About 4 months ago, I started working at a local grocery store. I was thinking at work tonight, and noticed something...
For each customer that checks out, we offer to help them to their car with their groceries. Some say yes, some say no. Of the ones that say yes, some tip and some don't. I want to throw this in here, but if you are performing magic for tips, DO NOT take it to harshly if someone does not tip you! Some people may not have the money, some people may not think about it. There could be a number of reasons that someone won't tip you. Yes, that reason could be bad on your part but if you feel good about your performance, then more than likely their reason for not tipping you isn't because they didn't like you or because you didn't perform well enough.
Now, to the point of this post - I have done MANY carry-outs since I started working at H-E-B. I have not always gotten tipped, and I have noticed a few things ABOUT getting tipped, and I wanted to share my thoughts.
1.) I did a few carry-outs tonight, and noticed something. I would ask if someone would like help outside. If they immediately said yes, or if they had multiple baskets and couldn't get it themselves, I GOT A TIP when I helped them out. Now imagine performing - if you are busking, and people voluntarily walk up to see magic, it is more probable that they will tip! Same goes for if you are table hopping, and you perform for a willing, and excited table! They are more than likely to tip!
Here is what I noticed - a few carry-outs I did went something like this:
Guy (co-workers name) - "Ma'am, would you like help outside today?"
Customer - "Hmmm, no thanks, I think I can manage."
Guy - "You sure? Rob here would LOVE to help you out!"
Customer - "Well...alright, he can help me out."
I did a few carry outs like this and guess what? I didn't get a penny off these people!
The same goes with magic - if they decline you, NO WORRIES! DO NOT keep pestering them about it! They may let you perform, but you aren't going to get anything and they are more likely to heckle you. Someone WILL want to see your magic and if they see that you are performing for tips, someone WILL tip you!
2.) The second thing I have noticed is that YOU HAVE TO INTERACT! If I do a carry-out, and do not chat with the person during the entire interaction, more than likely, I will NOT get tipped. If I talk with the person, and ask how THEY are doing and how THEIR day has been, they will more than likely tip. Notice that I put "they," and "their" in caps? That is because people love to talk about themselves! Let them do that, and you will be on their good side!
How does this apply to magic? NEVER just show magic to someone. HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THEM! Introduce yourself, but more importantly, make sure to know and remember THEIR name and don't be afraid to call them by their names while you are performing! Believe me, calling a complete stranger by their name not only makes them feel good but also makes them feel more comfortable with you! Just remember to not just SHOW them magic - SHARE the magic with them.
Well, those are the two main things I have noticed about getting tips, and how I think they apply to magic but please know that these are not set in stone! I have literally had people have two or three baskets full of groceries and ask me to help them out before I get the chance to ask them and guess what? I don't even get a "thank you." Some people are just rude. Some people may not have cash. Some people may just not think about it until you've gone.
These are just things that [I believe] will help IMPROVE your chances of being tipped.
I know this was long, but if you read it, thank you!
I would love to hear your thoughts on this or any comments anyone would like to add!
Thanks,
Rob
For each customer that checks out, we offer to help them to their car with their groceries. Some say yes, some say no. Of the ones that say yes, some tip and some don't. I want to throw this in here, but if you are performing magic for tips, DO NOT take it to harshly if someone does not tip you! Some people may not have the money, some people may not think about it. There could be a number of reasons that someone won't tip you. Yes, that reason could be bad on your part but if you feel good about your performance, then more than likely their reason for not tipping you isn't because they didn't like you or because you didn't perform well enough.
Now, to the point of this post - I have done MANY carry-outs since I started working at H-E-B. I have not always gotten tipped, and I have noticed a few things ABOUT getting tipped, and I wanted to share my thoughts.
1.) I did a few carry-outs tonight, and noticed something. I would ask if someone would like help outside. If they immediately said yes, or if they had multiple baskets and couldn't get it themselves, I GOT A TIP when I helped them out. Now imagine performing - if you are busking, and people voluntarily walk up to see magic, it is more probable that they will tip! Same goes for if you are table hopping, and you perform for a willing, and excited table! They are more than likely to tip!
Here is what I noticed - a few carry-outs I did went something like this:
Guy (co-workers name) - "Ma'am, would you like help outside today?"
Customer - "Hmmm, no thanks, I think I can manage."
Guy - "You sure? Rob here would LOVE to help you out!"
Customer - "Well...alright, he can help me out."
I did a few carry outs like this and guess what? I didn't get a penny off these people!
The same goes with magic - if they decline you, NO WORRIES! DO NOT keep pestering them about it! They may let you perform, but you aren't going to get anything and they are more likely to heckle you. Someone WILL want to see your magic and if they see that you are performing for tips, someone WILL tip you!
2.) The second thing I have noticed is that YOU HAVE TO INTERACT! If I do a carry-out, and do not chat with the person during the entire interaction, more than likely, I will NOT get tipped. If I talk with the person, and ask how THEY are doing and how THEIR day has been, they will more than likely tip. Notice that I put "they," and "their" in caps? That is because people love to talk about themselves! Let them do that, and you will be on their good side!
How does this apply to magic? NEVER just show magic to someone. HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THEM! Introduce yourself, but more importantly, make sure to know and remember THEIR name
Well, those are the two main things I have noticed about getting tips, and how I think they apply to magic but please know that these are not set in stone! I have literally had people have two or three baskets full of groceries and ask me to help them out before I get the chance to ask them and guess what? I don't even get a "thank you." Some people are just rude. Some people may not have cash. Some people may just not think about it until you've gone.
These are just things that [I believe] will help IMPROVE your chances of being tipped.
I know this was long, but if you read it, thank you!
I would love to hear your thoughts on this or any comments anyone would like to add!
Thanks,
Rob