talkmagic.co.uk

Hello everyone,

Tomorrow is my third night at a restaurant/bar. I table-hop for two hours and get paid an hourly sum (not enough!). The first night, I got two tips (£20 first table! and £3 later in the evening). The second night, nothing. nada. I did not do anything different the second night. I'm so aware that diners are worried about having to pay for a magician that I emphasize the fact that I'm "free, no need to pay anything". As soon as I say that, I can see the relief on their faces! But, to be honest, I *want* them to tip me or, at least, I want them to know that they can tip me if they want. I don't want them to feel as if I EXPECT them to tip - that's not a nice feeling for them - but I want to ensure that it's an option. That's why I'm not keen on ideas involving overt indications (e.g. 'tip' jar, "I accept tips" badge, etc.). I need something less 'in your face', less 'tip me or else!'. Can you give me any advice on this?

Thanks a lot,

Daniel

Im not sure if will help, but ive just started reading Derren Browns -"Pure Effect". God damn what an amazing book. Its worth having a look in there if you havent already. Its explains how to 'anchor' and stuff like that, which i almost possitive you could relate/adapt to your above problem. Its very clever the way you can guide people.

I don't know if this would work, as I've never tried it, but I read somewhere (or someone said...) that a good way to get tips was to use an effect which requires a borrowed note. If it's good enough, you might just get it as a tip!

I guess giving away freebies might also work - for example, find somewhere that will custom print pencils (e.g. http://www.thediscountprinter.com/carpenter.htm for starters) and give away the pencil you use with Misled or Dough after the effect.

I don't know if these would work (never table-hopped) but you could try them and see!

Kati

I would focus less on the tips and work on getting your fee from the restaurant increased, particularly if you can show that you are increasing their trade in some way by helping to sell more drinks, repeat business because you're popular.

When the tips do come in then they're a bonus.

I would assume that you're also giving out your card and trying to use the time to sell yourself so that you begin to get more paid bookings outside of the restaurant?

a big plus plus for an employer would be if his entertainer (you) can upsell...meaning if somehow your able to convince the diners to get something more expensive or if your able to make them buy drinks...anything which makes your diners shell out more dough is a plus for you also because thats a huge thing for an employer...as soon as he notices that ...you'll no longer have to worry about tips as he will pay you hourly...especially if you are now upselling his products....

dat8962 wrote:I would focus less on the tips and work on getting your fee from the restaurant increased, particularly if you can show that you are increasing their trade in some way by helping to sell more drinks, repeat business because you're popular.

When the tips do come in then they're a bonus.

I would assume that you're also giving out your card and trying to use the time to sell yourself so that you begin to get more paid bookings outside of the restaurant?

I agree with all of the above, also if you can show that the customers are coming back to see you or because you are there performing then the restaurant will be more inclined to listen to you when you ask for a rise in the fee! (Which is another way of saying repeat business because you are popular).....Don't bother about me I am just going mad today

Thanks for that. I think I'll opt for the 'no mention of tips' approach and concentrate on wowing them with the magic. If I can subtly incorporate tips in the patter, then I'll do that.

Thanks again.

Daniel

Maybe you could learn some pick pocket techniques and get your money that way. Erm maybe not stealing is wrong and i shall slap myself firmly on the wrist. Buisness cards are probably a good bet though as it could get you work elswhere.

Sam:monkey fist wrote:Buisness cards are probably a good bet though as it could get you work elswhere.

I agree with this, invest in a good quality business card and try to incorporate tricks that involve your business card and give them it to keep at the end, as it's easier than asking them if they want a card as they can always say no or take it and then forget it.

If you have done a trick with the card they are more inclined to remember you and maybe say to their friends that this fantastic magician did a trick with this business card and here it is!

I saw a company that will print custom Bikes with a min order of 500...I guess if you're really serious, you could have some Bikes printed with your business card on the back, then do a signed card routine and at the end give them your card.

Kati

Kati - that's interesting!

Do you have the details of this company? Although there is no indicator of the price, when put into perspective 500 is less than 10 decks

Oops...sorry.

400 decks .

It was just a Google search...hang on.

http://www.kardwell.com/custom.htm

Kati

Edit: It's the Bicycle cards that make it expensive. If you just want custom playing cards that are not Bikes, try:

http://www.gopromos.com/store/product.a ... ying+Cards

http://thehouseofcards.com/cards_personalized.html

400 decks - that's different!

Sorry

Kati

i agree with garyz, there's an excelant peice in derren browns pure effect on tipping and cueing for tips, including the floating bill routine kati mentioned.