prices-Wendells confused

[Wendell]

I mentioned to you guys in chat about how I had two parties booked, and now a third one possible. How much should I charge? most of them only want a half hour... is 20 too less, is 40 too much... I want to be far, but make a profit at the same time, I just spend another 40 on balloons... I didn't buy any geo balloons because they are so much, I think I might go to this store today and pick some up well see ya later! THANKS!!!! Joey

[BananaTree]

As a general rule I charge a base fee of $100 plus expenses. That way I dont lose by having to drive 75 miles to get my 100 dollars.

Sometimes, however, I offer discounts if they book with a certain restaurant that I appear at, and then the price is $75

When I do a walk around at a restaurant I charge only $50 (plus a free meal)

And I do flower deliveries for $25 each. (One rather interesting one I was asked to pretend it was a Strip-o-Gram. After telling the person that I felt that was inappropriate, I actually presented the birthday girl with a line of graham crackers wrapped in celophane and the words "Strip-O-Graham" written on them in frosting. I was in and out in 6 minutes)

I have made over $800 for one weekend at a renaissance festival, and have done other gigs for free just for publicity or to help a worthwhile charity. I've donated my services to my church, and to relatives for birthdays as well. I've also appeared at a rotary club simply for the free meal.

But that's just me...Other clowns charge differently.

I recently came across a clown business - in another state (whew) - that charged $350 for a praty, BUT they provided pizza's, birthday cake, and an inflatable bounce game as well as the clown.

I guess the key is "what do you feel is fair for where you are?" If you feel like 20 is fair, then do it for 20. If you feel like you are worth more, then price yourself accordingly. The market will let you know if you are asking too much. Your wallet will let you know if you are asking too little.

thats my .02 worth

[Scruffy]

Charge what you feel you are worth.
I wouldn't think any less than fifty dollars each. Figure out what it cost to do balloons at a party. At least double your money. also gas, you will use your makeup supplies, and I know I really like to get my costume cleaned every so often. It all adds up. And very quickly.

[saphireSue]

You may want to consider different types of parties. We're in an ecconomically depressed area and my clown ministry does b parties to help fund this, It is a lesser charge as these are jr. joey's in training and the parents know this, they do 1-2 quick skits, and some magic 20-30 min show with 20-30 min face paint or balloons for $50. in town only.

Now if I do a party I have an assist. to help with games and I charge 75-100. Depending on what They want.

[Blossom]

Wendell,

I buy my balloons at Walmart for $1.50 for twenty. Not sure if that is what you meant by "another 40 on balloons" or not, but I hope this helps!

Blossom

[Scruffy]

I just ordered 50 balloons from larocks. It was 27.00
Jamz orders about once a month, I believe that was what he said.

... Any way.You should try Qualatex balloons sometime. They are more consistent regarding quality than what wAL mart sells. They cost about a nickel apiece.

You also have to consider that when you are getting paid, you need to make some sort of a profit. Some of the more complicated hats and sculptures use several balloons and of course they do break occasionally. It s not unreasonable to consider when you "Sell" the balloons that you need to figure that you charge roughly ten to twenty cents per balloon. This is just a figure to keep in your head. You will have to replace your stock. I love to clown, but you need to remember that there are costs to cover. I am not saying that every gig you do you must charge for it. Far from it! But you need to keep in mind what it costs you to do what you Love.
Jesus said that no man builds a tower until he figures out how much it will cost. That way he won't run out of money and be a laughingstock. Bear in mind that you also need to count the cost of clowning too.
BTW, I'd do it even if I had to pay to get in!
I hope this gives Y'all something to think about.
Scruffy

[Scruffy]

just noticed, I messed up. I bought Five hundred balloons. Not fifty.....

We now return to our regularly scheduled insanity! 8)

[Blossom]

Does that $27.00 include shipping? If so, what a deal!

[Scruffy]

Originally Posted by Blossom

Does that $27.00 include shipping? If so, what a deal!

Yeppers

[Jamz]

LaRocks prices are very good and their balloons are fresh which means thay havent been sitting on a shelf for ages and they are very good people to deal with
They also carry make up and magic and clown gags
free shipping over 100.00 which when you start doing a lot of balloons saves some money