Every time I have posted a question, I have gotten so much helpful information. I'd like your input on the subject of being asked to delay the start of your performance.

What do you say to someone that has hired you for a specific time and, when you show up at the appointed hour, you are asked to delay your performance for one reason or the other. This has happened to me several times at birthday parties.

First of all, what sort of reply do you give the individual(s) that hired your?

Secondly, if you do delay beginning your performance, what do you do during the time you are waiting?

That has never happened to me, but it is very rude. What if you were expected to go to another function shortly after this one? You would either be late or cut this one where the rudies are shorter, and then they would expect to pay you less.

I always call ahead of time and double check the details (who, what, when, where, and how) but if there is something at the last minute to delay your performance, even a call won't help.

I suppose if you weren't in a hurry, and you have lots of patience and time ... maybe you could use that time to go to the bathroom. There is an unwritten law someplace that the minute you are in FULL CLOWN, Mother Nature will arrive on the scene and you will have to use the bathroom, but if you're like me, it's too much trouble, so I just postpone that. So ... if I had to wait awhile, I would probably find the nearest restroom to double check my makeup, costume, and use the facilities ... that way, when it is your time to perform, you will be in good shape.

Or ... you could use this time to bring in stuff, set things up for your gig, make a phone call from your car ... I don't know. I'm hypothetical here. It's never happened to me. I would make sure it didn't happen again if they called me back for a repeat performance by telling them at the time they call you that you DO have another gig that same day, and remind them that you charge by the hour from the time you arrive on the scene until you are finished. I'm sure you are charging close to $100 per hour ... believe me ... they will keep you on schedule.

Sometimes people take advantage of clowns because we are so nice. It kills me how many people expect a gratuitous gig ... I don't think they stop to think what goes into our performance, costumes, etc. That's a whole different subject though. Sorry ... I will now step down from the soap box, take a bow, smile and wave and make the little kids happy again.:D

This has only happened to me once and I explained to the parent that I had other events\parties to do that day and that I could only delay my performance by about 10 minutes. I also explained to them, in another room away from children, that if I had to cut the party short due to this they where expected to pay me in full.

Ten minutes later I started the show, I cut out one whole set of props in my uggling show and was out of there in about the same amount of time. They paid me in full as well as a $20 tip.

A couple things I would suggest is to always have another show lined up, even if it is for your pets or children. That way you have another obligation and they cannot be upset if you have to leave at the scheduled time. Like Nettie said, always call and confirm the party.

When I was asked to delay I actually went out in my car and waited ten minutes then came back in. This prevented me from "performing" prior to my performance.

When you schedule a party do you ask what time the party starts and then plan to arive right then? I explain that it is best if the clown arrives about 30 minutes to an hour AFTER the party starts. This gives everyone a chance to arrive without missing the show.

As stated above, it's always made things easier for me if I arrive after everyone has arrived and settled in. Even if I'm at the location (more for corp events or such than private parties), I'll hang out and relax for a bit and then make my appearance.

This saves time of parents chasing wayward children to come see the show or what-not.

When you schedule a party do you ask what time the party starts and then plan to arive right then? I explain that it is best if the clown arrives about 30 minutes to an hour AFTER the party starts. This gives everyone a chance to arrive without missing the show.

I've experienced the opposite end of this challenge, also. My standard question is, "What time would you like me to arrive?" with the understanding that I'll be there for an hour (or slightly longer, within reason, to finish up) from the time of arrival. The difficulty is just this, though, timing my appearance within the larger context of the party. It can happen, for instance, that the the person requests my presence later on in the planned timeframe than they perhaps ought to have, in which case I am asked to hurry things along so that everything remaining can fit in before the appointed time of departure for the party attendees. The concept of arriving 30 minutes to an hour after the start time announced on invitations seems like a very reasonable recommendation to give everyone adequate time to arrive, get settled, do whatever else might be planned, and still make the involvement of a clown something special which is given its proper place within the larger context of the event.

I always sent a confirmation in whitch everything we have agreed on is repeated inclusive the times and agreed price. If they ask me to start later that is o.k. but then I always have another appointment (which I don't feel to have to justify, that isn't their bussines) later on to give me the escape to finish at a certain time. I mostly don't make a big fuss to start and finish a little bit later but there are borders to it. The time I have to wait I mostly use to do some jugglingtraining.

ive not had to worry about it yet. I did have a party delayed so the children could eat but the parint was nice enough to call me & ask if i could show up later then we first agreed to

when i started reading this thread, i knew exactly what i was gonna say. but now, im at the bottom. its all already been said. ho hum.

This happens to me all the time...in fact, it happened to me just yesterday...

Perhaps its the black community...but tardiness is not just a trend...its a way of life...lol

Even if I'm scheduled to be there half an hour or an hour into the party...often times a good portion of the guests haven't shown up...
The way I approach it varies from party to party and is based on what I have to do immediately following...sometimes how difficult the the customer has been...and if there are some pretty ladies around...(yeah okay...I'm weak)..

Yesterday, my show was at the Old Country Buffet and I was only scheduled to do 30 minutes...starting at 2:30...They arrived at 2:20 and sat down, took coats off and went to go get plates...so by the time they were ready...it was 2:50...I explained that I had to leave no later than 3:15...and they were comfortable with that...so I shortened my show a bit...and continued...

Its diffcult to compete with food...

Sean, we haven't heard from you in six months or so, are things strting to slow down there in the windy city? Glad you made it back. How was business this year? Mine gets a little better each year.

Yeah...my winter months are bit slower than the summer...And I've had to cut my numbers for clowning quite a bit...I'm not sure if anyone here knew but I'm also in the party rental business...And this year...I opened a party room...to help out with lull in activity during the winter...its drained me of all of my resources and time...that customer yesterday called me and told me her clown cancelled on Wednesday and she needed somebody most urgently...I advised that because I had to get back to host a party after hers I wouldn't be able to give her a clown...but 30 a 30 minute magic show seemed to be just right...

Ditto.... I alway suggest to the families that I arrive later than the party is to start and I explain ahead of time that they are booking for that time and I do book other shows, so they always know up front that I'll have to leave at the expected time.

I'm also in the party rental business...And this year...I opened a party room...to help out with lull in activity during the winter...its drained me of all of my resources and time...

I have been reading quite a bit about the party room scene in TAPS and elsewhere and even though is seems to be winner in the long run I can sure see how it would suck down the resources for awhile. It doesn't seem like something that works very well if you try only halfway. Good luck. I spent some time on your website and you look like a very busy man. But man! Your inventory astounds me!

if you are scheduled to do more than one thing at the function. Perhaps it would be possible to finangle the activities. In other words, switch around what you do first until more guests arrive. But, yes, making sure they understand when the party starts vs when you arrive.

I have been reading quite a bit about the party room scene in TAPS and elsewhere and even though is seems to be winner in the long run I can sure see how it would suck down the resources for awhile. It doesn't seem like something that works very well if you try only halfway. Good luck. I spent some time on your website and you look like a very busy man. But man! Your inventory astounds me!



What is TAPS...?

In my opinion, if you have time, then just wait. We have all had it happen to us where you have tried to organize something and go a bit over the time limit. So imagine what the parents feel like. I think it is good business to wait - if you can!

What goes around comes around, that way if you are running late to a party; you would hope the parents may be nice to you, for holding them up.

If you can’t wait, because you have other parties, then that’s fine. Explain to them it will take off the time of your performance.

What is TAPS...?


TAPs is an industry magazine called Tourist Attractions and Parks Magazine. http://www.tapmag.com/


It contains quite a bit of interesting information that you might be able to use.

In my opinion, if you have time, then just wait. We have all had it happen to us where you have tried to organize something and go a bit over the time limit. So imagine what the parents feel like. I think it is good business to wait - if you can!

What goes around comes around, that way if you are running late to a party; you would hope the parents may be nice to you, for holding them up.

If you can’t wait, because you have other parties, then that’s fine. Explain to them it will take off the time of your performance.

While I would agree that there is a certain wisdom and good business sense is polite patience for reasonable cause (also recognizably noting that we Americans tend to be too pent up over the concept of "time" and "the clock" - more so than in some other cultures) the issue of understanding and respect is something which should go both ways. For it is all too easy for performers to be taken for kindly people and get taken advantage of. There is a need for balance in perspective, therefore, and sometimes we may have to stand up for ourselves and our own rights or contracts to ensure that this is appreciated.

i agree tim, the lack of respect for what we do is still there whether we wait or not. while we are happy for any job that comes along, we do remember what happend last time. at one job we waited over 3 hours to do a reading program. of course, we were waiting for the state gov's wife to arive with the children. this was beyond anyones control when you are dealing with people like that (aparently). but the next time the call comes in for another of those, perhaps the price may change. it may be based on total time there...

Acctually Fitz I thought Taps Stood for ( The Alantic Paranormal Society) It is on Wednesday nights on the sci fi channel its a good show

I take a preemptive strike when it comes to time management with parties. It begins with the booking process. When they want to book me for an event/show I always ask when guests are arriving. As many have said on here already I tell them to book me at least 30-60 minutes after the start of the party. This usually nips this issue in the bud, If not you have a couple of options. If you have other shows booked you must press on and start at the agreed time. If you have time to spare at the end give them 10-15 minutes. I have found that by giving the parents or organizers tips during the booking process they are very appreciative and you end up looking more professional and your event goes off hassle free.

When I worked at TRU I was in charge of Birthday parties. We did alot of parties on the weekends 7-8 a day our parties were an hour and a half and we had a 30 min window for clean up and set up for the next party (1 Room ) We had several times that MOM would say " we are waiting for suzzie's 15th cousin 243 times removed on her fathers mothers sister side to get here " which would put us in a real bind. Then I would have to discount 4 parties because DUMBO could not read a clock and get there on time so what we went to was a signed agreement (Party is from 1:00pm - 2:30pm) anything past was $50 a half hour. AMAZING most parties started on time and ended on time after that. Late comers just had to jump in where ever we were in the party (Would mom or dad want to get to work and have their boss say wait a half hour before you clock in but go ahead and start working?)

My friend and I have found this problem not in private parties but with churchs, libraries and other such events. we discussed it and decided to price the wait time. Not the same price as the performance time, and not avalible if we have another party. But they should pay for our time if they planned things poorly.
I think this should also go for those who delay paying you because they had to________. Fill in the blank with, cut the cake, open presents, find the check book, find the husband, ect. That wait time should be paid for also. In 10 min. incriments. Maybe our priority can be moved above cutting the cake. We said 10 dollars for 10 mins. What do you think?

I ask for payment in advance on the shows I have done so far because my experience in past business has been well let me get my check book while you load your car and then you here LOCK and it is hard to sue if you dont have a signed contract So listen up boys and girls

Contracts are a must and have your dead time clause in there that way your sure to get paid ( maybe it is where I live )

Wow, maybe it is where you live. I am paid at the end of the show because by then they have seen what I do and often tip me in addition to my requested payment.
I use contracts and/or pre-payment on certain company show. I had a daycare (national chain) play games about paying me. It was child time by the way, and the national office in MI. I have also had problems with a home builder so they have to pay up front also.
If I am sending another entertainer I always get a contract. For both parties.
I kind of hate to have a church sign a contract.
One thing people can count on is if they screw me out of payment they will have a hard time getting another clown to their door step. As you know...we talk.

I do not do contracts. Like coco I prefer to get paid at the end of the show. So far it has led to tips galore and only a few small issues. I must say I hate it when I have to wait at the door after one of my shows waiting on payment..lol kind of awkward. Anyone else have this happen to them? Ohoo did I mention I do not ever accept checks? I will only take them from a business.

I have not done alot of work as a clown yet but I am speaking of past business that I have run. If it was a company or home owner I requested at a min 50% deposit that way if they cancelled or what ever I was not money I learned this after I pressured washed a church Yes a Church when I got done I gave the maintenance man my invoice for $2500 he said that the church tresurer had to cut the check and they would mail it. I contacted the church office and she informed me that they never signed a contract so she was not paying me. I just want to cover myself in the future. I don't know protocal for clowning and I am not in this to get rich (I love acting silly and making kids laugh) Just be careful because there are Dead Beats where you least expect!!!

I have done this for 20 years. 99 percent of the time everything goes fine. I have a lot of repeat bussiness. The time or two I had issues, let me think...the day care stiffed me...one b-day party...another one tried but she finally paid. And there was the delay from the home builders. That's not really that bad. But it hurts my feelings.
There are some agents you can't work for but I didn't count that.

I make it sure not to hang around while not performing. To me, this seems unprofessional. We are performers and need to go in, do our job, thank the parent, and leave. I would never accept any food or drinks offered. We must maintain a level of professionality, even though we are clowns. =)

Do you agree?

I will stay and have a piece of cake only if offered and if I have the time. I stay in character, but joke, talk, and listen to the kids. It brings it down to a more personal level and the kids seem to love it. I have had nothing but good experiences with cake!

I don't like to accept food or drinks from clients but I understand with some people it is an insult if I don't. Sometimes it is cultural. I will still resist eating there. If I have to accept their offers I take a plate with me.
I don't want to insult anyone and I normally have to be on my way.

This happened to me once, too, but it was such a sad, uncomfortable situation that I felt I needed to stay put. I was doing a birthday party for a boy in Kentucky. His entire class had been invited, and NOBODY showed up. This kid's mother and I were both hopeful that if I waited long enough to start my show, somebody would arrive, but it was not meant to be. Fortunately, there were some aunts and uncles there, so at least there were some adult guests. Nevertheless, I felt terrible for this boy, and I didn't mind hanging around a bit longer. We actually ended up having a pretty good time.

This happened to me once, too, but it was such a sad, uncomfortable situation that I felt I needed to stay put. I was doing a birthday party for a boy in Kentucky. His entire class had been invited, and NOBODY showed up. This kid's mother and I were both hopeful that if I waited long enough to start my show, somebody would arrive, but it was not meant to be. Fortunately, there were some aunts and uncles there, so at least there were some adult guests. Nevertheless, I felt terrible for this boy, and I didn't mind hanging around a bit longer. We actually ended up having a pretty good time.



:cry:

That’s sooooo sad! Did the parents of the other kids not confirm they were coming? As a dad I would feel so empty, what can you do to make that better? There is nothing worse than seeing your child upset and not be able to do anything to influence the people responsible – I would have been knocking doors (as a parent not a clown)!

At least there was a clown there to turn his frown upside-down!

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.

Regarding the birthday boy with no guests: One of the boy's relatives told me she thought there was a big soccer game going on in town the day of the party, so it's possible some of the kids went to that instead of the birthday bash. (although I can't imagine all of them did.) Perhaps the invitation didn't request RSVPs. Although my experience with my own kids' parties is that children & their parents often don't let you know if they're coming or not. Now, every time I throw a party for one of my own kids, I get so paranoid that nobody will come!

Living in a military town, it seems to me the only people who appreciate punctuation, uh, punctuality are those in the military. I have done parties where I began an hour after the party started, ran a little over, and still had people coming in expecting to see the performance!

All of the above suggestions are good but, unfortunetely, there is no solution that works in every situation. Only experience will teach you which response works best for what situation.

Another aspect of this is being asked to stay longer but that's a subject for another thread.

I do the same as Fitzwilly. I always ask my customers to have us arrive after the party starts so everyone arrives before we start.