How much to charge?

Started by Paintboxsmiles, January 17, 2014, 09:51:52 PM

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Paintboxsmiles

Hi all, I have been face painting for the past year and a half, but have just found balloons.  I seem to find balloons easier than painting, so am building up a repertoire and am up to 17 balloons at the moment.  The balloons I have done so far are a bit more than the one balloon animals.  I have learnt David Brennion's round DVD and a lot of Holly Hopper's balloons.  Having been in the face painting circuit, I know how annoying it can be when newbies come in and start offering stupid rates, undercutting existing painters.  I have tried to research prices for the Middlesex/Surrey area, but have not come up with much.  Can anyone give me some guidance on what I should be charging for a 2 hour children's party?  Thanks in advance for your help.

Suzi

davemacdon

#1
Suzi,

As no one has answered you, I thought I would give my thoughts. Have you tried anonymously asking balloon artists near you what they charge for the same?
Ask what other things they can do for you/the kids. Make out that you don't know much about what a balloon artist does and see what they offer.
At the very least, you will get an idea of price, from which you can base your service(s) on.
If any of the people that you phone up for a quote are on this forum, then shame on them for not replying to your post and almost asking for you to undercut their prices. Either that or they are so busy, that some competition will not affect their trade????

Either way, hope you find what you want and that my advice helps.

Dave.
davemacdon

David Macdonald

Graham Lee

#2
Quote from: "davemacdon"If any of the people that you phone up for a quote are on this forum, then shame on them for not replying to your post and almost asking for you to undercut their prices. Either that or they are so busy, that some competition will not affect their trade????
Dave I try to read all the posts and now and again one or two do slip me by as this one did, I see you have been a member for 6 months and have 5 posts.
It is up to people if they wish to reply and answer any questions or posts on here or any forum, it is not compulsory, I did find your reply a little forthright but then sometimes the written word without a smile or wink can sometimes be like that. As to costs, it depends on many factors, experience, confidence, have you a show/just making balloons, do you entertain while making them or just stand quietly. What would you be happy with for the hours you have spent balloon modelling and products you have bought. Are you a twister Dave? Could you let us know your prices?
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davemacdon

#3
Graham,
My post was not meant to upset anyone. I will PM you to explain.

Dave.
davemacdon

David Macdonald

Happy_day

#4
I also want to know the price but i didn't find an answered

Areyouhappydad

#5
There is an interesting thread here about a paid gig. Prices are mentioned but perhaps not quite what you want.
local-store-t7406.html
I do agree that ringing other entertainers in your area to ask for their prices is possibly a good way to go. It really can be area dependent as to what you can get. Don't limit yourself to just balloon artists, if you are planning on offering a party service, see what other types of entertainers are charging, again, if you come in too high for he area, they may look beyond you. I only now a little of this from trying to organise my own children's parties. Prices do vary massively and I have baulked at some who charge much more than competitors - they may well deserve this cost but in my area, perhaps I am not the target market!
Don't feel bad if people don't always respond to posts, sometimes it is because they feel they can't, feel uncomfortable (common with money) or simply don't have the time (sometimes a post at the weekend can be lost or not responded to because everyone is working)
Some may also be very careful when offering advice on how much to charge because they may suggest a price that works for them in their area. This may not be right for you in your area and may lead to resentment and unpleasant exchanges if your business does not flourish as a result. It is a minefield
Kindest Regards
Stuart

We all have our cross to bear, but some of us need more wood than others!

Adorn

#6
I too am new and coming into twisting from face painting and wanting to know the answer to this question.  Face painters seem very open about their charges.  I have friends asking me to do stuff for them and don't know what to charge as don't want to be too cheap or likewise expensive.  It isn't so much an hourly rate issue as i'd probably go the same as face painting but one off things like a bouquet of flowers.

Andrew

#7
I am not sure you should ever worry about the price your competitors charge. I believe its up to you.

The problem with finding out what your competitors charge is that what eve price you charge there will ALWAYS be someone prepared to charge less than you.

This is the beginning of a downward spiral where nobody wins. I am a FIRM believer that whatever we charge is not what we are worth and we should ALL be asking for more money. The only way to do that is to come away from the price issue when you talk to you clients and talk about what it is you will do for them at their party. By that I don't mean list all the balloons, tricks and fluffy bunny.....i mean the emotions and memories you will create.

Only about 20% of the population buys on price and price alone.......if price was the only reason we would all be driving around in beaten up old bangers and Mercedes will not sell a single car.....they both get you from point A to point B.

So come away from the price and really think about what it is you are doing for your customer.

From a man with NO Competition. (This will up set someone I am sure)

Andrew
Dedicated to your success as a professional entertainer.
http://www.BalloonBizz.com

Author of the $1000 Birthday Party
And The Brilliant Book of Balloon Routines