Performers – Are You Missing the Boat on Receiving More Tip Money?

Two weeks ago in this blog I wrote about merchandise and touring being two of the big areas where indie musicians look to make money; or, more so, that streaming isn’t one of them.  However, is sending money electronically, and not necessarily audio, a way that performers can be making more?

If you perform live and only put out a physical tip jar, you might be leaving money on the table.  Or, up in the crowded world of virtual, digital currency.

Granted, a recent USA Today article noted that the act of tipping in and of itself might be on the way out.  Mind you, the story was referring to an array of situations where tipping gets done (i.e., restaurants, hotels, etc.) and not necessarily live music.

But, as “virtual tip jars” start to jockey for visibility in the live music space, I took the question to the members of our Facebook group – many of which are performers themselves – and asked if anyone is accepting tips at their live shows by a means other than cash.

Four different resources were cited as being used to accept tips virtually: Venmo, Tipt, CashApp, and PayPal.  Out of those, Venmo was mentioned the most, followed closely by PayPal.

In one of the comments on the post, northwest Florida-based singer, songwriter, guitar player Melissa Joiner wrote, “People just don’t have cash anymore.”

That statement coupled with how consumers have gotten so used to paying with anything but cash make it a logical step to seek other means to gain a financial contribution from audience members.

Be creative, though.

Responding to the same post in the Facebook group, singer, songwriter, guitar player Frankie Raye said, “Some people tell me they don't have cash and ask what they can do.  When that happens, I usually say, ‘Well, becoming a fan/follower on social media always helps.  If you could like my page or follow me on Instagram, that would be great!  Or even better, if you become a fan/follower on Spotify/Google Play/Apple Music/whatever platform you have, that would help too’.”

She went on to note that the night before she wrote that comment, “Two women were enjoying the music.  They didn't have cash, but one of them immediately got out her phone and downloaded BOTH albums - my 2016 and 2019 one.  That is way better than a tip because she is now a fan who will be listening to my music.”

And for those of you whose live performances are often online, take a page from Nashville-based recording artist Aubryn who says, “I put a link on my broadcasts too to make it even easier,” in reference to her weekly webconcert series.

Do your homework, though.  Last year Offbeat Magazine reported that a five-year-old company called Digital Tip Jar was shutting down.

Oh, and the revenue source referred to in the blog two weeks ago?  Merch?  Be sure that cash and credit cards aren’t the only methods of payment you take for that transaction either.  ((wink))

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