HELP!! YMCA calling tomorrow for price.....

[Missy]

Can anyone possibly give a going rate for clowning in Northern California? Balloon Twisting would be included, but no face painting. Looking to set prices for a 1-hour show. Also, as a finale before the balloon twisting, there would be one magic trick....Balloon to Rabbit (where the rabbit would be a stuffed animal for the birthday child)

Thanks!

~ Missy

[ashes]

Hey, Missy, I can't help with your prices for
a bunch of reasons, but be sure to include the
costs of your stuffed Rabbit in your price, as
well as some money to cover gasoline and
makeup and balloons.

You might look in the yellow pages for some
local clowns and ask them how much they
charge for a birthday party for x number of
children, etc. Ask like you are going to book
them. Sad, but that is one way to find local
rates.


Ashes

[Missy]

Originally Posted by ashes

You might look in the yellow pages for some
local clowns and ask them how much they
charge for a birthday party for x number of
children, etc. Ask like you are going to book
them. Sad, but that is one way to find local
rates.


Ashes

I thought about doing this but I didn't want to feel guilty, which is why I just asked openly here. But, if that is the standard....here goes..... *takes deep breath, cringes, and dials*

Thanks!

~ Missy

[Scruffy]

Welcome Missy!
This is about the only way to find these things out. Price is a subjective things. It. depends on area, number of clowns availible, Avereage wage, Blue collar workers VS. White collar workers. and of course, expertise.
Here in Southern Michigan, A birthday party for fifty dollars is viewed by many as rather extravigant. Where Gigi is in Florida, Fifty bucks is REALLY cheap for a clown at any level. ItJust something to find out. Also, I would put my prices at or below what others are charging. If the pros are getting $100. per hour, and you are truly at their level of ability, then charge it. If you feel you must charge a lower fee, then be honest with the people who wish to hire you. Tell them, you are just starting and offer them a One time discounted fee.
As has been said in other posts, figure how much it costs you to be a clown. How many faces can you get out of a container of clown white. If you can get 20 faces out of a six dollar container of white, then you are using 30 cents worth of white, same with other colors, if it costs you three bucks worth of makeup everytime you apply your face, then that money has to come from somewhere.
Also figure in mileage, and cost of balloons if you do twisting. I figure a cost of ten cents per balloon. They cost me about three or four cents each, but, again, average out breakage, and some creations can use two or three balloons. I generally try to get 25.00. Even if all I do is twist at a NPO ( not for profit) event. If you feel you have been overpaid, then donate some of what they gave you back to their cause. If you are doing to do this as a business then you must make a profit to cover your costs and keep the lights on. So to speak :wink:

Please do not get me wrong. I am a clown I go where I'm wanted. And More often than not, I do so for free. But if you are considering a career to pay the bills and put a little back for a nest egg, You must count the cost!

Good Luck!

Scruffy

[Missy]

Well, I got a lot of answering machines today (okay, so I really only called a few) but I did get one call back. I was quoted a rate of $150.00 for an award winning clown in our area. So, obviously, I wouldn't be able to charge that! I guess once I complete my routine and figure out exactly how long it is, etc. I will be able to better judge my worth.

Thanks for the help!

~ Missy

[Scruffy]

Just remember with hard work and practice, you might be anaward winning clown too!

Skills can be aquired and honed. Just never quittrying. And to keep your perspective, never forget why you started doing this in the first place.