It may have been mentioned in other posts, but I'm curious as to what the current "going rate" is to get a clown at your party? Today is the big day that my friend and I are going to clown my daughter's birthday. Since it's at a public venue, my friend asked, what are we gonna do if someone wants to book us for their event? I told her we're gonna take the gig! So, anyway, what should a clown charge these days? Pretty much we're a package deal and we really only do it for kicks anyway, so I told her we should have a "Two Clowns for the Price of One!" deal.

Does anyone care to share their rates - or at least give a ballpark?

It's difficult because a lot of where you live and the econimic base of that area play alot into the charge, if you have some listed in the phonebook call around like a parent booking a party and see if you can get an idea of what the going rate it is. I wouldn't recommend you give any one a rate off the cuff, you might find, that they're 50 miles away, high crime area you wouldn't dare go in, or plan on 50 kids. Get their info, or general info first then charge accordingly, for ex. if I go to the next town I add to mine to cover my travel time, and gas. now as to my fee, I'm prob. one of the lowest on this forum, I live in what was once a mill town, the mill owned the hospital, library, pool, etc would not allow any other industry to come in until about 15 yrs ago[I know sounds like some thing out of a movie but it's true, I could tell stories..], now with the mills closing many here are with out job, last announcement 465 more by the end of the year. In town here I chare $75 for 30 min magic/comedy show then will do either face painting or balloons at the end. I offer the cheaper $50 for 20/30min show only, of course every one wants the $75. the northern end of the county has experience an econmic boon and I plan to charge more to go up there. But if I lived in Charlotte or Columbia I think the going rate is around 150 but I could be wrong there.

now with the mills closing many here are with out job, last announcement 465 more by the end of the year.

I hear ya there - My area is/was big time automotive, but that balloon has burst.

Thanks for the info - that'll give me a little something to go on - Oh, and btw - The roller rink asked for a card! It looks like they may want us back! The DJ called me out on the floor to lead everybody (birthday party and the general public) in the Chicken Dance/Hokey Pokey, etc. It was great. After 20 years I have found that I can skate - I just can't stop too well. So, I go skating out there and end up nose down! It was unplanned comedic affect though!

Thanks again for the info!

I bet they thought it was on purpose. That's one thing good about clowning ...you can fall on your face [insert any other anatomy] and they'll laugh. Think it's all part of the act.

......you can fall on your face [insert any other anatomy] and they'll laugh. Think it's all part of the act.

Provided you can get back up!!!

I charge a certain amount per hour (or half hour, Like an at work flower delivery) within a certian distance(20-30 miles round trip). A corperate type event (Example:Sassy and I tie balloons and facepint for two hours at a company picnic) I price a little different. I look at mileage, plus the number of people that might be coming, A Good rule of thumb, figure five balloons per person,times 25 cents. This will tell you what your going to spend in balloons and the number you will need. The price is wholesale. (your cost) So in this case, fifty people, times five balloons is a bag of 250. This figure also calculates for breakage. A bag of 250 count balloons at LaRocks, is about... 12 bucks (I think).Then we figure about fifty bucks an hour per clown, and I add the two numbers together. So for us, two hours of facepainting and twisting would be 225.00
This is not a hard and fast rule. Sassy and I do a lot more volunteering that we do charging! Sooo, it depends. I have done partes for schools were I just try to recoup the cost of my balloons. With any other business, a charity donation is given from the profit made from other gigs, So, the paying jobs help to offset the charity jobs.
Remember, if you charge you need to cover your expenses, that includes makeup, balloons, whoopie cushions, dry cleaning, gas, tolls, tire, stops for a soda afterward, and that mandatory trip though Mickey D's drive thru on the way back from the gig or on the way depending on the mealtime orentation. If you do it for friends, then charge accordingly just recover your costs, whatever you deem fair. But, charge what you are worth and do it honestly. If you charge fifty bucks for an hour of balloons and a magic show, and you're still pretty green, hit or miss with the patter on the tricks, but the kids and parents are okay with that, great. But don't jack up your rates to the levels of the "Top performers" and not have a show to back it up.
Remember, Audiences, like cars and performances come in all price ranges.
I hope, this makes sense and helps. This is just my two cents worth, but take free advice for what it cost you. :) :P
Scruffy

I wish I could remember the source, but I once read about a great way to keep track of charging.

You'll need a big wall map of your city, and surrounding areas.

Using coloured highlighters, mark off zone 1(the nearest and easiest to get to) through zone 5 (the farthest and most difficult to get to). Then set prices for each zone. zone 1 could be a flat rate of $50, plus any add-ons they may want. Then add on $10-$15 for each zone.

Maybe have special deals for referrals (mention _____ and get $10 off.), and have add-ons for extra activities that are not included in your regular show.

In the end, I suppose a lot of it would depend on location, (you can charge more in a city) and costs of materials. If you do basic face painting, hand out little trinkets, baloon animals, etc...then that would be a lot cheaper than fancy props, effects and music.

ooh beleive it or not I used to be deathly afraid of clowns until I went to the hospital with a broken leg and posey the clown came in. I have never laughed so hard in my life. She is my inspiration for the whopee cushion but no one else can use one like her.

Thanks for all the advice guys! I'll mash it all together and see what we come up with. We have yet to get a call, but maybe we'll be ready when we do!

8)

Sometimes YOU have to make the call before it will come in!

You need to charge what you think you are worth and come up with good reasons why! What makes you different from Uncle Stinky's Clown Company (who are charging $150-$200/hour and GETTING it!)?

Some performers make $10,000 for 15 minutes of work. If you are used to getting minimum wage, you might jump at $10.00 an hour! Both are fair prices, as long as it is agreed upon beforehand!