she tried to give me a $20 tip.
That can be an uncomfortable problem!
Before the pandemic I had a half-dozen bandsaw classes in my shop, limited to four or five people each time. I covered bandsaw setup, safety, and cutting/drying blanks from log sections. These were ALL club members and I certainly didn't want any money. But some tried to leave money anyway. So I made a slot in the lid of a plastic jar and a note that any donations go into the club treasury. That worked.
It is understood our club mentorship program is all volunteer, one-on-one, and no cost. If someone tries to pay I give them free wood to take home instead. That works by getting them distracted.
When I give private lessons in my shop I tell people my fee is a good story or a good joke.
The only classes I've done were private classes for club members, fortunately no one tried to tip.
When I get into a situation where people try to tip or pay extra for something I'm ready with the info for our favorite charity, a organization that gets single and homeless mothers off the streets (usually abandoned by the fathers), provides meals and medical care, and now has two houses on site with living spaces. Got a call from them the first time asking "Why did this guy come in saying you told him to bring us money?"
JKJ
