Tipping can be a sensitive subject as a DJ. Of course, we love them. You can earn some serious extra money if you are consistently earning tips. But, it’s not like you can just come out and ask for one. Or can you? Like Salt-n-Pepa said, “Let’s talk about [tips], ba-by!”
Etiquette
I feel that receiving tips as a DJ is perfectly acceptable. If you did a great job and the client wants to give you a little extra, who are you to say no? Plus, do you really want to say no? I didn’t think so!
Now, when you are the owner of the business and the DJ, I don’t feel that tips should be expected. I don’t expect tips when I’m running my own show. Why would I? Every dollar the client has paid is going into my pocket.
I also don’t turn down tips either. I used to make a little bit of show about saying no first. I felt it was polite to at least say once, “Oh, you really don’t have to do that.” But, the truth is, I really want to take that tip, and I don’t want the client to feel even the least bit uncomfortable or embarrassed for offering it to me. So now, I accept immediately with a huge amount of sincere gratitude. “Thank you so very much. You are incredibly kind.” I try to make the client giving the tip feel great, like they are the highest of the high rollers. I’ll tell you, that why I tip people. First, it’s the right thing to do. But, second, I usually throw in a bit extra because I want it to be a good tip, and I want the recognition that goes with it. If your clients are throwing you money, at least some part of them wants that recognition. Give it to them!
When you accept the tip, immediately stick it in your pocket, and thank them like it is the biggest tip you have ever seen. Under no circumstances should you count it in front of them! Try to resist the urge to even glance at it as it goes in your pocket. The less you know about the amount, the easier it will be for you to thank them the way that you should. Count it when you are in a spot where NO ONE can see you. If it turns out to be a huge tip, you can always go back and thank them again.
So, how do you get people offering you tips in the first place? Soliciting tips politely is very much like sales, which in turn is very much like dating. You need to get your message across, but you can’t be too forward, and you really need to read the vibe to be successful. Here’s a few suggestions:
Plant the Seed Early (or Get Someone to Do It for You)
Your clients need to know that they can tip you. So find a subtle way to make it known early on in your interactions. In writing this article, I just realized my contract is another place I can hint at tips. I added this line, “Gratuities are at the client’s discretion, but are always appreciated” right under my extra time policy at the bottom of the first page of my contract. That’s very neutral, but it’s about as aggressive as I want to get as an owner. It is more informational than anything else.
If I had DJs working for me, I would be much more direct when talking to clients. Something like, “You know, Mr. Client, I often get asked about our gratuity policy. I know my team is always looking to go above and beyond, so tips are always welcome for excellent service.” This lets the client know that they are free to tip. You’ll also notice that I didn’t say a tip was optional here. While it is optional, of course, by leaving that part out, you may have someone feel that a tip is required. That’s the impression I’m trying to create without rudely saying it outright.
Find someone in your process who can strongly imply that the client should be giving you a tip, without saying it directly.
Additionally, find a way to politely put in a good word for another vendor as a subtle tip reminder to the client. For example, “Your [photographer/bartender/event planner] is doing an incredible job. [S]he’s worth every bit of [his/her] tip!”
Make it Easy for Them
This one is critical, especially now that most people are not carrying of cash on them. You have to make it a very simple process for someone to tip you.
My easiest way has been to include a tip option on my digital invoicing. I use PayPal to send my invoices, and there is a simple checkbox to let the client add a tip. This little box has made me HUNDREDS of extra dollars on events. I love it so much that I don’t think I would use any other payment system that didn’t have it.
Pro tip here: if you are providing any sort of discount, or “act now and save”-style offer (which you should!), make sure that you list out the original price before discount on your invoice. Showing that to your clients may just increase your average tips.
Another way to make it easy for them (and subtly mention tipping) is to have a way to take a credit card at the event. I use Square because they are cheap and easy, but PayPal and others have a way to swipe or enter a card number on mobile. This is a MUST if you have an extra time policy. You do have an extra time policy, right? An hourly rate that you will charge if people want to keep the party going? It should be more then your normal rate so people will book longer up front.
This is why I put my tipping policy under my extra time policy in my contract. Not only is it visible, but I can talk about how to pay for both at the same time during my client consultation. “I’ll have a card reader with me on the day of the event if you need to pay for more time or tip by credit card.”
For events where it is appropriate, you can even put out a tip jar. This would be like at a bar or club. Always ask your client first if they are okay with this. Example, I did this at a chain restaurant where I was playing background music in the bar. Several people tipped me to play their requests.
Do an Amazing Job, Then Do More
This goes without saying, but I’m saying it anyway. You should be doing an amazing job every time. This is just a basic requirement. If you want tips, this is your baseline. You won’t get a tip if you aren’t giving excellent service.
If you want a tip, find a way to do a little bit more. You need to impress them. Exceed your clients expectations so much that they are scrambling for their wallet to throw money at you.
Some examples of going above and beyond:
- Bring little extras to give away to the guests, like glow sticks, inflatables, or other party favors.
- Anticipate problems and solve them before they happen
- Step in and solve problems that aren’t yours (other vendors’ issues, bride and groom, family, etc.)
- Make sure you get that one special request on for your client, especially if they didn’t think you would be able to play it.
- Bring extra gear and offer it for free to make the event better (extra microphones, lighting, etc.)
- Anything else to surprise and delight your clients and their guests. Learn what they love during your consultation and make it a surprise!
If you got your tip with your invoice, then you know what you have to do going in. Make your client so happy that they tipped you by giving them even more than your very best. Use it as an opportunity to find another level of service that you didn’t know you had.
Linger a Little at the End
If you haven’t been tipped already, make sure you are available for a tip at the end of the night. Chat with your clients are you are closing up shop. Tell them how much you appreciate their business and you hope they had a wonderful evening. Find polite ways to remind them of all of the excellent work you did, and those little extras you threw in that they may not have seen. Clean up your area really well, and help the client clean up too. Be polite and friendly without being overbearing. But, also feel out the moment and realize if it not going to happen. That way you can exit gracefully.
In Summary…
Finding ways to get tipped consistently can easily add 10-20% to your income without adding any additional work. Set up your system so you are easy to tip, get some other people on your side, give your clients above and beyond service, and watch that extra money come your way!
