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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
It has been a couple years since I have done much magic due to covid. I just got back in it and have been hired by Texas Roadhouse. If you are looking for a restaurant, try them.
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Nickoli Sharpe Regular user Worldwide 160 Posts |
Yes,
Texas Roadhouse is a great place for strolling magic. Worked one in Florida for a time. I always get a good hourly rate so I don’t have to take tips. Wait staff loved to hear me say, no need to tip me but you could pass that on to the wait staff there working really hard tonight. Nickoli |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Yes, I never take tips less than $100. Have gotten a couple of those. I find the waitstaff gets bigger tips when they bring me to a table- and I tell them this.
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imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1336 Posts |
I just moved, and there's a Texas Roadhouse just down the street...
Did you just approach General Manager? Have a demo set up?
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Yes, mid-day is the best time. Generally they are not busy. I just called and offered a free night so he could see the guests reactions. I recommended calling and making an appointment. Have a demo ready if they ask.
JFYI I don't know the going rate, but I am charging $125. Not much, but I am doing if for the fun of it. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
What possible train could there be fit not taking tips less than $100?
The principle doesn’t change with the dollar amount.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Train?
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Fedora Special user Arizona, usa 746 Posts |
Quote:
On Apr 28, 2022, KC Cameron wrote: I assume he meant "train of thought" |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
He likes to argue.
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Fedora Special user Arizona, usa 746 Posts |
Kc I forgot to ask, what length of time is that $125 for?
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Minimum 2 hours maybe 2.5. It is kid's night and I want to see every kid I can.
Understand I have been charging this for over a decade. I do it because it is fun and keeps me sharp for better paying gigs. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Yea lots of typos but no argument here just a question.
What is the train of thought that brings you to the principal of not taking tips changes at $100? “I don’t take tips unless they are big enough”? Not an argument but a fairly legitimate question. The problem with not taking tips that nobody considers is simply that it can and I have seen it offend those who are trying to tip you. They are saying thank you I had a great time and you simply are not letting them. In many pockets of America tipping is status believe it it not. Not taking one creates a strange moment as much as fishing for them does. I take no position on it either way. If you do not take them then wonderful that is correct for you. If you do take them then wonderful that is correct for you. It is a personal choice. I was simply interested in how the amount of the tip itself worked into the equation.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
I've never understood the thought behind not taking tips. Is it to protect your image? You're doing magic tricks in a restaurant! What image?
I used to have a regular balloon gig. One of the requirements was I absolutely could not accept tips. I can't tell you how many people got mad at me because a wouldn't accept their tip. People show their appreciation in different ways. Some people say thank you, some give a tip. Can you imagine someone saying "Thank you" and you replying,"NOT welcome!" KC Cameron-Thanks for the tip on the Texas Road House. $125 is not bad (if you're accepting tips!) In the past, I've had success at Chick-fil-A, TGI Friday's and Pizza Hut.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Simple. If you take tips ( other than a fast food restaurant) you are competing with the staff. They will resent it and complain about you.
You are certainly not saying "Not welcome" by not accepting tips. You are creating value by letting the client know you are NOT living off tips like waitstaff. This prepares them for your fees if they hire you. You also aren't being turned down by tables who can't or won't afford you because the tip. I do restaurants, to stay sharp, and to get other work that pays well, and they are fun to work. A night of tips does not bring in that much money. That being said, I tell them to tip the staff extra for bringing me. If they insist, I will accept a tip, but then in private give it to the server. This ingratiates me with the staff. Restaurant management has a high turn- over and a happy staff helps keep me at the restaurant. |
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Ken Northridge Inner circle Atlantic City, NJ 2392 Posts |
Okay, I can buy that, but I don't think its necessary.
I would say that by providing entertainment for the server's customers is creating a more enjoyable experience, thus increasing the likelihood for a larger tip for the server. I also make it clear to all the servers that if they have a problem with a table (kitchen is taking too long to get the food out, etc.) to ask me to entertain for a longer period of time. This is the type of team work that keeps servers and management happy in my opinion. By the way, I've actually had server's tip me! Why? I guess they realized that the tip they received was in part due to the entertainment! Quote:
On Apr 29, 2022, KC Cameron wrote: I don't know how to say this without sounding greedy, but it all ads up. It adds up to quite a bit in my opinion. Even if I didn't need the money (which I do) I still can't see turning it down for the other reasons I mentioned. And who doesn't like the feeling of going out for a meal and drinks compliments of a bunch of nice people who appreciate your talent?
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I bet the staff wouldn't tip you if they realized how much you make!
I want to avoid all perception that I work for tips. That way when I tell them $750 for a local 20-minute company show they aren't thinking tip money. Doctors, lawyers, CPA's, aren't tipped and I want to be thought of, and think of myself, in that group. |
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Nickoli Sharpe Regular user Worldwide 160 Posts |
Well the tip conversation is interesting, the reason I do not take them is simple.
I tell them thank you very much but there is no need to tip me I’m payed well by the establishment. At restaurants people can get tipped to death, tip the valet person, tip the bartender, tip the waitress and then tip to Magician. As far as setting up an appointment to see the the GM to try and get the gig. I never have done that, usually I call the restaurant find out the GMs name and what day and time they are in. Then dressed in what I would perform in with magic loaded go to the location ask for the GM. When he comes out, shake his hand and ask if he has a couple of minutes to spare? I tell him what I do and my rate, in a couple of occasions they have asked me to work one of the tables so they can see how it works. This system has worked for me everywhere in the world and have only been turned down once. Just my take on getting a restaurant gig Most of all have fun, Nickoli |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
So the thought is working for $125 because you enjoy it at a low end steak place will get you thought of as a doctor or lawyer? Nobody tips the McDonald’s guy either or for that matter the fry cook. It is far more likely this is who they associate you with whether you take tips or not. If you’re working family nights at chain restaurants not many associate you with being a doctor.
If you are working the right way and in the right place the staff is intelligent enough to know you are not taking their money. The line cook doesn’t get paid what the executive chef does and it is fine. It is not as if they only have so much tip money and once it is gone the server is screwed. Ridiculous thinking actually. Yes having great relationships across the board is good. Not taking money does nothing to further that cause. The vast majority of folks tip on the amount of the cover and it is that simple. You being there or not makes zero difference unless you enhance the experience or upsell the guest on food or beverage. This is the reality of restaurants. Yes some may not understand but that is how life works. If you don’t take tips cool by me. I don’t think there is a wrong answer. There are wrong reasons however. If you have a position either way just make sure your reasoning Is correct. I’m still waiting to hear how it being a $100 tip somehow changes things as that has not been explained. As for getting the gig I’d never do it without an appointment personally. I do not see it as professional. Just the way I look at it is all. To be fair I am not talking about chain restaurants and family night stuff so where you are working or trying to work does matter as to approach to many of these things. Also what works for One may very well not work for someone else. Find what is best for you and go with it.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
Danny,
You just are a disagreeable man who likes to argue. Do you feel better about yourself and your own situation when you put others down? I don't know what is wrong with you, and I really don't care. I only read the first few sentences of your post and will not be reading any more. Go troll someone else, I'm not biting. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
The bad thing for you is that if you would bother to read what is said in that post you would see just how silly your position about me just arguing really is.
A logically presented opinion that takes a differing point of view than yours isn’t trolling. Adults call it a discussion. In no way do I put you down but go ahead keep your point of view. Maybe it is that you have no good reason for the ridiculous $100 limit on not taking tips. Go figure.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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