Asked to delay your performance - Page 2

Fitzwilly · #11 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 05:40 PM

Sean, we haven't heard from you in six months or so, are things strting to slow down there in the windy city? Glad you made it back. How was business this year? Mine gets a little better each year.

vslg1 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 07:48 PM

Yeah...my winter months are bit slower than the summer...And I've had to cut my numbers for clowning quite a bit...I'm not sure if anyone here knew but I'm also in the party rental business...And this year...I opened a party room...to help out with lull in activity during the winter...its drained me of all of my resources and time...that customer yesterday called me and told me her clown cancelled on Wednesday and she needed somebody most urgently...I advised that because I had to get back to host a party after hers I wouldn't be able to give her a clown...but 30 a 30 minute magic show seemed to be just right...

saphireSue · #13 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 08:15 PM

Ditto.... I alway suggest to the families that I arrive later than the party is to start and I explain ahead of time that they are booking for that time and I do book other shows, so they always know up front that I'll have to leave at the expected time.

Fitzwilly · #14 (**permalink**) 12-09-2007, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vslg1

I'm also in the party rental business...And this year...I opened a party room...to help out with lull in activity during the winter...its drained me of all of my resources and time...

I have been reading quite a bit about the party room scene in TAPS and elsewhere and even though is seems to be winner in the long run I can sure see how it would suck down the resources for awhile. It doesn't seem like something that works very well if you try only halfway. Good luck. I spent some time on your website and you look like a very busy man. But man! Your inventory astounds me!

misspriss · #15 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 07:31 AM

if you are scheduled to do more than one thing at the function. Perhaps it would be possible to finangle the activities. In other words, switch around what you do first until more guests arrive. But, yes, making sure they understand when the party starts vs when you arrive.

vslg1 · #16 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitzwilly

I have been reading quite a bit about the party room scene in TAPS and elsewhere and even though is seems to be winner in the long run I can sure see how it would suck down the resources for awhile. It doesn't seem like something that works very well if you try only halfway. Good luck. I spent some time on your website and you look like a very busy man. But man! Your inventory astounds me!

What is TAPS...?

Cornflake · #17 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 04:23 AM

In my opinion, if you have time, then just wait. We have all had it happen to us where you have tried to organize something and go a bit over the time limit. So imagine what the parents feel like. I think it is good business to wait - if you can!

What goes around comes around, that way if you are running late to a party; you would hope the parents may be nice to you, for holding them up.

If you can’t wait, because you have other parties, then that’s fine. Explain to them it will take off the time of your performance.

Fitzwilly · #18 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vslg1

What is TAPS...?

TAPs is an industry magazine called Tourist Attractions and Parks Magazine. http://www.tapmag.com/

It contains quite a bit of interesting information that you might be able to use.

tim · #19 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornflake the Clown

In my opinion, if you have time, then just wait. We have all had it happen to us where you have tried to organize something and go a bit over the time limit. So imagine what the parents feel like. I think it is good business to wait - if you can!

What goes around comes around, that way if you are running late to a party; you would hope the parents may be nice to you, for holding them up.

If you can’t wait, because you have other parties, then that’s fine. Explain to them it will take off the time of your performance.

While I would agree that there is a certain wisdom and good business sense is polite patience for reasonable cause (also recognizably noting that we Americans tend to be too pent up over the concept of "time" and "the clock" - more so than in some other cultures) the issue of understanding and respect is something which should go both ways. For it is all too easy for performers to be taken for kindly people and get taken advantage of. There is a need for balance in perspective, therefore, and sometimes we may have to stand up for ourselves and our own rights or contracts to ensure that this is appreciated.

Dale · #20 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 09:49 AM

i agree tim, the lack of respect for what we do is still there whether we wait or not. while we are happy for any job that comes along, we do remember what happend last time. at one job we waited over 3 hours to do a reading program. of course, we were waiting for the state gov's wife to arive with the children. this was beyond anyones control when you are dealing with people like that (aparently). but the next time the call comes in for another of those, perhaps the price may change. it may be based on total time there...