business is slow

BUTONS · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 11:37 AM

Business has been slow lately good thing i do this part time....I've notice since the gas prices have jumpped up i haven't had as many calls. Is anyone else experiencing the same problem?

later Buttons

Fitzwilly · #2 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 11:57 AM

I have. This summer started out really strong and I still have a few things in the works but it has definitely slowed down.

Jolly Well · #3 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 07:53 AM

Definitely. Most of my gigs have come by way of businesses rather than parties since gas prices have risen. I've cut out much of my distance travel jobs because of gas prices and the economy - what I would have to charge to compensate for fuel would raise my event pricing to where I don't feel people could pay the ticket.

Sassy Frass · #4 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 09:59 AM

Getting started is tough right now too because of gasoline prices...

Scruffy · #5 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 01:28 PM

The demand for private parties has dropped. But there have been more community sponsored events.
Usually that spells, "We can't afford to hire anyone. would you be willing to do it for the exposure?"

Lilly_A_Clown · #6 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 02:00 PM

I second that one Scruffy

Bumbles · #7 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 05:00 PM

If we do a Community Event we usually request a stipend to cover some of our costs.

Jolly Well · #8 (**permalink**) 06-08-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scruffy

The demand for private parties has dropped. But there have been more community sponsored events.
Usually that spells, "We can't afford to hire anyone. would you be willing to do it for the exposure?"

I hate that... When someone calls you out of the blue and asks you to do an event "to get the word out" about your services. I do quite a lot of volunteer work, but will almost universally refuse these events (regardless of the charity/business) if they call me with an attitude like they are doing me a favor by allowing me to spend my cash on supplies and give them my time just so I can "be seen."

BUTONS · #9 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 09:03 AM

What time of year is usually busy season for clowns, i would image it would be year around but I kinda new in the party side of the biz..

buttons

Jolly Well · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 10:35 AM

Depends on the focus I guess... Summer for me as I tend to do festivals more than anything these days