What do you do when clients offer you a tip?

[rob1963]

Following on from another thread where a couple of people suggested they refuse tips, how do you handle situations where your client offers you a tip at the end of a function?

I always accept it the first time they offer, say how kind of them it is & thank them very much.

When I give someone a tip, I don't expect them to refuse it. I've certainly never had a tip refused (even once) by a waiter, taxi driver, hairdresser, the company that fitted my double glazing or anyone else...so why should DJs be any different?

Over to you.

[Leicester Ben]

I'm more than happy to accept a tip, If the client didn't pay it straight away however I wouldn't chase him round the room for it though :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I refuse until I think Im being ruder refusing it than taking it.

Generally people offer it after a really good night but seeing and knowing you have done a good job is a far better reward than some bits of paper with the queens head on it.

[Shaun]

so why should DJs be any different?


It all boils down to the individual. There's no right or wrong answer in this situation. I think a lot of people tip because they think it's "the done thing".

If offered a tip I just thank them for their generosity but tell them that no tip is required, but the offer is appreciated. I feel comfortable doing that.

It doesn't make me right and you wrong. Just differences in the way we do things.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I guess that by refusing first time round, you are more or less saying to the person offering you the tip that there really is no need. If they persist / insist that you take it, then you can tell them that there is no need and that it was a pleasure doing their function.

If they then continue, I take it and thank them and tell them it is really appreciated. I will more often than not say "Are you sure?" at this point. I have had one person offer me a tip and not get to the 3rd stage as they have put their money back in their pocket. They haven't been offended because I have turned it down and I haven't thought "Arrgghh, I've just missed out on £**". I'm there to do a job. I've done the job and they are happy, more than happy and have offered me a tip for a job well done but it wasn't expected and therefore is no loss to me if I don't get it.

I'm not one of those people that will say "Nah, it's ok mate, you're welcome" when secretly I really want it. If I say I don't want it then I will mean it but if I do take it, I will do so because I don't want to offend anyone. If there is a charity box nearby then I will stick it straight in there. If not, I will take it and think that I have saved money on diesel or it's paid for my soft drinks for the night or whatever.

[Mark Wild]

The offer of the tip itself means far more to me than the monetary value that comes with it. I will instantly refuse it, but if they persist, I will take it and thank them.

[Shaun]

The offer of the tip itself means far more to me than the monetary value that comes with it. I will instantly refuse it, but if they persist, I will take it and thank them.

I think that's sensible. There's been instances where they're really insistant and I'll graciously accept as I wouldn't want to offend.

I always initially decline the offer though.

[kilmeedyman]

I always accept gracefully, with a comment about how happy I am that they were pleased with the job I have done for them.

[rob1963]

Generally people offer it after a really good night but seeing and knowing you have done a good job is a far better reward than some bits of paper with the queens head on it.

But the whole reason you're there in the first place it to get some bits of paper with the Queen's head on!!!

:shrug:

[simon1969]

I would accept if they offered that is there privlige and you could insult them !!

[StarZSoundS]

Never had A Waitress running out of the Restaurant with a Fiver I've left under her plate!!!

Refuse at first and then humbly accept...give the impression it happens all the time!!!By saying something like....

"Thank You very much.....My Missus and I get away every year to Tenerife on the tips I get....thanks again!!":devil: :devil: :devil: :devil:

[yourdj]

If people want to give me extra money then im not refusing.

I will thank them though obviously.

[rob1963]

If people want to give me extra money then im not refusing.

Spot on!

I find it quite extraordinary that we work to earn money, and yet some people refuse to accept extra money from the client due to their expectations being exceeded!

I wonder how many restaurants, waiters, taxi drivers or hairdressers refuse tips?

[JTRS]

If a customer offers a tip I think it's rude not to accept it, it's almost like you are slapping their kind gesture in their face, so I just say, 'That's very kind of you, thanks, I'll have a drink on you tomorrow evening' and leave it at that.

I can't see that it's polite to refuse the tip the first time they offer, so they then have to insist that you take it, to me that would just lead to awkwardness and false sentiments (oh I want your tip but I don't want to take it without refusing it first etc).

If I've had good service I give a tip because I want to thank them personally, over and above the price for the goods/services, so I guess that's what they are doing when they give the DJ a tip.

JTRS

[Excalibur]

The offer of the tip itself means far more to me than the monetary value that comes with it. I will instantly refuse it, but if they persist, I will take it and thank them.
What he said. Mark you're worrying me now, say something I can argue with. :D :D :D :D


But the whole reason you're there in the first place it to get some bits of paper with the Queen's head on!!!

:shrug:

Indeed. And a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. If you've done something extra, well perhaps a tip is the least you could expect.

Often, especially if it's a BYO party, a bottle of wine is offered, and gratefully received.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I always accept gracefully, with a comment about how happy I am that they were pleased with the job I have done for them.

Me too and I always give any tips to my kids.

[Tony Scott]

I generally tut and say.., "£20... is that all you tight git?" :D

[spin mobile disco]

Accept graciously and put it towards something nice. Saying that I always refuse offers of drinks.

[rob1963]

I always accept gracefully, with a comment about how happy I am that they were pleased with the job I have done for them.


Me too and I always give any tips to my kids.

Darren, today we've discovered a couple of new areas where you and I are in total agreement (even though we're both in the minority).

It's quite surreal!

:D

[Mark Wild]

Darren, today we've discovered a couple of new areas where you and I are in total agreement (even though we're both in the minority).

It's quite surreal!

:D

Ah you big brown noser, this is a completley different thread to your other one ;) This isn't "What do you do when a client offers you a tip and forgets to give it to you and you still haven't been given it 6 weeks later"

[CRAZY K]

Following on from another thread where a couple of people suggested they refuse tips,

Really I must have missed that:bang:

Accept of course--its an insult to refuse;)

Well it is where I come from:D

[rob1963]

Ah you big brown noser

Far from it, I was simply pointing out something I'd noticed.

I say exactly what I think of peoples posts, regardless of who they are.


Accept of course--its an insult to refuse;)

I must admit, having thought about it I came up with a similar situation where someone refused to take some money from me for providing a service in the first place...let alone a tip!

It was an electronics engineer I know from the quiz nights who first came round 6 years ago to PAT test all my gear. I asked him how much I owed him, and he said nothing! I then offered him £20 for a drink, but he refused to accept it.

I can honestly say that I was very annoyed that he didn't accept it.

:bang:

[DazzyD]

I usually decline initially but if the client is insistent then, well!

But it's also my understanding that tips count as income for tax purposes. Guidance issued by HMRC :


The key things to remember are that income tax is due on all tips, no matter how they are given. If tips are offered in cash from the customer directly to the employee, then the employee should declare them for tax purposes.

(I know it's not directly related to self-employed DJs - it's about bars and restuarant staff - but income is income no matter who you are!)

Current rate of income tax is 20% so Rob's £50 is now worth £40. That is, if the tips are being declared!! ;)

[rob1963]

Current rate of income tax is 20% so Rob's £50 is now worth £40.

No, it's still worth £50.

It won't be worth £40 until I have to pay this year's tax bill!

:D :D :D

[[email protected]]

I usually decline initially but if the client is insistent then, well!

But it's also my understanding that tips count as income for tax purposes. Guidance issued by HMRC :



(I know it's not directly related to self-employed DJs - it's about bars and restuarant staff - but income is income no matter who you are!)

Current rate of income tax is 20% so Rob's £50 is now worth £40. That is, if the tips are being declared!! ;)

Yes, i've heard the same, in fact know a band that were investigated who only work for agents, so every gig was contracted and fees paid in advance.

The band never accept tips, but HMRC wouldn't accept this and told them basically they were lying and that of course in the ents industry you would receive tips (they made it sound as if it were completely routine at almost every gig).

[DJMaxG]

I then offered him £20 for a drink, but he refused to accept it

Did you find it rude that he didnt accept the £20, or embarrased that you (technically speaking) hadnt paid him anything for the work?

I would have offered to buy him the drink directly and dragged him to the nearest Wetherspoons.


Current rate of income tax is 20% so Rob's £50 is now worth £40. That is, if the tips are being declared!! ;)

But, you could argue that the tip was a PERSONAL gesture given directly to Rob, not the company itself. I dont know how strict HMRC are though.

[rob1963]

Did you find it rude that he didnt accept the £20, or embarrased that you (technically speaking) hadnt paid him anything for the work?

To be honest, Max, I didn't find him rude by not accepting the £20, and I wasn't embarrassed that I hadn't paid him anything for the work.

I was just very annoyed that he wouldn't accept the £20 I wanted him to have for taking the trouble to come round & test all my gear.

After all, if I'd found a local company that did PAT testing, it would have cost me a lot more than £20!

[Danno13]

I usually decline initially but if the client is insistent then, well!

But it's also my understanding that tips count as income for tax purposes. Guidance issued by HMRC :



(I know it's not directly related to self-employed DJs - it's about bars and restuarant staff - but income is income no matter who you are!)

Current rate of income tax is 20% so Rob's £50 is now worth £40. That is, if the tips are being declared!! ;)

Presumably the same also applies for VAT purposes, so it's even less if you're VAT registered. I wouldn't know, as I've never accepted any tips, ever :p ;)

[1878blues]

A tip is most certainly a sign of an enjoyable night and a great performance on the DJ's behalf...
Or is it just a loved up drunk Punter??

http://www.101services.com
Twenty First Century Jukebox

[Steve the DJ]

Following on from another thread where a couple of people suggested they refuse tips, how do you handle situations where your client offers you a tip at the end of a function?


I always accept gracefully, with a comment about how happy I am that they were pleased with the job I have done for them.

+1


Me too and I always give any tips to my kids.

I give mine plenty of tips but none financial... :D

[JTRS]

Presumably the same also applies for VAT purposes, so it's even less if you're VAT registered. I wouldn't know, as I've never accepted any tips, ever :p ;)


My understanding is VAT is payable on goods or services that are not exempt from VAT, a tip is gratuity and therefore not part of the contracted price so VAT would NOT apply to it, however HMRC are still entitled to their cut because it is taxable.

JTRS

[simon1969]

Don't think the number of times I get tips warrants me declaring it to the taxman unless your some sort of superstar DJ who gets tips everytime!!! ;) :zip: :)

[ppentertainments]

Can someone just clarify for me - What is a tip :confused: :confused: . Virtually unheard of :D :D :D :D

[simon1969]

Don't eat yellow snow thats a tip !!!! ;)

[JTRS]

Can someone just clarify for me - What is a tip

My wires bag is a tip

JTRS

[rob1963]

My wires bag is a tip

JTRS

Then sort it out!

[Mark Wild]

My wires bag is a tip

JTRS

:lol:

[DazzyD]

But, you could argue that the tip was a PERSONAL gesture given directly to Rob, not the company itself. I dont know how strict HMRC are though.

Then it's still classed as income for the purposes of Income Tax. The paragraph I posted was from a student website which was trying to help students understand what to expect if they find work in a bar/restaurant over the summer break. It can't be a "personal" gesture as it was connected with Rob's employment - it was a "gratuity" given to Rob to show the client's appreciation of the job he did. It's not like birthday or christmas money and the taxman see's it as a taxable income.

[Mark Wild]

Then it's still classed as income for the purposes of Income Tax. The paragraph I posted was from a student website which was trying to help students understand what to expect if they find work in a bar/restaurant over the summer break. It can't be a "personal" gesture as it was connected with Rob's employment - it was a "gratuity" given to Rob to show the client's appreciation of the job he did. It's not like birthday or christmas money and the taxman see's it as a taxable income.

And of course you put all your tips through the books just like everyone else on here does. :)

[rob1963]

But, you could argue that the tip was a PERSONAL gesture given directly to Rob, not the company itself. I dont know how strict HMRC are though.


Then it's still classed as income for the purposes of Income Tax.

Agreed & understood.

I have to put details of all income on my tax return (both business and personal), as I obviously pay tax on both, so it would make no difference whether I said it was given to me personally or my business.

[paull]

I would take it.

[Vectis]

Tips are taxable.

A taxi operator friend of mine also tells me that HMRC have reference tables of the typical levels of tips received by profession and any returns which show significant deviation from the "acceptable range" are more likely to be called for scrutiny :eek:

I've never managed to ascertain whether there's a table for mobile jock though :cool:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Tips are taxable.

A taxi operator friend of mine also tells me that HMRC have reference tables of the typical levels of tips received by profession and any returns which show significant deviation from the "acceptable range" are more likely to be called for scrutiny :eek:

I've never managed to ascertain whether there's a table for mobile jock though :cool:


How do they enforce that? You could argue that in these times people are tight with money and beating you down on price. I have to admit Ive not had any tips this year (overtime yes but thats paid and invoiced as such)

[Vectis]

How do they enforce that? You could argue that in these times people are tight with money and beating you down on price. I have to admit Ive not had any tips this year (overtime yes but thats paid and invoiced as such)

They probably base it on long-term averages.

Anyone seriously under-declaring (in accordance with their reference figures) will come under more scrutiny I guess.

[DazzyD]

And of course you put all your tips through the books just like everyone else on here does. :)

In all the time I've been DJing, I've only ever been offered tips twice. One was for an engagement where the client gave me an extra £20 by way of an apology for the way he acted (to do with his playlist not working - I played a guest request and came over not happy - finally realised how bad his playlist was and apologised about 30mins from the end of the night :eek: and told me to "go for it!" - good night in the end!). The second time was a wedding where the meal and speeches seriously over-ran (by about 2 and a half hours!). I was meant to start at 7.30pm but couldn't even get in to the room until after 9.15. After a super-quick setup (with the help of staff and the wedding MC!) I was ready for about 9.45pm. I even talked the venue (a rather posh hotel) in to extending the time by about 45mins so the client and guests could have a bit more of a party. The client thanked me and gave me a £10 tip.

And, yes, both tips were accounted for.

I agree with Martin about the tips tables that HMRC use. The problem with our industry, in my opinion, in relation to taxable tips, is that most of our tips come in the way of drinks bought for us. This makes it even harder for the taxman to calculate.

[DJMaxG]

Drinks arent taxable are they?

Might sound an unusual question, but you described them as "harder" for the tax man to calculate :confused:

[Excalibur]

Drinks arent taxable are they?

Might sound an unusual question, but you described them as "harder" for the tax man to calculate :confused:

But not impossible, Max. ;) Any payment in kind......................