Navigating performer tipping policies
For restaurant and bar patrons worldwide, giving tips as desired to performing musicians when requesting a song or simply as a token of appreciation for their talents is a long-standing tradition. The opportunity for tips can also increase the engagement of the performer with the guests, which works especially well for outlets that desire a very interactive performance such as in a piano bar. However, in today’s hotel outlets, tipping and tip jars in particular can also be of great concern to hotel manager s worried about alignment with hotel brand standards and professionalism policies. This is certainly not a unique situation, as many of these outlets have to navigate tip jar policies for their bartenders and other employees. While there has been a significant industry-wide shift away from tip jars at luxury hotel bars and restaurants, determining how to best navigate this issue as it affects musicians and DJs can have a surprising significant impact on the overall guest experience.
Guest Experience
Many hotel food & beverage outlets and even brands, such as Ritz-Carlton, have firm policies banning tip jars in any shape or form for performers due to their appearance and perception by managers and guests. However, guests often enjoy giving musicians tips to signal their appreciation, which in the absence of a tip jar can lead to awkward exchanges of cash while a musician is actively performing. To this end, dining outlets can consider adding a “Musician Gratuity” line item to the check offering guests the opportunity to financially express their gratitude to the performers without physically exchanging money.
Placement
For properties with more lenient policies, allowing tips can sometimes lower the base cost of the overall performance, similar to a trade. This can help maximize the impact of the hotel’s entertainment expenditure. If tip jars are permitted, it is very important to ensure that physical tip jars are discreetly placed and aligned with the hotel or resort's image. A messy or overly prominent tip jar (or even worse - an open instrument case) can detract from the overall ambiance and guest experience. F&B outlets can avoid this by providing a tip vessel that aligns with the aesthetics of the restaurant - such as a clear glass vase for a classic fine dining restaurant or modernist cube-shaped container for a more modern bar outlet. Additionally, the creation and clear communication of standardized policies to the performers that prohibit solicitation of tips and formalize an approved tip jar location can also ensure this doesn’t become a distraction to the guest experience.
Virtual Tip Jars
Virtual tip jars have become more prominent over the last few years due to more widespread adoption and integration of these technologies as well as COVID-driven concerns about germ transmission by cash. These most commonly consist of a QR code printed on a sign or pamphlet of some type that links to a virtual wallet within a service like Venmo or CashApp. These Virtual Tip Jars can be a convenient way for guests to tip performers and avoid the perception and aesthetics associated with tip jars. However, some properties may not like the marketing material drawing attention to the performer and appearing to solicit tips. However, if permitted, it is important to ensure that these Virtual Tip Jar signs are designed and approved to align with the hotel or resort's brand image and professionalism expectations.