I have done what MAB described for a while. I got a big metal flowerpot at a thrift store, spray-painted it a Really Obnoxious Orange, and put a sign on it proclaiming "Tipping Is Not A City in China." And I don't have to say a word. The Ugly Orange Bucket calls attention to itself just fine, thank you. Yes, seed money--a buck or two--in the bucket is a good idea, but I regularly forget (or don't have any). That doesn't seem to matter that much. I keep the Ugly Orange Bucket in the back of the truck so it goes to every gig.

Joe