If you are entertaining, amazing and above all nice, the guests will want to tip you. It is that simple. There are no sundry ways of increasing tips without being sundry. I hope this helps you out some,
Jason |
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magicsoup Elite user 461 Posts |
if a guest ever feels uncomfy ab out tipping and you [preassure them to tip you have done your restaurant a disservice. I don't see how you could keep a job by diong that. Why suggest a tip? Why not suggest soemthing else? How about suggesting that you perform for private parties? How about suggesting that their boss should hire you for their next staff Christmas party or summer bbq? I know a guy who has got lots of work this way. Incorporate your business card in some way. BTW the friend of mine lives on the CAnadian prairies.
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japanjazzy Regular user Crestview, Florida 139 Posts |
I had been working in the restraunt I still work in for about 4 years now. When I started out I did not take tips and when offered I told the customer it was free and the restraunt was paying me. I actually had customers fill out a comment card to the management that I needed to provide a place or a way to tip. I now take the tips with gradatued and don't feel bad about taking them. I work hard and do my best for every table if they tip or not. Most people do tip if they see me at another table that just tipped me before I came to their table. If you are standing in one place you can do like Nolan and use a hat. One thing I learned about there is you should have some way of no showing all of your money plus you don't really want the coins to show. When I work outside I use a container that is see thru at the top so some of the bills show but the coins fall to the bottom. In the USA tipping is not a bad thing and should not be considered bad.
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Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
You could give the "Tipping is not a city in China" type of a gag. But I only see that line working in a bar setting. I don't suggest tips but I accept them when given.
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NJJ Inner circle 6437 Posts |
I refuse the first time someone offers and accept if they insist. Often I will tell the person that if they really want to show their appreciation they should tell the management.
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nelly Regular user 122 Posts |
You could say " I also do mind reading" go quiet for a few seconds pretending to read their mind, then say " I have read what you are thinking and yes I do accept tips" and just laugh.
Jokes always win |
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