Why Your Tip Menu Matters More Than You Think
Your tip menu isn't just a price list—it's a psychological tool. The right menu structure can double or triple your tips. The wrong one can leave money on the table every single stream.
This guide breaks down the science of tip menu design.
The Core Psychology Principles
1. Anchoring Effect
People judge prices relative to other prices they see. If the first thing on your menu is 500 tokens, everything below it seems cheap by comparison.
How to use it: Start your menu with your highest-priced item, even if few people buy it. It makes everything else feel like a bargain.
2. The Paradox of Choice
Too many options paralyse decision-making. If viewers see 30 different tip options, many will tip nothing because choosing feels overwhelming.
How to use it: Keep your menu to 8-12 items maximum. Quality over quantity.
3. Price-Quality Association
Extremely low prices signal low value. If everything on your menu is 5-10 tokens, viewers subconsciously perceive you as less valuable.
How to use it: Have a range, but don't race to the bottom. Cheap isn't a competitive advantage—it's a trap.
4. The Middle Option Effect
When given three choices, people disproportionately choose the middle one. It feels "safe."
How to use it: In categories with similar items, make sure the middle option is one you're happy to deliver.
Structuring Your Menu
Tier Your Pricing
Create clear categories:
- Low Tier (Entry Points): 10-50 tokens
- Simple interactions
- Quick acknowledgments
- Easy wins for shy viewers
- Mid Tier (Sweet Spot): 50-200 tokens
- This is where most tips should land
- More engagement, more personal
- Good value for viewers, good income for you
- High Tier (Premiums): 200-1000+ tokens
- Special requests
- Extended content
- Private shows
- Custom experiences
The "Low Entry" Strategy
Always have something cheap. New viewers often want to tip but aren't ready to spend big. A 10-token option lets them participate.
Once they've tipped once, they're psychologically more likely to tip again (the commitment principle). That 10-token tip can lead to hundreds more.
What to Include
Always Include
Consider Including
Avoid
Pricing Strategies That Work
The "Round Number" Myth
People actually respond better to specific numbers than round ones. 47 tokens feels more considered than 50. 197 feels like you've thought about value more than 200.
Test this yourself—you may find odd numbers outperform round ones.
Bundling
- Combine items at a slight discount:
- "Flash + outfit change: 150 tokens (save 30!)"
Bundles increase average tip size because viewers feel they're getting a deal.
Limited-Time Specials
"First 30 minutes: all tips doubled" or "Happy hour pricing until 10pm"
Scarcity and urgency drive action.
Tip Goals
Public tip goals (outfit off at 500 tokens, etc.) create collective momentum. Viewers tip to be part of reaching the goal together.
Common Pricing Mistakes
Pricing Too Low
New models often think low prices will attract more tips. The opposite happens—you attract low-value viewers and repel those willing to pay properly.
Copying Other Models Exactly
What works for someone else may not work for you. Your audience, style, and offerings are different. Use others as inspiration, then test and adapt.
Never Changing
Your first tip menu won't be perfect. Track what sells, what doesn't, and adjust. The best models iterate constantly.
Making It Hard to Read
Use clear formatting, simple language, and logical grouping. A cluttered, confusing menu loses tips.
Testing and Optimising
Track Your Data
- For one week, note:
- Which items get tipped most
- What time of day tips peak
- Which price points sell vs don't
A/B Test
Try different prices for the same item across different streams. Small changes can have big effects.
Ask Your Regulars
Your loyal viewers will often give honest feedback about your menu. What would they add? What do they skip over?
B&Co Tip Menu Support
Crafting the perfect tip menu is something we help all our creators with. We provide:
This is one of the quickest wins we can deliver for new creators.