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I sometimes use a "bill box". This is a transparent plastic box which looks like a little crate (made in Japan) and it is available in any magic shop. It has a secret opening so you can borrow a bill, put it in the box, close it and give it to the spectator, who won't be able to open it again, unless he knows the method. It is a game that works particularly well in restaurant conditions, because everyone can play. I leave the box (with the bill inside) on the table, then perform for another table, and then join the first table again to get the box back…and I joke about keeping the bill inside it (it is also possible to sell this box, read “selling” below).
Lots of people love to take pictures of the "little one" with the magician. Do not hesitate to pose with the children (or the mother-in-law, whoever) with your Fire Wallet (I often think: Hurry up, this thing is starting to melt!) or with a torn and restored paper hat.
The Visitors' Book technique
It is a very clever indirect technique, which consists into circulating a visitor's book (or any book with blank pages) around the table, asking for autographs, a short note or comments. The nicer the book, the more likely they'll be happy to sign it. Leave the book on the table and perform for another table. They can write something and leave a bill between the pages (because the coins could roll down, thank you very much).
You can start the book by asking friends to sign it for you or write short notes. Gaëtan Bloom once advised me to leave some foreign bills between the pages, to suggest the idea of money and tips. Drop a few business cards too, and to make the message even more visible, you can drop a large denomination bill in the book just before reaching a table. Open the book and explain that you'd like everyone to write a message, then open the book and "accidentally" notice the bill…fold it down without mentioning it (but make sure at least some people can see it) and put it in your pocket. You just passed a message like "it must have been from the other table…". Then leave the book and a pen and leave the table.
- The Direct Approach :
The Bluff Approach
If people give you thunderous rounds of applause, you can say something like "thank you so much…and you can even throw some money at me!" (Be careful…read “Warning”).
You can use a joke or a line, such as "Tell me – do we have to give you something?" I often reply: "Well, don't feel obliged. But if you don't give me anything I'll have to go back to my old job…selling drugs in high schools". Be very careful with that one though (read “Warning”).
If someone asks me: "Could you do that again?" I often say: "If you want…but this time it's more expensive!" (and you can read “Warning”, of course).
Sometimes people don't know if they have to give you something (afraid to offend you, etc). Or they actually like your show, but they think you're paid by the restaurant to perform at their table, just like a course in a menu! In this case I don't hesitate to say: "Did you like it?". They'll often say yes or nod, and I usually reply with "Well, feel free to express it!" and wait for tips. Be careful with that one too, t must not be taken at face value. It is only a bluff, direct approach, but people must not feel obliged to give...even if you suggest it!
Sometimes I just openly fold a bill and put it in my pocket, while approaching a table. Either my own bill or a bill I was just given from a preceding table, as if the guest at the table called me before I had the time to put the bill in my pocket.
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