You’re not in this to scrape by on loose change and fistbumps. You’re the reason punters stick around and the bar tills keep ringing, so why let your tips be an afterthought? If you’re going to play, play to win. Let’s turn those half-hearted coins into some proper cash.

1. YOUR TIP JAR: MAKE IT UNMISSABLE & NOT EMBARRASSING

If your tip jar is an old pint glass or a battered guitar case, you’re not standing out, you’re blending into the pub wallpaper. Get a proper tip jar. Go bold – maybe it’s a kids potty with a neon label, a metal bucket, hell, even a toolbox if it fits your band vibe. Stick a sign on it that says “MORE TIPS = LOUDER, SWEATIER, BETTER SHOWS”

Seed it with a tenner before you start. Nobody wants to be the first, that’s tip psychology 101.

2. GO CASHLESS OR GO HOME

Nobody carries cash anymore. If you’re relying on coins, you’re stuck in 2019. Print a QR code for tipping through PayPal, Monzo or whatever the hell you use. Stick it on the jar, your mic stand, your forehead, but just make it visible. Oh yeah, and announce it:

“If you’re slick and cashless, scan the code and buy us a drink online!”

3. MAKE SONG REQUESTS A PAID PRIVILEGE

Stop letting punters shout requests at you for free. Have a core setlist of bangers that you actually want to play and charge for requests:

“You want Wonderwall? That’s a fiver, mate.”

No tip, no tune, it’s that simple, and that’s how to get paid for song requests.

4. PLANT THE IDEA EARLY & OFTEN

One of the best ways to get tips at gigs is don’t wait until the last song to mention tips. Drop it in between numbers:

“If you’re loving this, then show the tip jar some love as well. We take cash, card and questionable compliments.”

Keep it light, keep it cheeky, but make it clear that good music costs money.

5. TELL THEM WHAT THE MONEY’S FOR

If you’re still wondering how to ask for tips at gigs, then people tip more when there’s a story. Are you fundraising or saving for studio time? New gear? A tour? Tell them. Make it real:

“Every quid in the jar gets us closer to recording our next video, instead of eating beans on toast for the next week.”

6. SELL SOMETHING. ANYTHING.

Merch isn’t just for big name bands. Some of the best merch ideas for bands can be as easy as burning some CDs, printing a few t-shirts or just slapping your logo on a mug and sticking your merch table next to the tip jar.

“Grab a tee, drop a tip, keep us alive.”

If you can’t be arsed with merch, at least have download cards or stickers. Anything to get your name and your payment details out there.

7. WALK THE JAR & DON’T BE SHY

On your break, take the tip jar for a lap of the venue. Smile, chat, thank people. If you’re playing non-stop, get your mate or the world’s most charming band member to do it. It’s not begging, it’s business, and these tip jar strategies for musicians are what will keep your band alive in the shitty places that are paying you less than top dollar.

8. BUILD YOUR MAILING LIST WHILE THEY PAY

A great way to build a fanbase at gigs is to collect emails. Next to your tip jar, have an email sign-up sheet.

“Drop your email, get gig updates and we’ll send you a link to our latest tracks.”

As people tip, chat them up and get them on your mailing list, because that’s how future fans, future sales and future gigs get sorted.

9. CHARITY SPLIT, BUT ONLY IF IT’S REAL

If you’re working with a charity, shout about it.

“Tonight, half of all the tips go to [Charity Name].”

People open their wallets far wider when there’s a cause. But don’t fake it, because musicians who bullshit about charity are lower and grubbier than a pub carpet. Don’t be a shit stain.

10. DON’T BE A COWARD, JUST FUCKING ASK

The biggest tip killer? Not even asking. At the end of your set, say:

“We’re here hustling for tips tonight. If you had a good time, sling a few quid in the jar or scan the code. It keeps us on the road and off OnlyFans.”

Say thank you, loudly and often, because people remember bands who show gratitude.