weekly gig need advice

[saphireSue]

I had told some of you about me doing the end of the year school party for Bojangles and at the first of the school year he had contacted me about doing something on a monthly basis, then management change he was promoted but promised to get back with me when things settled down. I really didn't expect to hear from him again but he called today and wants to meet with me tomorrow to see if we can work out a weekly apparence. Now I charged $100 for the party I did last year, but this will be a weekly event. I want to charge a fair and reasonable price, but attractive since this is a steady weekly gig. But I also know some one has started ballooning at local resturant for tips only [which I've also heard has caused some friction with the wait staff - their tips being effected]. What would some of you suggest.

[Giggles the Clown]

Hi Sue: This sounds like a great opportunity. Pricing is always one of the most difficult issues for any business, ours included. The once-a-week gig is even hard to price, because it is not one-off. So if I were to charge one price for a one-time event, I would probably want to discount the price for a weekly event. HOWEVER, the danger is that I would underprice in my eagerness to get the gig. And that price will stay with me week-in and week-out. Ouch! Here is what I have been successful at doing as a lead-in. I ask the question, "What kind of budget are we talking about?" People are usually very honest about the answer, and sometimes they don't even know. You can always say, "Look, I'd really like to work with you and your organization. Can you find out the numbers they are thinking about for this weekly service? I will work with you in any way I can." Even this is risky if the contact wants a quick decision. So I better have the backup price in my head just in case. I wish you luck. Isn't this a wonderful problem to have? Giggles

[Fitzwilly]

The tips alone is a big no-no for a number of reasons. We can discuss that later. A couple of things to think about. In this economy there is no way a customer is going to be willing to pay your full rate if you are working on a weekly basis. So there are a couple of things you can do to sweeten the pot for them and still make it worthwhile for you. If you like to go out for $100 but are willing to go out for $70 or $75 dollars then start with the number $75 in your head. Then think about how long you will be at the restaurant. For a party you are there generally about an hour, but for a family night, you probably start thinking about two or three hours. 5:30 to 7:30 or 6p-8p is usually pretty common. So figure how important it is to have that steady check coming in from the restaurant as well as how much visibility you will have to potential clients. Now when you start talking to the manager you have some numbers you can play with. "Well sir, normally I charge $100 an hour but since we are talking about an ongoing committment I was thinking more along the lines of... " "Since your family night is two hours long, lets do it this was I'll work from 6p until 8p for $75 a night. I may decide to stay a little later once in a while if we are pretty busy but most often I will leave shortly after 8p. I won't solicit tips but I will accept them if they are offered. And I will be passing out my business cards."

Okay so the wording is a bit rough (I got sidetracked in the middle) but you get the idea. To make it worth your while to get dressed up and lock in that time every week you need to make a minimum of $75. Time is of less importance because once you are there, you are having fun. Besides, in the middle of winter there is isn't much difference between getting home at 7:15 or 8:30, it is still dark.

[Sir Toony Van Dukes]

Good luck with negotiating a deal that works for your and the manager. With a recuring gig deciding upon the price is hard. Once you set a price, it is hard to change it more than once or twice a year. So, make sure you agree upon a price that you feel is fair.

Originally Posted by Fitzwilly

Besides, in the middle of winter there is isn't much difference between getting home at 7:15 or 8:30, it is still dark.

It may be dark outside, but my alarm still goes off at 4:30am the next morning, so getting home at 7:15 is better.

[saphireSue]

Thanks for the help every one, I recheck in the morning to see if there are any, You've all been helpful and I'll let you know how it turns out.

[saphireSue]

Well I will not know anything til Mon.

It sounds promising. If coorp. approve the regionals plan. I will be contracted to work every week for a set monthly fee. I will rotate each week between 3 resturants. 2 are 30-40 mins away so I had to take travel into account, hope I've not gone to high, but he thought it was reasonable, as the three stores will have to carry the load instead of just one. He's looking for the year, again depends on coorp. I can plan what I want to do at each location, but change it up from week to week, like comedy magic, then face painting, balllooning.

[Darrell]

Sue,

Congratulations on getting the restuarant deal!

As far as pricing goes, I suggest trust your own opinion/instincts. You have been clowning for a long time and know the business as good as anyone on this forum.

Good luck!

Darrell

[saphireSue]

I got it yeah,

I start April 29 every tues. rotating between the 3 Bojangles. The person I deal with is very nice and resourceful, he already had any concerns I had covered. He's aware it will take several weeks for it to catch on and for the public to find me. They will have flyers at each location the week before I come, add it to their paper announcements [as long as they're doing it for free the paper will include in upcoming events]. And on the nights I'm there they will have some one in the chicken suit with a sign out front.

One more plus, he gave my information to the coorp. guy who handles grand openings and told me not to be surprized if I get a call from him.
I'm so excited, I just can't stant it..oooooooooo.

I'm also glad I went to the creative ministry festival, admittedly, usually it's the same old thing year to year so for me I don't get much out of it, but the kids do, this year I didn't learn much but I got tuned in on how to do some old tricks I had forgoten, and some one on one time in a business class [ I was the only one in there] that back up what I had been doing and discussed pricing and cost. So I did get something out of this one this year.

[Fitzwilly]

We are so happy for you Sue.

[Sir Toony Van Dukes]

Congratulations! I hope that everything goes well with the new gig.