My coffee shop's tip jar went from empty to full after I changed one thing

For the first three months at this cafe in Austin, our tip jar was mostly spare change... maybe $10 a day total. Two weeks ago, I started writing a new question on our chalkboard tip jar sign every morning, like 'Best road trip snack?' or 'Favorite 90s cartoon?'. Now we're pulling in $40 to $60 a day, easy. People actually stop to read it, smile, and drop a couple bucks while they answer. It turns out a little chat is worth more than just a 'tips' sign. Anyone else find a simple trick that made a big difference with tips?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_holly16d ago

Austin barista here and I am honestly shocked you were only getting ten bucks a day before. Our jar is never that empty, even on a slow Tuesday. That question idea is pure genius though, it makes the whole thing feel like a game instead of a guilt trip.

harper_thompson1316d ago

Ever try a joke of the day? Works like a charm for us.

brian_ramirez6d ago

Jokes are a solid idea, but honestly they can get stale fast if you don't mix it up.