Hi guys,

I know we've discussed this a few times before, but I'm still considering approaching a café/restaurant for regular work. I'd like to be able to go every week throughout the year on the same night. This would give me a chance to practice new models as well as giving my business cards out at the same time.

My concerns are, firstly what I can get away with charging! I'm not sure if it would be beneficial working for tips in the UK, and what sort of café/restaurant to approach. I really don't think I could charge my normal fee, which means I have to give careful consideration about what to charge, not too low but not too much.

I have a list of questions, hoping you might be able to offer some answers please . . . .

Do you work for a restaurant every week?
Do you get paid a fixed wage?
Could you give me an idea of what % of your normal fee you charge?
Do you work for tips?
What type of restaurant do you work for?
What differences do you think there is between the UK and other countries who offer walk-about restaurant work?

Look forward to any replies from those of you who do this type of work.

Many thanks.

Not really answering your questions, Mr W, sorry but thought I'd chuck this in...

One of my friends owns a couple of bars in Edinburgh, one of which is child friendly - kids are welcome, there's a children's menu etc etc.  Anyway, I asked him if I might be able to come in one Sunday afternoon to try out 'restaurant work'.

Basically 'no thanks' was the answer.  He told me that while kids are welcome, he doesn't actively market it as 1) they take up the same space but pay less than an adult and 2) parents with kids tend to sit longer than adults only (on a weekend afternoon at least) and if I was giving the parents reason to keep the kids in the restaurant longer, he's losing out on turning over the table... (He is a parent of 2 young children, I should add).

I don't know if this is indicative of entertainment restaurant work in the UK as a whole, but business-wise he didn't feel it was something he wanted to do.  I was a bit surprised, to be honest.

It may well be different at a carvery, TGI Friday's or that sort of thing.

--Neil

Good points Neil, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks.

At the moment, my thoughts were to approach a Pizza Hut or something like that which always have families with kids. Still can't decide how to approach them yet though.

Cheers for your comments my friend

our local Frankie & Bennies have balloon modelers on a regular basis - or at least they used to = but it was sunday afternoons

Dont know if you know him Alann Merrill used to do it - well known local magician (was the postman in cross roads inteh 60's/70's) - dont know his charges either sorry - but know he is a wee bit older than you or me Graeme.

If you know him on the magic circle or whatever curcuit he might tell you

Pam
xx

The UK are not good tippers Graeme (in my opinion!) It's not our culture so even wearing something like 'I work for tips' badge i guess would be overlooked.

On fee....

Go for part money, part vouchers for the restaurant.

Give the vouchers away to your best clients as a free gift.

Win Win.

I've been wanting to do the same thing in my area. I did approach one restaurant but they weren't interested. Many of the others already have a twister and I won't consider encroaching on their restaurant.

Patricia

An old post I know but I approached a major UK chain of restaurants and tempted them into accepting my free one hour trial option for restaurant balloons and magic.

I haven't worked a large family restaurant and along with a cruise, it still remains on my magic bucket list.

Ideally I want a regular place to try out new material and get local publicity but also if my one hour trial leads to a regular engagement I want to charge a fair fee.

I read somewhere that an hourly rate of the average family meal for 4 (starter, main and dessert) was a good guide ( so £35 to £50 an hour) I have no interest in working for tips but I am confident the local staff will benefit from my balloons.

Your thoughts appreciated.

Good Luck Darren!  

Quote from: "nippy99"An old post I know but I approached a major UK chain of restaurants and tempted them into accepting my free one hour trial option for restaurant balloons and magic.

I haven't worked a large family restaurant and along with a cruise, it still remains on my magic bucket list.

Ideally I want a regular place to try out new material and get local publicity but also if my one hour trial leads to a regular engagement I want to charge a fair fee.

I read somewhere that an hourly rate of the average family meal for 4 (starter, main and dessert) was a good guide ( so £35 to £50 an hour) I have no interest in working for tips but I am confident the local staff will benefit from my balloons.

Your thoughts appreciated.

Hi Darren,

I have an existing residency in one of the top venues in Bournemouth Aruba been there for over 4 years and out lived magicians and dj`s and have just agreed a second residency in another venue.
In my opinion don`t go in and just do it for tips....in usa that may work but over here you will be getting small change and the odd note. Perhaps you could offer a reduced fee to show the value of having you there. Remember when you sell yourself in its about showing the client value its never about price.Any other info please pm or call:)
Regards
Norm

From what I have experienced in the U.S., a typical fee for a weekly restaurant gig is 25% - 50% of your normal fee.  

Including tips, I get about 40% of my normal fee.  I also get a free meal, a good chunk of my referrals are a result of my restaurant work, it is a comfortable place to try out new stuff, and it is steady money; so it ends up being a great deal for me.

This is an area i have also wanted to explore, whilst  i have read about it working in America not sure here. but ideas like free trial are good. i would try a small fee and agree you can keep any tips and give out your card/flyers.
Can i also suggest ,Softplay Areas.. however would need to be at weekends, as many close in eve. However lots of kids and more of a fun factor feel than in resturants. dont now if this helps u ? but more options.