I was just wondering if the government is still making the gold colored dollar coins? If they are I think I will get some for faire. Is anyone else doing this and what amount do you give to acts?
Baron Frederick
Yes and Yes and depends on the act and how many times I see them. At my home faire were I know I'm going to see my favorites every weekend a dollar or two everything time . If I know I'm not going to see them again then it depends on how many are in the act and how much I enjoyed it.
If you decide to do this, please, please, please only use them for tips. As a beer vendor, there are few things more annoying than being handed a pile of those to pay for a groups purchase. They are big, heavy and cannot be put in bank deposit bags.
I second that!
They are nice I give them that, but for a merchant they are a pain in the bum! I only have so much space for coins and well I really dont like a fist full of them. For small sales like my roses I really dont mind but bigger than one or two gets annoying.
Quick question along this line for vendors and actors? How do you feel about Fair created coins that can be exchanged for dollar amount at end of day?
Quote from: The Rabbi on August 07, 2011, 06:02:00 PM
Quick question along this line for vendors and actors? How do you feel about Fair created coins that can be exchanged for dollar amount at end of day?
(I know you only asked about vendors and actors, but as a patron, I love them! ;D) But, that is a good question for them. I'd imagine it must be tiresome to exchange them at the end of the day.
Forgive me Mylady patrons are always welcome to share thier thoughts how else am I to make improvements.
I'm asking out of need for additional information—not to be argumentative—but what is the problem with the dollar pieces and why would you not be able to put them in a bank bag? I can understand it being a pain in the tush being paid for five beers and getting a fistful of dollars (to "coin" a phrase ;) ) as using coins in that situation would really serve little purpose. Is it the weight at closing that's the problem? Would it not help to give them back in change?
Many registers are not set up to allow for the extra coinage the extra space is generally reserved for clips needed to organize bills. Then if you do not have the means to roll your change you are faced with more loose coins and seldom do we think of dollar coin wrappers. Giving them as change is an excellent idea.
I use them for a couple of reason one is that in tipping it draws more attention and I think encourages the T-shirts and Jeans to Tip something that is not common in a lot of places. Second they don't blow away in the wind which in Texas can be a bit of a problem. I don't use them to buy food or beer unless I'm entire out of paper money.
I don't mind them at all. I wear plenty of pouches that they can fill up, besides they "jingle"
really well if you jump up and down hard enough. Also L'il Mac collects them, especially
the 1st run Washingtons'.
On note with using a faire coin, you would probably run into problems with the souvenir
shop at each faire, unless they got a percentage. Chances are, alot of the coins wouldn't
get cashed in anyways and would go home as momentos.
Yes, the gov't is still making them. They have presidents on them now, instead of Sakajewea(sp).
I used them WAY too much last year. I think this year I will restrict them to tips.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 07, 2011, 07:45:33 PM
I'm asking out of need for additional information—not to be argumentative—but what is the problem with the dollar pieces and why would you not be able to put them in a bank bag? I can understand it being a pain in the tush being paid for five beers and getting a fistful of dollars (to "coin" a phrase ;) ) as using coins in that situation would really serve little purpose. Is it the weight at closing that's the problem? Would it not help to give them back in change?
Our bank does not allow coins of any type in our deposit bags. To deposit coinage we are required to be at the bank in person and watch them being counted. In addition, they are heavy and tear the bags. We do indeed give them back in change, but when you have 100+ of them, that only goes so far. Plus, there really is no place to put them in the cash drawer. Last season I almost strangled someone for purchasing $50+ of beer and paying exclusively in coins...twice. I don't know how he didn't tip over from the weight of them on his belt. Having to take the time to count them slows down the line, people are not all that patient when they want a beer.
The drawback of the gold coins or any coins is the extra weight. It more stuff to carry after you break down the booth. Our bank won't take coins at the drive-thru. if we coins we have to go inside so it takes more time.
Faire coins are neat cheap souvenirs but as a form of payment I dislike them. It's extra time in line.
They are still being made and will continue to be made up to Nixon (I believe. I'll have to check at work). They come in $25 rolls. We use them as tips all the time... not just at faire.
Just a tad bit of info about the reason for the gold dollar coins came to be. The lifespan of a dollar bill is 18 months or so. Once they get to the point where they are so worn they are sent to the feds to be destroyed. Since the gold dollars are made of metal they have a much longer lifespan. Just think of how much money is being wasted with the paper money having to be printed to renew what wore out :o.
We use them for tips and most have said - "cool" (or something like that).
Actually saw a piece on the news the other day that the government has numerous quantities that have not yet been circulated as they have not "replaced" the paper dollar like they thought. We actaully order new ones from our bank so as to get the nice new shiny ones.
If someone does not want my tip, since it is coinage, then more ale for me :D
Interesting points, one and all. The jerk who pays in $50 worth of coin was intentionally being a jerk. I see the drawback at the bank. I remember a time when banks were helpful...it's been a while. Wouldn't it be nice if the faire management would help with coinage! If they aren't willing, then pay THEIR cut with the coins... THERE'S the solution! ;D
I actually see some benefit (to the faire owners) of issuing coin of the realm. As someone mentioned, lots of them get taken home as souvenirs.
I know that as a fair owner I would gladly help vendors and performers alike in exchanging coinage for paper be it coins of the realm or the dollar coins. I for one think the clink and clatter of coins adds to the ambiance of fair which is very important for a patron. sexondly as Merlin and others have stated coinage of the realm equals a cheap souvineer and increases my profit however I do not feel it should be forced on either the patron or the vendors, performers have a bit less control over tips and I do not have a solution there sorry guys. I also feel that as an owner it is my responsability to limit such coinage to prevent said patron for paying a $50.00 tab with them. Finally as a fair owner I am resposable for assisting my vendors/performers in any way possible and after fair it is much easier for me to set the coins aside for a couple of days before I need to worry about restocking and such which is a concern for vendors. Yes it could become time consuming but it all boils down to happy guest spend money happy vendors look forward to returning next year and also create happy customers. As a fair owner it is my responsability to create a pleasent and enjoyable fair for all and this would be a very small task to take care of in doing so.
I didn't think about the "breaking down" and "extra weight" and bank issues with gold coins.
Most of them wind up in jugs here and there. But here's another way to look at it; The next
time I have a really, really slow day, when I look at the cash drawer and can't even find
enough profits to go buy a turkey leg. I am going to say to myself, "I am really glad I don't
have a big bag of "government issued, gold coins to walk out of here with today. What a
relief to a bad day."
I want to add, we use them just as tip money, so when I buy a $5 dollar ale, a 1 dollar coin goes in the tip bucket. Although my young son we give him a bunch and i know he likes buying things with them, not just tips.
The person buying $50 worth of drinks, twice. May well have saved his dollar coins through the year to spend at Faire.
He may not have thought it through and converted to paper before hand.
But a customer spending a $100, I wouldn't be calling a jerk.
Ferret
( I used to save $2 bills and Eisenhower dollars for vacation. I stopped because I kept getting back incorrect change in areas where they weren't common )
Well I can see the weight issue being an annoyance at best. But come on really... coins last longer, look cooler... actually feel like they're worth their weight... kinda. And it is a renaissance festival after all... a "rebirth" of coin usage isn't such a bad thing. Only inconvenient because the means of storing/carrying things that actually weigh something aren't kept around.
And it really gives patrons (the ones who want to) a feel of authenticity when they pay with such coins. If it was all in quarters, nickels and dimes then I would say be as annoyed as you possibly can. Also some fair's (not sure how many or which ones specifically) I know CORF does it... they have prices like 2.25, 3.50, 4.25. So coin is on hand anyway regardless of the fact. Honestly I would prefer that coin to be in whole dollars than in cents. Value to weight ratio makes it worth hauling around, no?
Quote from: Ferret on August 08, 2011, 12:38:02 PM
The person buying $50 worth of drinks, twice. May well have saved his dollar coins through the year to spend at Faire.
He may not have thought it through and converted to paper before hand.
But a customer spending a $100, I wouldn't be calling a jerk.
Ferret
( I used to save $2 bills and Eisenhower dollars for vacation. I stopped because I kept getting back incorrect change in areas where they weren't common )
I respect what you're saying, Ferret. But, you weren't holding up long lines of people to count out $100 worth of E-dollars, were you?
Sorry, but I consider anyone who thinks only of themselves as being a jerk. (I freely describe myself as being a curmudgeon from time-to-time, maybe even most of the time.) Spending $100 doesn't forgive a person for being a jerk...although
tipping $100 does. If the person heavily tipped after pulling this stunt, I would accept it.
There shouldn't have been a hold up.
Person working the booth should know something about counting money. Or practice.
Make the person put their money on the counter, using your index finger and next finger pull two coins at a time into your other hand. 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. to 50. We are talking a process that should have been less than 30 seconds. Way less time then serving the beverages.
And I've seen people use four fingers and thumb and count five coins at a time. Faster than some of the machines that count coins.
Now if the person insisted on counting the coins out one at a time and then the worker had to count them before going into the till, yes then there was a problem and disservice to those waiting behind.
Ferret
No, he bought beer for himself and 9 others, paid exclusively in coins and did not tip at all. I feel I had a right to be annoyed. I am a volunteer, I do not get paid except for my tips and he made my day more difficult.
Like I said with my first post, using them for tips is fine, just don't use them to make entire purchases. One or two is not an issue in anyway way, shape or form.
Quote from: Bahlien on August 08, 2011, 01:29:30 PM
Also some fair's (not sure how many or which ones specifically) I know CORF does it... they have prices like 2.25, 3.50, 4.25. So coin is on hand anyway regardless of the fact.
Our beer prices at MNRF are $4 and $5 even, no coins required.
I didn't mean to sound ungrateful, I was just stating things from my point of view as a beer vendor. Your thoughts may vary on the subject.
hehe...yeah, I'm afraid the art of counting change has hit a snag with the advent of modern cash registers... I went to a local Micky D's last week and handed the cashier a quarter after they had already punched in the $10 (for a $5.18 bill) and gotten the "Change" amount. The person had no clue how to adjust and count the change back, and handed me the quarter back and said, "that will just make it worse." My son was in the van and he started laughing...
Ferret, my friend, you give these people too much credit! :D You and I are a dying breed...able to count change!
edit right before posting...
Sitara, you have EVERY right to be annoyed, most ESPECIALLY for the no-tip. As a volunteer, you could not get fired...you should have dissed the jerk.
Quote from: Sitara on August 08, 2011, 02:40:23 PM
I didn't mean to sound ungrateful, I was just stating things from my point of view as a beer vendor. Your thoughts may vary on the subject.
You were the person there. And I do respect your view point. And especially as a volunteer, a tip was in order.
Ferret
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 08, 2011, 02:47:13 PM
Ferret, my friend, you give these people too much credit! :D You and I are a dying breed...able to count change!
Probably why so many cash registers now tell you how much change to give the customer.
I can't believe how many people don't know the basics of money or what makes a dime, quarter, or dollar.
From my business standpoint, a customer brings me money, that is the name of the game. Up to me to deal with it.
I've even had customers come in with a mouthful of change. Have them spit it in a shop towel, clean it later. Make hay while the sun shines.
Ferret
What Sitara said... Times 10!!!
While some may think the coins are cool and nifty and period or what have you, they are just plain annoying to the vendors and make for more work than necessary!
I'm glad to know this ~ I was thinking of getting some gold dollar coins specifically to take to Faire, but it sounds like they're more trouble for vendors/merchants than they would be fun for me to use. ;)
I picked up a roll today at the bank(U.S. Grant ) thought they would be fun to use as tips for the performers
Baron Frederick
When I opened my pub I immediately changed over to the dollar coins when stocking my registers, also kept rolls of dollar coins as the back up change......After the first month of business, I changed back to dollar bills at the request of my waitresses and bartenders. It only took one week for my staff to demand that I get the dollar coins back.......It seems that their tips were about 100 % or more higher when they used the coins as change. Just a thought for all you bartenders out there.....Keep the dollar bills in the register and give the coins out in change, more of them find their way to the tip jar.
Aint techknowledy great? Granted I may not be the fastest snail n the race or even the brightest crayon in the box but being able to do simple math is almost a lost art and algerbre something to this day I do not grasp is common place. No one sector is more important then the other but there are three basic things needed for a fair. Performers, Vendors, and Patrons at the end of the day it is the patron who pays the bills and the performers and vendors who have earned thier pay. Happy patrons spend money and give tips which in turn equals happy vendors and performers. I personally as a vendor would not want to deal with $50.00 in coins all in one shot but one or two at a time no big deal. As a past Vendor I always kept a coffee can to toss those odd coins in so at the end of the day I did not have to seperate them from normal currency"Susan B. Anthony" coins were fun till I figured this out. Performers sorry no easy way to keep yours seperated that I know of. Fair Owners We are responsable for keeping all three in good standings and content; be prepared to purchase these odd coins and make life easy on the ones who help pay your bills. If all the patron has left is a few coins are you the vendor going to deny the sale or you the performer going to say keep your tip I dont want it.
As a vendor myself I really don't mind the coins. One faire I vend at has wooden coins that they use to buy food and drink but we are able to take them because they will come around and cash them out for us every Sunday. I keep a separate box just for those. Kids love them when they get them back as change. I love hearing the kiddies telling mom or dad that they just got pirate coins for change.
As far as Coins of the Realm issued by different faires, I am not sure why they use them, but at the event that I run, I use them because I get a percentage of the booths gross sales. And this is just a way of keeping everyone honest. And many do go home.....so since we are a fundraiser and all monies raised go to charities....all the better.
I would be happy as a vendor to be getting any form of currency, regardless of its shape, weight, length. Provided that I can turn around and either buy something else with it or pay the hired hands. Tips or even in a giant bag... 50 at a time? Okay. I make pouches for things like that.
*rant on*
This is not directed at anyone in particular, just a general statement. Not looking to ruffle any feathers, but...
Receiving coins has nothing to do with being able to do math.. It's somewhat insulting that this seems to be the biggest defense being used.. Just sayin.. A dollar is a dollar any way you look at it.
That being said...
The coins are a pain in the @ss.. plain and simple, and we do TRY to give them back out as change, and guess what, your average dane (which makes up the majority of the patrons at any given faire does not want these things) It's the playtrons who think it's awesome to use the gold coins to pay for things or use them as tips, etc.. So next time you come to the pub should I give you back your change on a $20 in gold coins? See where I'm going here?
No one is going to turn anyone away, or turn their nose up if someone chooses to pay for their purchase or tip with them, but keep in mind, that tipping that great street performer with a coin(s), he/she in turn puts that tip in a bag or pouch and then carts that extra weight around all day.
It all spends the same, and I think all that is being said here is to be considerate when using the coins, and paying for $50 in beer/garb/food or what have you is just rude. It's like buying a $5 cup of coffee and paying for it with pennies.. Is the cashier capable of counting them all, sure, but I'll bet you will be remembered as being an @sshat the next time you come in to Starbucks..
*rant off*
:)
On the other side of the coin I get annoyed when people use credit cards to buy a cup of coffee or a donut it really slows things down.
The consensus seems to be, there is no consensus. Some vendors say "no way" and the next says "bring `em on." There are valid arguments on both sides, so what to do? If you don't want to accept $1 coins, would it be considered rude to put up a sign that says, "Please No Gold Coins!"? You already see signs that say "No bills over $20, Please!" It seems a viable solution to me, but I have been labeled a nutcase by some.
Muffin, the crack about being able to make change was me being a wisearse... I realize it's much more than that. (That isn't to say that the "art" of counting change hasn't been lost).
Quote from: SirRichardBear on August 09, 2011, 02:08:50 PM
On the other side of the coin I get annoyed when people use credit cards to buy a cup of coffee or a donut it really slows things down.
Ain't that the truth....
The only time I ever minded gold coins was when the shop I was working at ran out of paper dollars. I tried giving a woman her change with the gold coins, and she started screaming at me about my trying to cheat her by giving her fake renfaire money that she couldn't spend anywhere but this stupid faire, etc etc. (you could tell she was really enjoying her day at the faire)
I had to point out the "In God We Trust" part to her before she'd believe it was real currency. *headdesk*
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 09, 2011, 02:33:14 PM
The consensus seems to be, there is no consensus. Some vendors say "no way" and the next says "bring `em on."
I see a difference in this thread too.
Paid worker and volunteer worker.
If I had an employee complain about a customer spending $100, that would be the employee's last day.
I believe the two Ladies posting in this thread are volunteers. And I think that is a big difference. Who they are working for, and patrons, should make their work as easy as possible. I'm sure they are at the top of the over worked and underpaid list.
If I see either of them at faire, I think I'll throw a tip in their jar, even if I don't buy anything.
Ferret
Now I know its hard to determine the tone of a post, but Wow..... I really hope you weren't trying to insult us.. :-\
With all due respect no one here is complaining about anyone spending $100.00. A good portion of our profits go to charity, yes that's right, drink a cold tasty beer served to you by a fabulous wench and the money goes to a worthy cause.. ;) So huzzah for someone spending $100! and yes, I am a volunteer, so I am obviously not out there to make money, I am out there because I love it, and its fun.. The tips are considered a bonus, and I'm pleased if we can cover the costs of expenses for the run, (camping, gas, food, etc..) but if not, oh well.. I do not expect anyone to make my job easier for me, generally as "alcohol providers" we deal with more crap than most, (read: idiot and or angry drunks, underage stings, etc..) but I know what I signed up for.. Both Sitara and I can make change and have taught others to do so through out the years.. ;D
Money is money, it all spends the same, and we will not turn anyone away who chooses to pay with coins, nor will we make any faces or make you feel foolish, (well to your face anyways :D :D kidding.. kidding... or am I? ;)) We are grateful for all money that comes to the pubs or our way, but the fact remains, the coins are stupid! they are simply a time waster, and hold up the line just for the sake of someone thinking they are being "period" by paying with coins.. and yep I would feel the same way if I was a paid employee *which I will never ever ever be at MNRF* I like being a volunteer.. :-*
Quote from: Muffin on August 09, 2011, 03:29:25 PM
Now I know its hard to determine the tone of a post, but Wow..... I really hope you weren't trying to insult us.. :-\
Heavens no, quite the opposite actually.
Ferret
What Ferret is saying, Muffin, is that part of what an employee is being paid for is to put up with BS. A volunteer is not. We're supporting your position.
So now the question arises... How do you know if you're dealing with a volunteer or not? And, I'll ask again... what about a sign if it is a problem dealing with coins?
[As an aside, I've been in the hospitality business before, and I've had customers that ended up costing me more than they spent. It's a difficult situation to get into because bad news travels faster than good news.]
Quote from: Ferret on August 09, 2011, 04:02:06 PM
Quote from: Muffin on August 09, 2011, 03:29:25 PM
Now I know its hard to determine the tone of a post, but Wow..... I really hope you weren't trying to insult us.. :-\
Heavens no, quite the opposite actually.
Ferret
I figured as much, but its so hard to tell just from reading!! ;) :-*
Merlin, I'm not sure there is a way to tell the difference, but from what I know of most fest workers, we may as well all be volunteers from the amount of money that is made "working" during the run!
As far as a sign saying No Coins or something like that, for us it wouldn't be possible, its not that we can't accept them, its just that we would rather not for convenience sake..
Anyways, like I said, money is money, and we are happy to have it.. :)
As I am a fairly new recycled rennie (stepped away for over 20 plus years) I do not know about other fest but All volunteers and cast will be wearing a Skeloton key of some kind to represent that we are Keypers of Magic. Special VIP will also be wearing a key as well but located in a different place. Signs and program information will indicate this information so patrons and guest will know the difference. example Key on right side = volunter key on left side = paid cast key on hip or wrist VIP. Have not worked out all the details yet but what I have in mind.
Im not sayin that i hate 'em but they sure are a tad annoying. And I am not a volunteer I am a merchant, I like keeping simple cash is easier. When people pay for roses in the coins I dont mind because that is only 2 or 3 but when you get beyond that there is really no place to put them in a register.
If you want to use them thats cool what ever floats your boat.
Because of the cost and life of paper money, it would not surprise me, in the currrent economic conditions, that the Goverment begins to phase out all paper less than a $20 and replace them with coin. $1s, $5s and $10s might go the way of th "Silver Certificate"
Personally, as a taxpayer, I would encourage it. Guess I should write my Congressman...
Nah, who am I kidding, when has the Gov't ever done something to save money.
For singles, it might make sense, perhaps even $5. Above that, the problem of counterfeiters may end of being more costly to deal with... I don't know, it's just a thought.
Quote from: The Rabbi on August 09, 2011, 06:31:49 PM
As I am a fairly new recycled rennie (stepped away for over 20 plus years) I do not know about other fest but All volunteers and cast will be wearing a Skeloton key of some kind to represent that we are Keypers of Magic. Special VIP will also be wearing a key as well but located in a different place. Signs and program information will indicate this information so patrons and guest will know the difference. example Key on right side = volunter key on left side = paid cast key on hip or wrist VIP. Have not worked out all the details yet but what I have in mind.
Great idea, the only problem I see is the left vs. right. Same problem I have with visitors to my earthquake information booth. They all assume CA has the most earthquakes because that is the state we most often hear about. They would be wrong, it's Alaska. They have even argued with me about it, it is my job to know this people! ::) People won't care about what side it's on, just that it's there. You may want to go with another symbol or at least have them in different colors (think Star Trek; blue=medical, yellow=engineering, red=command) maybe with a bright ribbon. Otherwise I like it! ;)
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 10, 2011, 01:50:24 PMGreat idea, the only problem I see is the left vs. right...
Probably should leave politics out of it...especially the red and blue ;)
Color difference is a good idea, maybe even adornment at well, like gold, silver, and jeweled. Naturally having different keys increases your cost, unless you plan to make them yourself...
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 10, 2011, 02:26:11 PM
Quote from: Dinobabe on August 10, 2011, 01:50:24 PMGreat idea, the only problem I see is the left vs. right...
Probably should leave politics out of it...especially the red and blue ;)
Color difference is a good idea, maybe even adornment at well, like gold, silver, and jeweled. Naturally having different keys increases your cost, unless you plan to make them yourself...
Cheeky! lol ;D
Getting back to the issue, I had seriously considered heading to faire next time with $1 coins. Based on what I've seen here, I shall shelve that idea.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 11, 2011, 01:10:54 PM
Getting back to the issue, I had seriously considered heading to faire next time with $1 coins. Based on what I've seen here, I shall shelve that idea.
I bet the privy attendants(if you have any at your local faires) might appreciate it. They're little more then volunteers at my home faire.
Not to worry...I would always tip, just not with the heavy coins.
My kid saved all year and brought a pouch of quarters to use for rides. Rides costing sometimes $4.00 ... 16 quarters ... ooops, the vendor wasn't amused. (He was polite, and happy to take it, but I could see the look on his face), I felt bad. Won't make that mistake again. After carrying the rest of them on my belt all day - too heavy.
As far as faire minted coins ... please, no. I don't want money I can only spend at a specific place, even if it is beloved faire, and even if I can turn it in for cash back ... I don't want to stand in line at the end of the day.
Cash really is the way to go.
just my 2 cents ...
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 11, 2011, 01:10:54 PM
Getting back to the issue, I had seriously considered heading to faire next time with $1 coins. Based on what I've seen here, I shall shelve that idea.
I have for the last couple years tipped (that is tipped) with dollar coins, and will continue to do so. If someone does not like it, then I will not tip with the coins. So far I have never had a complaint.
By the way, I like your CD you gave me - which one is you?
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 11, 2011, 04:27:29 PMBy the way, I like your CD you gave me - which one is you?
Well! You're the first to mention that it didn't end up a Frisbee. Glad you like it.
Which one am I?!? ROFL! I had to pull out the CD insert to check... I guess it has been a while since the photos were taken. I'm the bassist...the good looking one—well, that long ago I was, anyway...kinda, maybe... But my beard was definitely cropped short in those days, and looking at the photo, I even still had some hair.
If you followed the lyrics in the insert, you'll know that we didn't take ourselves any more seriously than anyone else did, otherwise we would have been on Circus of the Stars or American Idle [sic].
Truly, if saved for tips only, the coins are fun and not an annoyance to the majority of vendors/performers at faire. The coins are heavy so we take $20 a day and use them for tips. I will admit if we run short at the end of the day, our last meade may be bought partly with coin.
The patron that used $50 in coin and didn't tip is an exception to the rule, but if the pubs and food vendors out there would prefer no coin consider MasterCard or Lord Visa or place a sign requesting no coin at the tip jar.
I will say as a former waitress/bartender, I was happy with any form of monetary tip and the more the merrier!
We have also used it as a learning experience for our son. He regularly tips performers and vendors without a reminder because he enjoys using the coins.
Disclaimer: We don't use coins. Never even think go making a special trip to the bank to get them.
Here is what I find funny: In England, they did away with all bank notes under L5 (five pounds, we don't have the correct symbol). So most people have pockets full of coins, because one of the most common pieces is the L1 pound (which used to be a note, but now is a coin). They actually have 8 different types of coins, for the different denominations, and only 4 paper notes, 5, 10, 20, and 50 pound notes. So if faire is a recreation of England, and especially Renaissance England, the paper money would be anachonistic.
Does this have anything to do with merchants/vendors taking coins or patrons carrying them? No. But I just found it funny.
Have a great day! ;D
I was really excited about getting $10 or $20 in gold coins for fest this year. It really stinks to see some of the reactions to them. I mean, they are completely legal tender, and I just figured the people at faire would happily except them for the atmosphere / authentic quality they lend. I guess convenience wins out every time. :-\
I have been bringing them to faire for the last couple of years. I think I shall restrict their use to tips from now on, based on the comments!
That's what's cool about this forum, there is so much info here to make the experience so much better for all!
OH, and when I go to the Foaming Stein on Labor Day, I will pay in quarters, and not leave a tip! Mua-ha-ha!
Quote from: Butch on August 12, 2011, 10:13:55 AM
OH, and when I go to the Foaming Stein on Labor Day, I will pay in quarters, and not leave a tip! Mua-ha-ha!
:D
Good thing we all have the right to refuse service for any reason!
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAH HA! ;) :D
Like I said repeatedly now, gold coins are fine, just don't make large purchases with them! $5 and less is no issue!
People here sure do like to get offended lately.
Quote from: Sitara on August 12, 2011, 12:43:04 PM
Like I said repeatedly now, gold coins are fine, just don't make large purchases with them! $5 and less is no issue!
People here sure do like to get offended lately.
I don't think anyone is offened, at least those of us that use the coin - note the smileys
The reason the pound coin worked in the UK is because when they came out with it, the government pulled all the notes off the market leaving just the coins.......People got over the transition pretty quick as it only took about 6 months for no one to have bills left. I was living in England at the time, and I am sure the government made a lot of money because many people put away notes to save, frame or pass on in collections..... The U.S. could take the hint thereby saving the cost of printing bills that only last a few years and having them replaced with the dollar coins.
I travelled England back in 1994 and was pleasantly surprised that I could pay for a lot of meals with the 'change' in my pocket. No need to unlimber the ol' wallet!
Canada has 'Loonies' and 'Toonies' (ones and twos) to the same effect.
Those countries (and others, I am sure) are accustomed to receiving coin-o'-the-realm for purchases. But here in the Colonies, coins are still an inconvenience for larger payments.
If I could recommend: Drop a few coins on the bar for effect, but have a $5, $10 or $20 readily available for the bulk of your purchase (Shop purchases should be in paper or charge).
NOTE: ALL money is covered in filth! NEVER put money in your mouth and you should WASH YOUR HANDS after handling cash in ANY form! :P Love seeing the beer wenches with wet, clean hands!
I really don't have a lot of experience with the gold dollars (can't even remember the last time I saw one) but as I recall, one of the biggest problems with the Suzie B's was that it was really easy to mix up with a quarter when in a hurry or in a dimly lit situation. Is that still a problem or did the Mint get it right with the gold ones?
Susan B Anthony and new dollar coins are the same size. Main difference is the color.
The government needed the same size so the vending industry didn't need all new dollar coin mechs.
Ferret
The gold dollar coins jump out at me, I can't imagine confusing it for a quarter any easier than confusing a nickel for a quarter.
I re-thought the idea of bringing some dollar coins for tips, but I don't want either the performer or other patrons to think I'm tipping a quarter. I just wouldn't want the performer to think I don't value their performance, and I wouldn't want other patrons to think it would be ok to tip a quarter.
sigh ... I LOVe the authentic feel of the dollar coins, but there seem to be too many possible drawbacks. Sticking to paper bills this year.
As a performer, I'm just pleased to get tips, whether paper or coin. The wind doesn't carry way coins, though.
One faire I played at gave out a wooden token with each admission, that was expressly for tipping performers. It was a first year event, and they were trying to encourage the tipping. At the end of the day, we could cash them in for a dollar each. I kept one as a souvenir.
Oh goodie goodie goodie, on WINDY days I can tip with gold dollar coins in good conscience!
I personally carry cash, as it is lighter, and simper to use. I do give the kids $10 in gold coin for their own personal money, which they may use as they wish. For my daughter it usually ends up being some kind of sweet snack, and the rest is tips. Nothing is quite like a garbed 4 year old tossing gold into the hat, which is why I do it. I like the illusion, especially for the kids' sake, but agree, mass amount of coin suck. I make jokes at work all the time that I'll take coin, beacuse the counter doesn't find it as heavy as a person does. There is enough weight on my belt as it is. If offered it in change, I'll take it however. money is money, and I know how difficult it is for any merchant to get rid of the gold coins, or 50 cent peices. I have had customers at my store decide to cancel their purchase to not get large coins back as change.