how much would you charge?

[magicbrad96]

Tonight I am having a meeting with the event planner at my local theme park. I have two opportunities for shows. One would be a middle school lock-in. (probably 300 kids max) that ill be doing a show for on stage. After that ill be doing walk around magic for a few hours. It's on a Friday night, and I'm thinking about charging around 150$ for the entire night.

the next show would be for a company picnic for 500-800 people. ill be doing a small show for them, as well as walk around magic for a few hours. I have no clue what i should charge for this one. Definitely more than the middle school one. but how much more????

thank you for reading this. I need to know within 3 hours. thanks

 

[Justin.Morris]

Tonight I am having a meeting with the event planner at my local theme park. I have two opportunities for shows. One would be a middle school lock-in. (probably 300 kids max) that ill be doing a show for on stage. After that ill be doing walk around magic for a few hours. It's on a Friday night, and I'm thinking about charging around 150$ for the entire night.

the next show would be for a company picnic for 500-800 people. ill be doing a small show for them, as well as walk around magic for a few hours. I have no clue what i should charge for this one. Definitely more than the middle school one. but how much more????

thank you for reading this. I need to know within 3 hours. thanks

Hmm. I see you've created a new account to ask the question, which would lend to the idea that you realize you are going to get hammered for asking a vague question like this with such a deadline. I will let others chime in to help you with knowing when and how to book events. However, if you want some suggestions or advice, you need to give a lot more information to us. (I know the time has passed already)

1) How did you get this gig? Someone you know? Did they see you perform? Are you simply providing a quote? etc.

2) What is your experience level doing shows. Obviously you are new to it, but how many have you done? How many hours of walk around have you done and in what context? (this is important)

3) Where do you live and are there many other magicians in the area? Any idea what they charge?

4) What business is it? Are they families or just employees? Would you just be 'taking care of the kids', or is it intended for the entire group, or just those who are interested in watching?

5) What is the most you have ever charged for a show? For walk around?

6) How many hours are they asking you for on Friday night?

7) Has the client indicated a price range?

8) Tell us about your shows. How long are they, how many effects, and what style of show are they?

9) Why is there a time crunch?

Answer these and I'm sure we can help with some solid advice.

 

[Craig Browning]

On top of all of what's been said above $150.00 is a rate for the show and that's low. . . the average rate for a 20 minute act now days is closer to $300.00 and that's before I would personally charge $100.00 + an hour for strolling. . . your time is valuable and you deserve to make livable money. . . $500.00 for such a show package is cheap.

Yes, your experience level is important as is the issue of advantage; will this first gig lead to other work with this client or at least have the potential to see more, steadier work? Is this more akin to a paid audition? If that's the case then yes, you could charge below industry standard rate but be aware that people will judge you based on the value you give yourself.

Please tell us that this isn't your first gig!

Now for the mini-lecture. . . you need to study some of the business books tied to magic so you have a better understanding when it comes to negotiations. Get involved with a local Ring so you can get a pulse on what the going rate is for acts in your region... charge 15% more at a minimum and become the "go to" guy -- the expert in the area.

Don't think we're picking on you, we just want you to ask the hard questions and see what it means to be a working mage.

 

[William Draven]

theme park? I'd pitch them at a grand and work my way down from there. They can afford that. Of course I don't know any more details so my advice is pretty vague at this point as well.

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

I don't have enough information or knowledge to help much here, but Jamie D. Grant does: http://forums.theory11.com/showthread.php?29040-Rates-2.0-(how-much-to-charge)-by-Jamie-D.-Grant