Scott,
while I agree in principle, fact is.. if we negotiated for what we believe we are worth, we'd end up playing twice a year or regularly for peanuts...

So, to keep playing, we have to take the 'good' jobs with the others.... that means we check with management on the tip jar. Maybe a 5-piece band should have different set of guidelines than the solo player. You may play quite happily for what we have split 5 ways

Steve

I've only run across a few owners that nix'd the tip cup. They seemed to think that it made them look cheap, or didn't pay a fair wage ... but that's not the truth at all. The very nature of the gesture is an "extra" bonus, or "gift" for the special treatment of a customer. Owners really have nothing to say about us accepting gifts .... just about the actual vessel, and even then - It's not a defined area of aggreement in many cases.

As for what we're worth? I feel that I almost always charge according to merit. When I do decide to give a bargain rate ... it's because of some other loyalty. It's never selling myself short just to "get a gig" (whatever THAT means).

Tips are nice, but I don't count on 'em ever. They seem to pour in at their own pace though. Some days are diamonds .......