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magicgraham
New user
92 Posts
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Posted: Mar 3, 2012 3:46pm
Hey all
I have read so much and so many programs on goodie bags for birthday moms, so many different items listed to what is best to put in these bags, curious to hear what you think are the top 5 items to put in goodie bags we sell to the birthday moms or dads
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mikedobias
New user
56 Posts
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Posted: Mar 3, 2012 3:59pm
Definitely magic items, as it fits the theme--I've used items from rinovelty.com as well as D. Robbins (coin slide, ball in vase, etc.). I typically put in 4 assorted magic tricks, a fortune teller fish, finger trap, and some other novelty item like a whoopie cushion. I've also included magic wands. I put them all in a smiley face goodie bag. I do not use candy, as you never know what the kids can and can't have--it's safer that way.
Note: to get the best prices from rinovelty, you need to buy a full case--the prices are MUCH better that way, and you won't have to reorder for awhile (buy a case of fortune teller fish, and you'll never have to buy them again). A bit more cash up front, but your profit margin will be better. I typically charge $5, and try to make my cost be between $2 and $2.50.
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MichaelDouglas
Special user
Richmond, Virginia
551 Posts
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Posted: Mar 4, 2012 12:57pm
I include 8 bags with my show and upsell more when they need them for $4.50. My cost is about $2 per bag. I include items from suppliers like Robbins (ezmagic.com), Loftus.com, rinovelty.com, orientaltrading.com, local Dollar Tree stores and any stores selling clearance goodie bag items once a holiday season has passed (just save the stuff for the following year).
Now to specifically answer your question... Look for self-working magic tricks that sell for not more than .75 cents each. Of course buy in quantity to get lower prices. Finger choppers, coin sliders, drawer vanishers, ball & vase, rope and vase, etc. Search the sites to find other ideas. Fortune fish are good. I only include one magic trick, but then fill the rest of the bag with things like an inexpensive magic booklet available from Robbins, finger traps, stretchy toys, bubbles, super balls, puzzle booklets. Look at Dollar Tree for items that are 3 or more in a pack for $1. Race cars, plastic insects, etc. Just find things that young kids will find fun and won't cost you much.
I do not include any low priced tricks that may reveal concepts that I might use like a TT.
Add your business card to the bag, and throw in a few pieces of candy....no nuts and no chocolate. I make sure that my bags are full. I see kids often playing with the stuff as I'm packing up and leaving the party.
Obviously we need to have a great show that will sell itself. However, if your price is higher than your competition, then you can help justify it with all of the nice add-ons that you include. Just watch your costs.
www.michaeldouglasmagic.com
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magicgraham
New user
92 Posts
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Posted: Mar 4, 2012 10:02pm
Thanks for the thoughts guys
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magicmaninsd
Regular user
San Diego, CA
199 Posts
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Posted: Mar 4, 2012 10:44pm
I used to do goodie bags and offered 10 with my Platinum Package, 5 with my Gold Package and none with the Silver Package. I found that I was always at Party City or frantically awaiting a shipment from Oriental Trading Co.
I don't want to derail this thread as I think it's a good topid for those looking to upsell or add value to their current birthday party packages, but I also want to let you know of what I am currently doing. Instead of goodie bags I do the magic books. I use James Munton's Instant Author Kit and it has been working perfectly!
There are many benefits to books; cheaper to produce (my net profit is $4.50 per book), leave every kid with your name/phone number (something that was hard to do with the goodie bags, despite the sticker and business card in the bags), and IMHO takes up much less space when travelling from show to show.
On any given Saturday or Sunday I can print an extra 50-100 and easily make an extra $225 to $450 from these books. Here's a dirty little secret I use that the bags don't have the advantage of doing: I would tell the kids about how special the book is and then when they come up to get the book I would autograph the book. I treat it like gold.
Now, without derailing from the topic at hand, here's what I used to put in the goodie bags: Business card, 4-5 pieces of candy, a bouncy ball, roll of stickers (about 10), and other toys to fill the bag out.
Parents liked them, but for business and travel purposes, the books work waaay better.
Josh London
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MichaelDouglas
Special user
Richmond, Virginia
551 Posts
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Posted: Mar 4, 2012 11:20pm
Josh, I'm glad you shared the thought of using an Instant Author Kit. I know that several guys have these on the market for those of us working the living room circuit. I've been wanting to get this added to my offerings for a while and just haven't done it yet.
Once I get a book like this available to my customers, I will continue to offer the goodie bags. In my market, it is very common for parents to have these for the party guests. I see it as a way for me to take a chore off of their hands and add value to my party packge offerings. I'd use the book as an upsell and as a BOR item for other types of shows.
www.michaeldouglasmagic.com
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keeblem
Inner circle
Essex, UK
1078 Posts
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Posted: Mar 5, 2012 2:04am
Quote:
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On 2012-03-04 22:44, magicmaninsd wrote:
On any given Saturday or Sunday I can print an extra 50-100 and easily make an extra $225 to $450 from these books
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So do you print/bind them yourself or get them professionally done?
Best
Mark
With a cup of tea in hand, nothing is impossible.
“We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles rather than by the quality of our service and relationship to mankind.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
"The only difference between me and madman is that I am not mad" - Salvador Dali
Children's Parties in Essex
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magicmaninsd
Regular user
San Diego, CA
199 Posts
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Posted: Mar 5, 2012 10:04am
Mark, I print and bind them myself. I bought a laser printer, some card stock, and a booklet stapler (http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Bostitch-Standard-Capacity-B440SB/dp/B0006HVU8S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330959382&sr=8-1).
The beauty is that I have all the supplies at hand and can make 50-100 books anytime I need them.
Michael, I used to put the books in the goodie bags, but after looking at the numbers my margin wasn't as big and I was only netting about $1-$1.50 per bag (with the book included).
Then, after just trying to do the book alone it sells a lot better than the bags. Not quite sure why, but it does work better for me. Plus, instead of the kids ripping through the goodie bag and tearing my precious sticker on the front with my website/phone number and likely throwing away my business card, the kids keep the magic books. Who throws away books?
Just my thoughts. Plus, James Munton is a great guy to deal with.
Josh London
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magicgraham
New user
92 Posts
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Posted: Mar 5, 2012 11:02am
Thanks again and yes I have James muntons stuff and its great the book is great for Back of room sales after fundraising shows
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Kevinr
Inner circle
1795 Posts
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Posted: Mar 5, 2012 12:35pm
Go with the magic sets at dollar tree.
They are only $1 each they have 4 different kinds and they are pretty dang good for only $1
I can $4 each for these and its no work at all to get them.
I have yet to find a better value. Granted you can buy stuff for more money but this has the best return and they look good.
www.hotauctioneering.com
Benefit Auctioneer Charity Auctioneer
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MoonRazor
Special user
649 Posts
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Posted: Mar 7, 2012 9:00am
Quote:
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On 2012-03-05 12:35, Kevinr wrote:
Go with the magic sets at dollar tree.
They are only $1 each they have 4 different kinds and they are pretty dang good for only $1
I can $4 each for these and its no work at all to get them.
I have yet to find a better value. Granted you can buy stuff for more money but this has the best return and they look good.
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I agree, the oriental trading stuff is mostly junk, and these $1 tree tricks are cheaper than getting them wholesale from the leading dealers, and they are good quality.
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magicgraham
New user
92 Posts
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Posted: Mar 10, 2012 12:02pm
Some good advice and thank you to those her emailed me also some very generous people in this world
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stephaniebeach
New user
11 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 10:09am
Wow great info.
I'm about to offer goodie bags too for ages 8 and 12.
I've found that kids under 10 have a real hard time with cards and learning tricks on their own.
I freakin' love the Dollar Tree store. $1 for a nice tricks.
Anyone ever hear how 'we' could buy bulk from them or their supplier?
Also being new to Goodie bags, I have a few questions if you could help?
How many items in the bag have been good for your customers? I don't want to offer bags and have the
parents say "Why that cheap Stephy Beach!". Quality for partents and Quanitity for kids seem the way to go.
I would also say two types would be good.
Ages 4 to 6 and ages 7 to 12.
I would imagine that kids who are teenages would be better served no getting a goodie bag "No cool, man".
Yes?  I love Ellusionist's DVDs but they are expensive.
Would love to offer some quality Magic DVDs at a reasonable price for the BDay Kid. Suggestions?
Finally, I see that there are magic kits for the birthday child in another forum. Has anyone here added a magic kit to the B-day's Goodie bag and which ones would you suggest.
Thanks much!
PS
James Munton's Instant Author Kit? Hunted on net. Does anyone have a link?
Thanks
Steph
StephanieBeachMagic.com
Making your events Magical
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Dynamike
Eternal Order
20602 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 11:28am
Quote:
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On 2013-01-15 10:09, stephaniebeach wrote:
James Munton's Instant Author Kit? Hunted on net. Does anyone have a link?
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His items:
http://www.magicsells.com/Products.html
Partial discussed:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=205369&forum=44
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=212216&forum=44
Dynamike
Oakland County Magician Macomb County Magician Wayne County Magician Detroit Magician Detroit Clown
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Donald Dunphy
Inner circle
Victoria, BC, Canada
5998 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 12:02pm
Here's another link to help you out, Stephanie:
--> Magic Café thread titled... Magic Kits as handout
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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James Munton
Inner circle
Dallas, TX
1159 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 1:17pm
Mike, Thanks for providing the link and thanks to the others for the kind words. I didn't see this thread first time round.
KevinR, I wouldn't do that. Next time the birthday mom is in the dollar store she see's those magic kits and realizes you ripped her off.
MichaelDouglas, Sorry, but I hate that idea of giving 8 free bags to encourage them to buy more. First, the customer sees what you are doing and it is annoying. Second, by giving your 8 free bags you are reducing your profit to a point where you have to sell 8 more just to break even!!!! So you went to all that trouble to make no money. Seems a bad idea to me.
Josh, YES! Once you start doing the books you never go back to goody bags.
I sell so many of these books I get Staples to make them up for me. I always have a box of books in the back of the car and I am ready to go. Here is a top tip - show the guy/gal at the counter a quick trick and you'll be amazed at the discounts/free copies they give you!
Mike kindly provided the link above. How about we do a New Year Special? A 20% discount for wonderful Magic Café members. Just say the words "I love the Magic Café!" and I will refund you 20% of the total.
Best,
James
James Munton
www.magicbistro.com
www.zerotobookedsolid.com
The Little Book of Quotes... the fantastic new book test that you'll carry everywhere!
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Dynamike
Eternal Order
20602 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 1:28pm
I was not too sure I had the right link because members listed "James Munton's Instant Author Kit" above. I did see "INSTANT MAGIC BOOK SYSTEM" in the link I provided, not sure if it was the same material. Since it is right, I will show the direct link: http://www.magicsells.com/IMBS.html
Thanks for the discount James.
Dynamike
Oakland County Magician Macomb County Magician Wayne County Magician Detroit Magician Detroit Clown
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stephaniebeach
New user
11 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 2:23pm
OMG you guys are great.
Thanks and thanks again.
My treat for beer pitchers* at Chip Shots when you get to Littleton Ma.
James, you get oinion rings too and thank you very much for the discount.
Very generous.
Steph
No kidding however sorry up to 3 pitchers for 1 night.
Not cheap just broke.
StephanieBeachMagic.com
Making your events Magical
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The Mighty Fool
Inner circle
I feel like a big-top tent having
1765 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 3:01pm
I'll second the magic sets at the dollar tree, and whilst youre there, pick up some mini-rainbow slinkys (2 for $1) and if it's a girl's party, glo-sticks / wands / braceletes....girls LOVE anything that glows.
Everybody wants to beleive.....we just help them along.
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Donald Dunphy
Inner circle
Victoria, BC, Canada
5998 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 3:12pm
On the thread I linked to, you'll see that I once sang the praises of dollar store magic tricks. But then I changed my tune after I had some complaints (from my customers) about poor quality of the product.
So, I switched to a better quality product that doesn't cost too much more, when bought in quantity. I now use Loftus tricks in my magic kits, etc.
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Dynamike
Eternal Order
20602 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 3:15pm
Quote:
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On 2013-01-15 14:23, stephaniebeach wrote:
My treat for beer pitchers* at Chip Shots when you get to Littleton Ma.
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I'm on my way.
Dynamike
Oakland County Magician Macomb County Magician Wayne County Magician Detroit Magician Detroit Clown
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charliecheckers
Special user
728 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 6:54pm
James - you have been using your book for a while now. Do you create various versions, or have you continued to produce the one you market?
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James Munton
Inner circle
Dallas, TX
1159 Posts
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Posted: Jan 15, 2013 11:01pm
Nope been using the same one for years. If it ain't broke...!
James Munton
www.magicbistro.com
www.zerotobookedsolid.com
The Little Book of Quotes... the fantastic new book test that you'll carry everywhere!
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Frank Starsini
Eternal Order
Northern California
12224 Posts
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Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:34pm
My bags sell for $6. I buy all items in bulk:
fotrune telling fish
magic wand
sponge ball
squeaker
2 card monte that I make myself by buying decks of DB and DF.
When families buy the bags I do a short "after-show" using those props. it takes about 5 minutes.
It's fun and funny, then I show them how to use them all, I build up the bags and skip out.
Not only do the kids get a bag of magic, they've seen it used in a professional way.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate,
Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder.
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magicgeorge
Inner circle
Belfast
3990 Posts
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Posted: Jan 21, 2013 10:52am
I stopped giving these out after Jade died.
Magician Belfast
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Frank Starsini
Eternal Order
Northern California
12224 Posts
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Posted: Jan 24, 2013 11:09pm
Again, regarding this topic of gift bags: -
After I do my 5 minute show the kids know how some of the items are used already because they are gags (squeaker for instance),
or just a magic wand.
I give an explanation for the routine I just did, step by step, build up and hand out the bags. By this time, most of the kids have the props out, trying to do bits in the routine for their parents or each other etc.
So, instead of a kid nervously "trying to do a trick", they are already excited and in entertainer mode, laughing it up and enjoying the props.
Incidentally, this is essentially how I got interested in magic....
I saw some "magic stuff" in a pile and wasn't impressed in the least. Next thing you know, I'm watching a performer artfully and creatively use this pile of props in a very elegant, funny, creative, witty way.
It was really at that moment when it all clicked that "performing" had nothing to do with what's in the pile.
It had to do with what you could come up with on your own to bring that pile of "magic stuff" to life.
It also taught me how wonderful the simplest of props really is and how nothing should be overlooked as too simple or too small.
And that person happened to be....
Lance Burton
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate,
Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder.
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Mary Mowder
Inner circle
2000 Posts
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Posted: Jan 25, 2013 12:13am
Quote:
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On 2013-01-21 10:52, magicgeorge wrote:
I stopped giving these out after Jade died.
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I don't get it. You gave me a scare but I see Jade is online here as I write this.
Mary Mowder
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magicgeorge
Inner circle
Belfast
3990 Posts
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Posted: Jan 25, 2013 3:46pm
Oops, sorry, I meant Jade Goody, the inventor of the goody bag.
Magician Belfast
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Frank Starsini
Eternal Order
Northern California
12224 Posts
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Posted: Jan 25, 2013 6:18pm
I knew there was something meritorious about your post but I didn't know what.
And now I know.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate,
Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder.
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