Today we’d like to introduce you to Jud Hailey.
Hi Jud, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been a professional musician performing around 200-250 shows a year. It’s been my primary source of income.
Just after the set of Quarantines in Minnesota, I was able to go back to work. I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to perform online anymore (it’s harder than you think).
Never in my life did I plan for a whole economic shutdown. Sure I had a backup plan if I sucked at music but, was caught off guard by the pandemic (like most of the world).
Yet, performing live post quarantine had its own set of challenges. Things weren’t like they used to be. First, all of the venues had rules about how long a table could sit for (1hr limits) and in addition, everyone was forced to stay at their table. This meant people couldn’t visit with me. The biggest challenge was that most venues relocated music to the back of the room. My income was severely hurt by this move alone.
Returning home to my wife and two children with less income (almost 75% less) meant I may have to find another job. I was flat out scared.
I noticed that most restaurant patrons were using the touch-less menus that the restaurants used. The restaurants spent the time educating the patrons on how to use the QR Codes and that’s when it struck me.
I will create a touchless menu using QR Codes that will let new and current fans make requests and tip me! Also, I was able to build massive lists of adoring fans with each request.
My first show using this new found method was a game changer! Not only was it like it was before but tips were triple what they were before!
This is when TipTree.io was built!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
TipTree.io was a no-brainer for me! I thought surely other musicians would feel the same. Originally, I built it out to serve the community as a free software but realized quickly that I couldn’t afford to give it away free.
But despite the low fee ($16mo) I was struggling to convince other artists that TipTree was 1000x better than a single Venmo QR code as it combines all the possibilities for electronic tipping (Apple Pay, PayPal, credit cards and more).
I was shocked to find out other artists were not paying attention to building fan lists. To be frank, my small community lacked the basics in understanding marketing.
It really made me question the viability of TipTree. Were other artists struggling like me? How were they earning money to live!?
However, I noticed that when one artist would join another would follow shortly after. In other words, word of mouth was my gateway to artists that think like me! Now over 2 years later TipTree has a thriving community of like-minded marketing forward musicians.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TipTree.io?
For musicians looking for an all-inclusive app that allows them to self-advertise, accept song requests, and earn more money during performances, the Tiptree app is the perfect solution. Within the TipTree app, artists have the ability to create personalized artist table cards to display throughout the performance venue with a unique QR code that links directly to their TipTree profile where fans can request songs. One major benefit of the TipTree app compared to other song requesting apps is that the ability to create physical table cards gives fans visual encouragement to request a song, as opposed to a verbal announcement being the only method of notification.
As fans scan the code using their mobile device, they can easily access the musician’s set-list and request their favorite songs. Additionally, TipTree gives musicians control over the visibility of their set-list and can choose to turn it off at any time. Perhaps the best perk of all, the TipTree app respectfully nudges fans by reminding them of the option to leave a tip, allowing musicians to directly earn more money while doing what they love.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
As a result of Tiptree and building a fan base that I grow at every show I’ve 10x my private parties.
My rate for private parties went from $500 a 3hr show to $2600 for a 3hr show.
Before TipTree, I’d perform 3-5 parties a year.
This year I have 26 booked and it’s not even the end of May!
Not to mention my calendar is packed full until May of next year!
Contact Info:
- Website: Tiptree.io
- Instagram: @tiptree
- Facebook: @tiptree
Image Credits:
Jud Hailey
