Clueless newbie

Anonymous · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2004, 03:37 PM

I am a totally clueless new clown. I have basiclly started from scatch and made my costume, taught myself how to twist balloons, some magic tricks and will be facepainting for any event I am hired for. Bt the probem I am having is what to charge. I have no clue what a fair price is for a new clown with no real expirence. My first 'job' is next week and it is for a good friend. Her daughter asked to have me at her b-day party and they are going to pay me my 'going rate'. I obviously don't have a rate and would like some suggestions on how to price myself. By the hour or a flat rate. And should I make 'packages', like magic and balloons a certain price, but if they want facepainting too the price goes up?

Any help would be great. Thanks in advance.

Jennifer

Anonymous · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2004, 03:38 PM

Hi. I am new too. I would
call around and see what the
going rate is. Or try the
internet, clowns for hire.
Hope it helps.
How exiting. Tell me how
it goes for you. Ok

Joy88

Anonymous · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2004, 03:39 PM

Well Newbie
"Going Rate" varies widely by the area that you are in. If you want to find out what clowns in your area are charging, call them up and ask them.
If you have never done this before and it is for your friend, charge them enough to cover your expences and consider the rest as a gift for your friends child.
You will be gaining something other then money that you can't buy, experience.
You don't want to charge as much as professional clowns your first time out. People that do that give the industry a reputation of being unprofessional. Tell people that you are charging less because you are just starting out. People that can't afford professional entertainment will still hire you and they will respect your honesty.
I hope this helps. Let us know how it goes.
Looney Ballooney

Anonymous · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2004, 03:39 PM

That is the best advice I have seen yet regarding this subject on any forum.

Truth2Tell

Anonymous · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2004, 03:40 PM

I can't tell you how valuable the experience was to me. The first three or four times I did a birthday for some friends I charged nothing. They gave me something to cover cost, but the experience was way more valuable.

I see by the date you probably have had the event. How did it go? :]

Bobo