How do you ask for ask or suggest a tip?

Question

My girlfrind manages a hair salon in a college town where the majority of the population is low income! She gets paid commission plus tip, which could add up to a lot if only people would tip. She is great at her job and I hear people all the time compliment her but they just don't know to tip. I have asked why they don't tip and they never thought of it. I don't know if this is true or not, but she has not confronted customers and doesn't know how. How do you let people know that a lof of someones income depends on a tip without sounding pushy?

Answer 1

Put out a tip jar...but make sure its not full of that blue fluid and filled with combs. Also, put some of your own money in there. People are more inclined to tip when a jar isn't empty. Musicians do it all the time...

Answer 2

You never ask for or suggest a tip! Unfortunately, some people don't understand the situations that call for tipping. Or in the case of your friends shop, many students just don't work it into their budgets.
If not tipping is a major issue at the salon, your friend might consider adjusting the prices for services. She could calculate an amount of an appropriate tip for each service and add it to the cost of the service. Stylists would then be paid their normal percentage plus the built in gratuity.
The salon should post a notice with their list of services asking patrons to not tip.

Answer 3

OH PLEASE ! Were these people raised in a cave? i don't care if it's a low income area or not everyone knows you tip in a hair salon. Come on people !! And people don't put tips in jars in salons they put tips in jars in saloons.

If her customers are really that ignorant she needs to put a sign at the door that says if you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to have your hair done at a salon... go away! or she should move to a salon in a better neighborhood. trust me the tips would more than pay for the commute.

Answer 4

At some of the salons that I have been to, the stylist does the hair and after she's done, she escorts you up to the register and says good bye or please come again so as not look like she's asking for a tip or waiting for it. The cashier/receptionist then rings you up and asks if you want to include a tip. I think that's a good hint.

Answer 5

The jar idea gets the message across and without support from the store owner it might just be the best way...
In this situation where it is not common knowledge I think the store owner should make it known through professional signage because it is the owner who transfers the burden of paying his workers to the customers and he/she will not keep a good workforce unless he/she supports them in this matter.

Answer 6

Put up a sign saying they are paid by tips, in a polite way. The way you ask for tips in any type of service is to be a butt kisser, to the point its obvious you want money, that is the only way without offending peple.

Answer 7

It's never ok to ask for a tip, but it seems that more and more business' are making a norm of the tip jar. I suggest a small jar at the register, or her station. Write something on it like
Tips appreciated, Or "If you liked your clip, please leave a tip!" with a smiley.

Answer 8

It's rude to ask for a tip.

She could leave a small tip jar at her station. Make it subtle. If it's too obvious -it'd be rude and offensive.

Answer 9

she should leave a tip jar on her station where people can see it and put a couple bucks in it for show, label the jar TIPS

Answer 10

but a jar at the cash register that has a sign that says "tips would be greatly appreciated" they do that in many places, try it!