Short answer: create a tip page in an app such as TipIns, print the QR code and put it on the jar at the front of the stage. Customers scan it with their phone camera and tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. They do not need an app or an account.
The audience pays the bar by card all night and has nothing for the jar. A payment handle on a sign only works for people with that app, and whoever in the band owns the account then has to divide the money afterwards.
How a QR code tip jar works
You create a tip page once and get a personal QR code and link. A customer points their phone camera at the code, a secure payment page opens in their browser, and they pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay or a card. The tip shows in your balance straight away and is paid out to your bank account.
Where musicians and bands put the code
- On the jar at the front of the stage.
- On the merch table and the set list.
- On a sign on the kick drum or keyboard stand, large enough to scan from the tables.
- On a slide or screen behind you, and in your social bios.
Size the code for the distance: a phone reads one from about ten times its width. The measurements are in how to make a tip jar QR code sign.
What to write on the sign
Enjoying the music? Tip the band. Scan from your seat. Requests in the note.
Put your own name where the brackets are. You can export a print-ready design from the app in business card, A5, A4 or A3 size.
How to mention it
Once per set, before a strong song: "If you are enjoying it and you are not carrying cash, the code is on the jar. Put your request in the note."
Your own code or a shared one
Create a group for the band. One code, and each tip is split between members equally or by the percentages you set, with each player paid to their own account. Solo players use a personal code. See the digital tip jar guide.
What customers usually tip a band or musician
At a bar or restaurant gig, $5 to $20 in the tip jar is typical for a set you enjoyed. For a request, $5 to $20 with the request.
| Situation | Usual tip |
|---|---|
| Enjoyed a set at a bar | $5 to $10 |
| Song request | $5 to $20 |
| Wedding or private event band | $25 to $50 per musician |
| Solo player at a restaurant | $5 to $10 |
Customers looking for the etiquette can read how to tip a band or musician without cash.
What it costs
TipIns is free to download and has no monthly fee. Each tip carries a 10% platform fee plus a small card processing fee, and by default the person tipping covers both, so you receive the amount they chose. Weekly payouts to your bank are free. The details are in the FAQ.
Common questions
Where should a musician put a tip QR code?
On the jar at the front of the stage. On the merch table and the set list.
What should a musician's tip sign say?
Try: "Enjoying the music? Tip the band. Scan from your seat. Requests in the note." Give a reason, show a large code and include your name.
Should I use a personal code or a team code?
Create a group for the band. One code, and each tip is split between members equally or by the percentages you set, with each player paid to their own account. Solo players use a personal code. See the digital tip jar guide.