Dollar bills in a cocktail glass with an umbrella

10 Best Tip Jars To Make Extra Money In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

Dollar bills in a cocktail glass with an umbrella

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Bartenders do more than just make drinks. They also have to put on a show, like doing flair bartending tricks, talking with people, cleaning their station, and acting as the cashier. They have a lot to do in their bar checklist, so it's only fitting to give them tips.

Tip jars are among the bar tools and equipment that must be present in bars. They are a great way to help bartenders earn extra cash for all the hard work they do. The best tip jar is one that looks fun, is secure, and enables you to get the most out of it.

Our Top Picks

Adir Acrylic Tip Ballot Box with Lock
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Best Security - Adir Acrylic Tip Ballot Box with Lock

• Durable construction
• Shatter-resistant
• Comes with a lock

Best Look - Pro Image Metal Tip Bucket

• Retro-inspired design
• Multi-purpose
• Unique look

Best Classic Design - Cornucopia Large Coin Bank Jar

• Made of thick glass
Simple and clean design
Dishwasher safe

1. Barconic Plastic Tip Jars

Barconic Plastic Tip Jars

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Pros  Cons
  • Removable base
  • Lightweight
  • Sturdy material
  • Convenient shape
  • Fits even in small spaces
  • The edges are a bit sharp
  • No lid


What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer commented on how strong the plastic is. It didn't break for him when it fell! The bottom also comes off easily if you want to get the money.

Another customer said this is a great tip jar overall. The bills are not reachable from the top, so it prevents anyone from taking cash. It also does not break easily.

Barconic Plastic Tip Jars

Why We Think It’s Great

At last, no more tipping cup messes on the floor! These tip jars are perfect for any point-of-sale area. The jar is shaped conveniently and can be placed nicely in crowded spaces where it's out of the way and won't irritate guests in line.

The removable base also makes these jars exceptionally easy to use. You just have to remove the bottom to take the money quickly and put it right back when you're already done emptying it.

This clear plastic jar measures 10.5 inches in height with a 3.5-inch base diameter, providing plenty of storage for your loose coins and bills. Keep your change neat and orderly with the Barconic Plastic Tip Jars!

Who Should Buy It

This product is an excellent option for an establishment owner who prefers a plastic tip container. However, this can be suited for home use as well.

2. Clearview Containers

Clearview Containers

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Pros  Cons
  • Made of 100% Food Grade PET Plastic
  • Customizable
  • Shatterproof
  • Sturdy walls
  • Not dishwasher safe



What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer said this product was perfect. She uses it for collecting spare change, and it seemed to be of sufficient sturdiness and durability. Another customer purchased this to use as a tip jar for his mother's food truck. He decorated it on his own, and his mother loved it.

Clearview Containers

Why We Think It’s Great

Say goodbye to messy and unorganized jars and say hello to sleek and strong containers with Clearview's new line of 128-oz. round plastic containers. This model measures 10 inches tall and 5.5 inches wide.

With its size, it'll be fantastic for holding as much money to be divided among co-workers. Furthermore, they are also made of 100% food-grade PET plastic, meaning they're FDA approved.

Moreover, they're BPA-free and shatterproof, too - which means you don't have to worry about it shattering in transit or when you get tipped over by intoxicated people. There isn't much for looks, so you're free to design this jar however you like!

Who Should Buy It

The Clearview Containers is great for bartenders, servers, and hospitality workers. Whether it's for your home or establishment - this jar is excellent for holding tips!

3. Leadbox.com Tip collection Box

Leadbox.com Tip collection Box

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Pros  Cons
  • Eye-catching design
  • Strong, thick walls
  • Appropriate size
  • Multi-purpose
  • The opening is a bit big



What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer said its size was perfect for a tip box for his bartender at his party. Another customer said its appearance is class, and it does not look cheap and tacky-looking.

Why We Think It’s Great

Leadbox.com Tip Collection Box is a great way to collect anything from donations to gratuities for your business. It is made of acrylic plastic, which is strong enough to withstand any unfortunate damages.

The eye-catching box is made with you and your service in mind, bouncing between professional and creative effortlessly. It is about 5.875 inches wide, 5.375 inches tall, and 4 inches deep.

Moreover, its slot is about 3.625 inches x 2.75 inches. If you find it bigger than you want, you can just cover the opening to prevent unwanted hands. Then, put a sign around so people will recognize its purpose.

Made in America by Leadbox, this specifically designed tip collection box will put smiles both big and small on every worker's face as they watch their hard-earned tips or donations fill up in an instant!

Who Should Buy It

The Leadbox.com Tip Collection Box is great for a young business owner or someone looking to add a beneficial box to each of their locations. This best seller is also perfect for fundraising projects.

4. VivasFlowerShop Mason Tip Jar

VivasFlowerShop Mason Tip Jar

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Pros  Cons
  • Cute, homey design
  • Hand-painted with non-toxic chalk paint
  • Sufficient-sized slot
  • Smooth sides
  • Not dishwasher safe



What Customers Have To Say

Shoppers love that this jar has a minimalistic look that is inviting. It is a great addition to your business if you're looking for something that looks professional and can fit comfortably in any space or countertop available. It is best suited to hold both change and bills.

Why We Think It’s Great

VivasFlowerShop Mason Tip Jar is an excellent alternative to the traditional metal tips jar! This attractive and durable container has the word "Tips" written on top of the white paint for an instant upgrade. You don't have to do anything to this already cute container!

Its measurements are 7 inches in height and 3.5 inches in width. Add these jars to your counters or tables, and be confident that you'll get more generous tipping rewards all autumn long.

This one is painted with chalk paint and is sealed to give it a protective, durable finish so that your tip jar can stand up to anything! 

Who Should Buy It

If you don't have the time to customize your tip jar, VivasFlowerShop Mason Tip Jar is a fantastic choice. This will also be a pretty addition to your home bar ideas!

5. BB INC Tip Box

BB INC Tip Box

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Pros  Cons
  • Simple and classy design
  • Wholesome sticker/label
  • Sturdy material
  • Professional look
  • A bit small
  • Pricey

What Customers Have To Say

Many customers appreciate how this is designed with a simple but grateful message. It can be used for any business. However, they wish it could be bigger to accommodate more money, and by extension, more workers.

Why We Think It’s Great

Helping others is the best way to feel good about yourself, and when you do it with style, that joy doubles. With this BB INC Acrylic Tip Box in your house or business, people will be happy to give you their hard-earned money as a tip for your politeness and service.

This long-lasting ox is perfect for collecting tips. In terms of measurement, it is about 5 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep.

This chic design complements any environment. Who wouldn't want something this tidy and sturdy? It's versatile and serves good looks and strength. It's definitely a must-buy!

Who Should Buy It

This BB INC Tip Box is a great first option for those who work in service. It would also be beneficial for anyone seeking a way to attract more customers.

6. Adir Acrylic Tip Ballot Box with Lock

Adir Acrylic Tip allot Box with Lock

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Pros  Cons
  • Versatile
  • Durable construction
  • Lightweight
  • Shatter-resistant
  • Comes with a lock
  • The floor is hard to reattach




What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer said the size is excellent for attaching stickers to it, and it's very sturdy. She has dropped this box twice, and it still looks new.

Another customer said this box does exactly what she needs - collect money, deter sticky fingers, and allow the contents to be visible from the outside.

Adir Acrylic Tip Ballot Box with Lock

Why We Think It’s Great

Throw away all your old metal tip boxes and storage cases because the Acrylic Tip Allot Box offers convenience that they can't compare!

This acrylic tip box measures 4 inches in height, 6.25 inches in width, and 4.5 inches in depth. This size is suitable for providing durable construction, shatter-resistant benefits, and lightweight strength. 

You can make this tip box your own by attaching your custom message to the designated top. With the lock, you'll feel at ease knowing that your tips are safe and secure all day long. Of course, you'll also get two keys for assurance whenever you lose one.

Who Should Buy It

The Adir Acrylic Tip allot Box with Lock is one of the best-sellers that's great for anyone who prefers a tip jar with a safety feature.

7. American Family Values Mason Jar

American Family Values Mason Jar

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Pros  Cons
  • Made of glass and alloy steel
  • The slot is wide enough
  • Simple and clean design
  • Versatile
  • The lid might be a bit dented



What Customers Have To Say

A customer said that the screw top is very good. It's precision cut, so it appears like a professional product. The slot is a bit small for paper bills, so you would have to fold them. Another customer said this makes a perfect tip jar. She created a custom graphic for the jar lid and glued it in place.

Why We Think It’s Great

It's always nice to get something back for your hard work, and the American Family Values Mason Jar makes it simple. This jar is big enough to fill up coins while also fitting paper money. Hassle-free tipping can be accomplished in this jar!

It is about 7 inches tall and 4 inches in diameter. Moreover, it has a 1-piece silver lid with a 40mm x 4mm slot and a plastic rim. You can decorate this with stickers, sequins, or any other fabric paint for an added touch of fun!

This American Family Values Mason Jar is a great way to put your spare change to good use. Your hours of service deserve some appreciation, so buy this mason jar today!  

Who Should Buy It

The American Family Values Mason Jar is great for people who work in the service industry and need a simple container to put their tips.

8. Pro Image Metal Tip Bucket

Pro Image Metal Tip Bucket

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Pros  Cons
  • Retro-inspired design
  • Sturdy structure
  • Multi-purpose
  • Unique look
  • A bit small
  • Might be prone to theft

What Customers Have To Say

Customers said this item is very sturdy, attractive, and a party hit. Some find this bucket too small, but others say that its size is sufficient. Nevertheless, this bucket is said to gain more money than the usual clear container.

Pro Image Metal Tip Bucket

Why We Think It’s Great

This Tip Bucket is one retro-looking container that is excellent for anyone wanting a unique take on a tip jar. With the metal design and vintage look, you'll have a creative way to round up your cash while serving up signature cocktails at your bar.

It features a catchy star cut-out design and “Thanks for your Tips” text that adds some style to the tired metal bucket. It measures 6 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches in height, so this product will easily hold up buckets of tips!

It is made with a dishwasher-safe material and features a handle so it will be easy to carry around while you serve drinks for loyal patrons. You can even put other items in it!

Who Should Buy It

The Pro Image Metal Tip Bucket is great for those who want a fun way to collect tips from their customers.

9. Cusinium Chalkboard Plastic Tip Jar

Cusinium Chalkboard Plastic Tip Jar

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Pros  Cons
  • Anti-theft design
  • Customizable
  • Additional accessories
  • Black, smooth surface
  • Blackboard surface can get scratched



What Customers Have To Say

Shoppers love that the color is black as opposed to the clear jars. With this, the contents are hidden, and there is less chance of stealing. The bottom lid is a little off on alignment. Nevertheless, the surface is great for writing on or applying stickers.

Why We Think It’s Great

Put a new twist on an old classic with the Cusinium Chalkboard Tip Jar! This is one of the best ways to take your jar for tips up a notch. Feel free to write creative or funny messages with chalks and simply wipe them off with a towel to write new designs every day!

This container stands tall at 10.5 inches and is 3.5 inches in diameter. However, the neck is made narrower to prevent someone from reaching in to get some cash, making your tips super secure.

You can also put an anti-theft Velcro tape on the bottom of the jar for extra security. At the end of each end, just twist off the bottom so you can access your earnings quickly. As a bonus, you'll also get two drink coasters and an E-book.

Who Should Buy It

The Cusinium Chalkboard Plastic Tip Jar is an excellent choice for anyone who has many tip jar ideas and wants to change the jar’s design to attract more customers frequently.

10. Cornucopia Large Coin Bank Jar

Cornucopia Large Coin Bank Jar

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Pros  Cons
  • Made of thick glass
  • Versatile
  • Simple and clean design
  • Dishwasher safe
  • The slot is a bit small
  • The rounded bottom makes it move around

What Customers Have To Say

An Amazon customer said the glass jar is sturdy enough that dropping coins into them does not break or crack them. They are also large enough that it looks very substantial when full. Another customer used this as a savings jar, and it is precisely what she needed since it does a great job.

Why We Think It’s Great

Since tipping is a huge part of American culture, it's important to have a place for those coins! The Cornucopia Large Coin Bank Jar holds a significant amount of cash and prevents mess on the desk or counters.

The jar is about 6.3 inches tall and 5.6 inches in diameter. On the other hand, the jar's mouth is about 3.9 inches in diameter. The empty jar weighs 26 ounces and has an 8-cup capacity.

The jar is made from clear, lead-free glass, while the lid is of metal, making it sturdy and safe to use. This item is practical and attractive at the same time - what more could one want in a tip jar?

Who Should Buy It

The Cornucopia Large Coin Bank Tip Jar is great for anyone who needs a large jar to store money.

Best Tip Jar Buying Guide

Here are some factors to consider before buying the best tip jar that suits your needs.

  • Material

When buying the perfect tip jar, you need to consider the material used in making it because many factors depend on it. A typical tip jar is made chiefly of glass, like in the case of mason jars.

There are also tip jars made with metal, thick plastic, or ceramic material. A good tip jar may also be made using a combination of these materials. You'll need to choose something durable, so it'll last longer and to keep anyone from trying to steal it.

Glass is an excellent choice because you're free to customize it with your best tip jar ideas since it is transparent. It is also the most recognizable tip jar because people can identify it, even without a sign or label. However, the downside is that it is prone to breakage.

  • Appearance

Tip jars come in different shapes and designs. You can go for something colorful, eye-catching, or minimalistic. In the end, it's all about preference. If you don't have time to execute your tip jar ideas, get something that already has a design.

However, if you have a planned tip jar idea, pick a plain container and let your creativity shine. Pop culture references are pretty common, from the princess bride to Harry Potter.

You may also put a funny and witty message, words, or picture to grab the customers' attention or make them smile. A fun tip jar works in making more money!

  • Safety

Another essential factor you need to look into is the safety of your tip jar. It will be regrettable to have your saved cash stolen inside.

Sometimes, mason jars are left wide open, which may tempt people to steal from them. To counter this, pick one that has a secure lid with just a wide enough slot so people can drop cash quickly.

The best way to ensure safety is to get a tip jar with locks, preferably at the bottom and on top of the lid. Make sure the lock is sturdy enough so it won't snap open or break easily.

  • Size

The size of a tip jar is also important because it may induce people to put more money into it. A tip jar used in a bar, restaurant, or coffee shop is usually big since the contents are split into how many employees have worked in a particular shift.

Also, a bigger tip jar will most likely be heavier, making it difficult for anyone to take it from the counter.

  • Price

When getting the best tip jar, you want to get one that is worth the price. It would be best to find tip jars on sale, like those bar tools in special packages, so it will save you money while still giving you a quality product.

  • Opening design

The opening is usually located at the top, but some can be at the bottom. Some tip jar designs allow you to open and close it easily so your money will not fall out.

Ensure that the slot has a sufficient size to enable paper money and bills to slide down easily. If it's too small, it may become inconvenient if the money gets stuck. On the other hand, if it's too big, the safety factor may get compromised.

Tip Jars FAQ

1. How to get more tips in a tip jar?

Employees need to be fast and efficient when doing their job. If a customer can see that you're taking your job seriously, they'll think you deserve a tip for your performance.

You should also have a lively spirit and positivity when dealing with customers. Engage with them, communicate and observe personal space.

But, sometimes, people are drawn to give tips just by the tip jar alone. Many brilliant tip jar ideas can make people drop a few more dollars. So, think of a cool sign or message!

2. What is a virtual tip jar?

A virtual tip jar is an innovative process where a customer can tip a specific employee virtually or online. Some use Google Forms and Google Sheets, where the list of employees can be seen together with their Venmo information or Paypal.

3. How to make sure that people don't steal from the jar?

You can use velcro to tape your jar down on a surface to avoid theft. That way, robbers can't grab the tip jar easily and run, and you'll be alerted when someone attempts to do it.

You can also get a tip jar with a small opening so people won't have to put their whole hand when dropping tips.

4. What are some benefits of having a tip jar in your workplace?

To show gratitude for an excellent service, people often drop cash in tip jars. This container is a great way to empower employees and motivate them to provide even more amazing customer experiences!

Having a tip jar in a workplace promotes good service, and you're giving the employees a chance to be recognized and appreciated for their work. Rewarding your employees with a gratuity can go a long way in building goodwill and loyalty from customers.

Conclusion 

Tipping is an essential factor in the service industry, especially in the US. It’s a way for bartenders to earn extra money on top of their salary, and the right kind of container may be the key to making great tips from patrons.

You can rely on the Adir Acrylic Tip Ballot Box with Lock and its handy safety feature. If you want to attract more people to give you more tips, look no further than Pro Image Metal Tip Bucket. Finally, choose Cornucopia Large Coin Bank Jar if you want a simple yet effective design.

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Comments

  • That’s a wonderful list of tips regarding tipping benefits. One can earn extra through various tipping apps. It is important to attract more and more customers through your services and hospitality for earning tips. Thanks. Cashless tip jar for bartenders

    CA

    Cashless tip jar for bartenders

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