I’m new to clowning, but both my partner and I have always worked with legal documentation based upon terms of contracts.
At the end of the day, no self employed person should carry out any type of work without first agreeing on the terms of the contract – It doesn’t mater if you’re a builder, gardener or entertainer, you need to cover your back!
Contract is a bit of a scary word so I would call it a booking confirmation, but whatever you call it, it should clearly state what you have been contracted to do i.e. 45 minute show to include balloon modelling, face painting, song/dance and what ever it is you do.
There should also be an outline of what the client will do i.e. provide an adequate venue (if you are booked to do stilt walking and turn up to a find a caravan, you obviously can’t do your job), ensure everyone is there on time, control disruptive children etc. This is especially important if you work with disabled people who need to be supervised by their carers – I was reading another post on here where a clown did a gig in an old people’s home and one of the residents got hurt because the nurses were not there to supervise – Public Liability claim waiting to happen!
When you take an advanced booking, send out two copies of the booking confirmation, one is for them to keep and the other is for them to sign and return with a 10% deposit.
Advantages of a booking confirmation –
- You have a 10% non refundable deposit, so there should be less cancellations.
- Everybody knows what is required of them.
- You don’t need to discuss anything negative like waiting fees during your sales pitch. So long as it’s clearly highlighted on the BC they will be aware of additional charges/fees.
- Great opportunity to inform clients of upcoming events.
- Enclose proof of insurance.
- Enclose CRB check (don’t now what you guys call them, police security checks).
- It looks professional and helps to maintain a good company image
It would be nice to think that we live in a world where everyone is polite, reliable and respectful, but I‘m afraid there are a minority of “Bad Eggs” out there who spoil it for the rest of us, and if you’re in the business long enough, you will come across these people eventually.
There are obviously exceptions to the above, so you need to us your own judgment and do what you feel works bet for you. By all means provide a good customer service, be understanding and sympathetic, but don’t let them take advantage of you!
Milo (one step closer to) the Clown.
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