Getting started ?'s

[CheckerZ]

So I'm just getting started doing b-day parties, and walk arounds, etc. I was wondering what everybody charges to do something like this? Also, it's just me and I know how to do about 25-30 balloon animals, hats, etc. but what else can I learn and pick up fast and easy?

[Lolly Plop]

I charge $100 for a one hr birthday party. I do a magic show, dancing (hokey pokey, chicken dance, limbo) and balloon animals.

[Fitzwilly]

I would recommend looking at the resources thread for balloon resources as well as the balloon section of the forum. 25 balloons is a good start but you will probably be asked for many things not currently in your arsenal. Also you probably should twy picking up a bit of magic.

[Shadpoke]

Wow Lolly Pop you do that all in one hour. That is pretty good. I have been doing magic with comdey attached and then balloons and that is one hour. HAHAHA

I would love to be at one your parties sounds like fun.

Also,____ What FitzWilly said.

Have a good day.

Shadpoke

[Kiddy Clown]

It depends you should have different prices for far away cities than those that are closer to you.

Hope This Helps,
Kiddy

[CheckerZ]

I also want to go to lolly plop's parties, sounds like alot of fun!! Lolly Plop my guess is you bring the music right? My fiance's boss said I could post some fliers in thier family restaurant and I was going to do a couple things there to help his sales and help me get started. What are some easy magic tricks to learn? Any books? Any specific tricks you perform that go good, any that don't do good?

[Lolly Plop]

Yes I bring the music and the limbo pole. My limbo pole looks like a big magic wand. I made it from a craft store dowel. I do charge more for parties outside my county and for parties over 20 children, since they take longer to make balloons. Of cxourse the lower the number of kids there is at a party the fancier the balloons are. Some of the easiest magic tricks are the clown coloring book, producing anything from a dove pan, I have a trick with blowing bubbles but I don't know if anyone makes this one anymore. I have a collapsable top hat that I produce a spring rabbit out of. A change bag is easy and you could produce a number of items from them. I have a square circle that is impressive yet very easy. I am a total klutz and can not do sleight of hand so all mentioned are totally idiot proof. presentation not skill is the criteria I must select my tricks by. If I can think of a funny way to present the trick then I use it.

[CheckerZ]

Any suggestions on where I can purchase some magic tricks? What would someone charge for like walk arounds at carnivals, etc. and parades?

[Fitzwilly]

Originally Posted by CheckerZ

I also want to go to lolly plop's parties, sounds like alot of fun!! Lolly Plop my guess is you bring the music right? My fiance's boss said I could post some fliers in thier family restaurant and I was going to do a couple things there to help his sales and help me get started. What are some easy magic tricks to learn? Any books? Any specific tricks you perform that go good, any that don't do good?

CheckerZ - check out the magic section. We have talked in a couple of the threads about some good walk around effects, as well as other thricks that work well for a beginner.


Welcome To Twin Cities Magic & Costume Co.

[Rainbow D. Clown]

Checkerz,
OMG, you're ready to go! Now go get 'em! Here's my advice....stop worrying about what you don't know and work on what you do know. If you already have your foot in the door, at a restaurant, you're ready to rock and roll! A restaurant is a wonderful place to start. First you need to decide how will you work the restaurant. Will you be stationary or work table to table. When I did face painting, of course stationary is the way to go, but if you are busking, working table to table is my preferred method and very profitable. There are a few ground principles you want to cover with management before you start. Make sure all understanding are mutual and that your goal is to be a win win situation. You want to entertain their customers and creat a postive atmosphere. If you are scheduled to be there regularly, then you can also be used as a tool to bring in traffic. Your win in this is you obviously get to advertise. But not only that...you get to practice! Oh it's wonderful! Now I can't list every step here but you must keep your approach in mind, and I'd be happy to share any of that with you if you wish. But here's the deal. If you choose to go table to table to entertain, look at every table as a "mini-party". Don't worry if you only know a few balloons. The ones you make first are the ones you're going to be asked to make at each table. "I want what he has!" But you'll be able to practice each balloon, and you'll get faster and innovative with each one. One thing to avoid if you don't know many balloons is asking the kids "What do you want?" Instead try.."Can I make something really special for you?" Or, "How about a surprise? I love surprises, don't you?" Then you just used the power of suggestion and make whatever you want. Then give the kids a "sticker" that reads" I met Checkerz the clown 555-555-1234, hand mom and dad a biz card and tell them to come back next week to see you again, get a big tip (I have suggestions on that too), get your complimentary meal, possibly get paid by the establishment (at a discount rate of course) and you'll walk out of there in 2-3 hours making about $60-$150 depending on the restaurant and several potential birthday party and corporate clients. While talking to the customers you will also find out what the kids like at parties and what kind of balloons they'd like. So now you know what to specifically focus on! Gauranteed! Lot's of luck to you. I'm excited for you! Bump a nose!