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However there are some usual "tippers", like:
Big tables, families, etc. I only concentrate on the small tables (couples, etc) later in the evening. Families are often gathered for a special event (birthday, etc) and are more likely to be generous and give. I avoid really large tables though, because each one will think that the next one is going to tip for him…and if the patriarch is not sitting at the table, I lose. Indeed the most aged man or one of his sons is much more likely to tip.
Pretty obvious: a man is much more likely to tip that a woman.
If you can manage to seduce the ladies at the table (be careful though, their husbands are watching), they'll often convince their husbands to give something to the magician. They often pay more attention to this kind of details. So, show respect to the ladies!
2) How to ask for tips: the direct way / the indirect way
Here's my personal approach: just like applause, I strongly invite my spectators to tip me…I do so indirectly, during my act, and more directly, at the end of my performance, if the spectators didn't get that tips are welcomed.
- The indirect approach :
Suggestion
First, my patters have built-in allusions to money and tips. They all refer to the action of needing or giving money.
Example: I use a "tickets to bills" visual transformation. I use four tickets that are visibly changed into 4 bills. Three bills are identical (say, 20£ or 20$) and the fourth one is a smaller bill (10£ or 10$). Just in case "someone would like to trade it for a 20$ or a 20$ bill". Believe it or note, it happens every so often.
When I show the tickets, someone will always tell me: "Oh, I also got a ticket this morning". I immediately change mines into money, and I reply "If you're talking about the bills, well, feel free to give me yours!"
When I borrow a finger ring I often say something like: "Please give me a valuable ring…I just found a great way to get tips!" or "What a nice piece of jewelry! Thanks for the tip!" and I pretend to put it in my pocket.
What about: "Who gave me this ring? You? Are you sure? Well, I thank you very much!" and I pretend to put it in my pocket.
If I used a box of any kind in my act, and if I can pass it for examination, I often leave it on the table at the end of my show. Some could put some money inside, just to surprise you. If it's the case, act surprised!
I often use a lot of effects requiring bills: flash appearance, salt in note, bill in lemon, Bill Switch, torn and restored bill, floating bill, etc. These situations often encourage tips. When I borrow a bill, I always pretend to put it back in my pocket before giving it back.
If you damaged the bill during the routine (crumpled bill, signed bill, bill soaked with lemon juice…), propose to exchange it with one of your fresh, crisp bills from your wallet. As Dr Barouf pointed it out: "You're just exchanging one of his bills for one of your bills, but psychologically the new bill is yours, and people will be encouraged to leave their own bill to you". |
