Hello everyone out there.I've got a question for you all. Here goes. How do you all charge if you are asked to do a school carnival? i know schools do these things as fundraisers but it still costs me for my balloons and my time.It's getting that time of year and wanted some insight on this Thanks a bunch and Keep on Smilin'

I only do my child school and I donate that time, just like a parent does for watching a ride or ticket booth. But I don't do face painting or balloon because of the cost, and because they usually have a booth for thes, especially the face painting. I do walk around material and simple magic. That way I can watch my child have fun too [I usuually have another adult with children to help me keep an eye on things], plus no out of pocket expenses, just time and make up.

I do my kids funfair the same way. I also did VBS this way. At the funfair Iblew up and handed out balloons (Helium) which they provided. At VBS I did my magic show. It was a grat way to try out the Run Rabbit Run trick that I built. I did balloon animals no charge for that. For a regular fun fair depending on the time they want you I'd sayface apinting limited to Cheek art only. and Charge them enough to at least cover the cost of a new set of color cups. If I were doing walk around stuff and simple magic. No balloons and no face painting For a couple of hours I'd say around a hundred bucks. You can always make a donation to the PTA afterward If you feel thepay more more than needed (like from poor turnout or something) bu we all have to make a living.
It costs money to dress this badly :D

I haven't done any schools yet, but I have done church stuff. Usually, they let you know if they have a budget or not and then you decide if it is worth it to donate your time and talents for them. I have done a few freebies for the exposure, but I was just asked to do a church fair and told them I'd need to charge because of the cost of doing business, however I discounted my fee.
Jubilee

Schools are netorious for trying to get something for nothing. They are given a budget that they can spend on these events. They pay the regular price for rides and game booths and they have a budget for entertainment also. If you are not involved with that school then you should charge your regular price, they do have the money. If you give them the show for free or for the cost of your supplys, that is what they will think that you are worth. These event take place during times that you could otherwise be performing for money. The only referals that you get when doing a show for free is for other events that want a show for free. If you charge them you are precived as professional and will be treated as such, if you don't you will be precived as the free balloon making machine in the corner.
If you want to offer them a discount because they are a fundraiser tell them what you regular price is and let them know how much of a discount they are getting. This way you are still precived as a professional and also a nice guy who cares about their group.
Looney Ballooney