The "Tips Appreciated" Gig

My boyfriend just got a gig at a local restaurant that, instead of having a sign saying "Balloon Art for Tips," he has to wear a badge that says "Tips Appreciated". To us, and so many that came up to him and saw that, that apparently means, "Here is $0.05 for a 2 - 3 balloon."

Or, since it says "appreciated," they feel like that they don't have to tip him at all, especially since he also has to wear the restaurant's uniform (maybe they think he is being paid hourly?)

So when you get a gig like that, what can you do? Anyone else experience something like this?

Yup...just that change in wording means to me that he is being paid (by the restaurant) and would appreciate a tip for good service. I don't get how these venues that are getting free entertainment can then turn around and micromanage how that is to be done. Grrr.

He will basically have to say..."with that wording I'm not even making enough to be compensated for materials. You will have to pay me a reduced hourly rate or let me post a sign that will help me pay for my time and talents."

Get a "Suggested Tip" (and it has an outrageous amount) button from Zazzle.com. (-50% today).

Best tip button I have ever had--always gets a laugh & a bigger paper reaction. I explain I want to be prepared when I run into Warren Buffet, so he won't think I am just after his money...

Can there also be a sign with a suggested/recommended tip amount? I have often found that people aren't aware of what the appropriate amount for a tip is and will tip better when there is a sign suggesting an amount.

Wearing the uniform shirt would be a deal breaker, the "Tips Appreciated" button is salt in the wound!

I'm with Denise...if they are not paying you they don't get to tell you what to wear, clothing or badge-wise.

wait...Are you being paid at all or is it just for tips?

Oh, man, I agree--absolutely no uniform--I didn't catch that!

Veelux - he is not being paid hourly - it’s a Tips Only gig.

I would advise him to either insist on using his original sign or walk away from this. Since he is wearing their uniform, they are assuming he is being paid.

If he REALLY needs the practice, maybe he can work for food vouchers, but it’s not really a ‘Gig’ if he isn’t getting paid (in some way).

Thanks for the opinions. After reading some of these to him, he ended up calling the GM and explained. Apparently the GM didn't even know he was there, let alone they were making him wear the uniform and badge.

He told him that he no longer had to wear either and offered him another store as well got other days. So yay!

awesome!

Great update! Good luck.

Perfect!

Cool. good for him.

glad he got to talk to the manager