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Rodney Palmer Inner circle 1317 Posts |
When I have a last minute Booking I always ask for a 50% Deposit (Non-Refundable) w/Credit Card. I also use a Tactic if the Show is close by, I tell them (Client) that I can meet them in a Public Place such as the Mall and go over the Confirmation Sheet and ask for a 50% Non-Refundable Deposit. If they agree to any of the above the show is good to go. But if I notice in their voice that they are delaying then I know that it is not a valid booking.
Rodney
"Creating Memories That Last A Lifetime"
In order to keep "MAGIC ALIVE" Please become a Mentor to a Young Person. |
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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Of all possible responses, Michael gave the best one.
When they're booking at the last minute, one of two things is happening. Either they are horrid planners -- or the entertainment they thought they'd booked wasn't booked. Perhaps the entertainer cancelled on them...or they hadn't completed the booking. In either case, the client is in a stressful position. Their first goal is to get something...ANYTHING booked. Once that's accomplished, a good percentage of them will be looking for a cheaper something. I take last minute bookings with a grain of salt for those reasons. I'm not the cheapest performer in my area. The notion of deposits is an excellent one. It cements the booking in the client eye and it also ensures you get something out of the booking if they cancel. I use PayPal. I'll email them two invoices (one for the deposit and the other for the balance payment on the understanding that they owe the deposit now and the balance in cash upon arrival). I make it clear that I'm delighted to be doing their show, but only consider it confirmed when the deposit has been paid. Why PayPal? The client doesn't need an account with PayPal...and they can use any credit card. If they are uneasy, remind them also that they have protection if, for some reason, you are unable to perform. The vast majority of clients who are serious about the booking will have no problems with this, since they want the issue resolved as much as you do. The ones who DO have a problem are most likely the ones who aren't on the level -- the ones who'd cancel anyway. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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The Great Zucchini Inner circle 1347 Posts |
Quote: Hey David, have you discovered the Square app yet. It's even easier then Paypal. They give you Cc# and you type it into your phone, the next day, the money is in your bank account. It's quicker and faster than paypal. I love it.
On 2013-01-07 07:55, David Thiel wrote: |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
To add a few more thoughts and I agree that Michael said it well with his response. Not much you can do after the deal is done apart from being nice in hope for the next time.
But maybe you can do a little more before the deal is closed. Sometimes it is hard to get a deposit on such short notice, or you just don't do deposits, but you can make sure they understand what they are buying. It sounds to me like she didn't really know what she had bought. Most think a magic show is a magic show and the only difference is the price, so you need to resell yourself after the sale. Give them a reason not to look elsewhere. Why wouldn't she cancel if she could get the 'exact' same thing for half price? If you do normally require a deposit, let them know that you are not going to ask for one this time IF 'they are absolutely sure they do want the show.' A promise is better than nothing, especially when they know you are writing everything down. Ok, just to be sure you understand what I am saying above. 1. Point out how your show is different. 2. Recap the show and the extras they are getting with you. 3. Recap the promised deal. 4. If they cancel, move on. Get a good night's sleep knowing you did all you could do. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Below is an educational email that will make you feel good for sending and give a valid explanation and still not be a total ass at the same time.
Send this email. "Only half my price? I bet if you go Craiglist you will find someone half the new price of the guy you just hired for half my price. In life there is always someone who charges less for something and someone who always charges more. I am not the most expensive in town and I am certainly not the cheapest. We all learn what appears to be the same service at half the price for something never truly is the same. I learned a long time ago it's better to offer a clean, safe and proffesional service rather than cut corners at the risk of my clients. It cost a lot to run a proffesional company like mine. Insurance to protect you from any damages that can occur, backround checks done yearly and on file for your piece of mind. I hope the second guy you hired has one of these for you available? (please don't scoff this is a real problem.) Gas to drive around town, on going training, new props, dry cleaning bills, taxes, vechile expenses, advertising.. The list goes on and on. What little is left is what I attempt to use to provide for my family. When I booked your event I did with the respect and guarantee that you would pay the bill and so I blocked out your time slot preventing me from getting work from another client. I am sure when you buy an item or go out to eat with your family you don't buy something and then walk out on the bill? Could you imagine how upset you would be if I was asked to work a corporate magic show offering to pay me more than double my standrad party fee (as they normally do)at the same exact time as your already booked party and you told all your guests that I would be there. Then I sent you an email stating "Sorry I got an offer for more than double for your time slot I am cancelling your party!" This does happen and of course this would not be respectful of me and so I would never do that as a proffesional business. I am hoping you would provide me with that same amount of respect I have given you. If you don't see me with that same kind of respect I have given you I understand. I wish you much success with the other half priced cheap guy you hired after you agreed to pay me. |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3163 Posts |
I think rubbing it in later is just a guarantee that you won't get it next time either.
You should do all your selling 'before' they cancel. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Quote: Right on the money, Tom. We're in a business that doesn't allow for burning too many bridges. On 2013-01-07 19:27, TomBoleware wrote: I think rubbing it in later is just a guarantee that you won't get it next time either. You should do all your selling 'before' they cancel. |
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Potty the Pirate Inner circle 4632 Posts |
Kevinr, although I understand why you might choose to vent your frustration with a message like the one you've posted, for me at least, this is a very unprofessional approach.
I actually had a similar situation a few months back: someone hired me for a kid's party about a week in advance. It was a weekday event, since the weekend was already fully booked. The morning of the party, I had a phone call cancelling, because the client's wife knew "another magician who has offered a show at a much lower price." I operate a "no cancellation penalty" policy, because it's very rare that anyone cancels. It's easier all round for me to work this way. So, I accepted the cancellation gracefully. Then, 15 MINUTES before the party started, I had a voicemail message, begging me to come after all, because the other guy had cancelled without notice. I wasn't in to receive the call, and never found out what happened at the party. But it did astonish me that the clients were so fickle. |
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Quote: Now that's the kind of karma I can live with. Great story! I also agree with the rest of your post.On 2013-01-08 03:21, Potty the Pirate wrote: Then, 15 MINUTES before the party started, I had a voicemail message, begging me to come after all, because the other guy had cancelled without notice. |
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MickNZ Special user Auckland, New Zealand 576 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-01-07 18:55, Kevinr wrote: I suggest that being a jerk is not good for business. It's not an "educational email" if you're trying to educate someone on something that they have no interest in. What you suggest to tell her might be 100% correct, but why should she care about any of it? Guys - it's one show! A last-minute thing booked by a panicking mother who just wanted to book anyone. Who cares? As already posted on this thread, anyone who books last-minute isn't a quality customer. I get last-minute phone calls sometimes, I don't even bother trying to get those gigs anymore. Experience has told me that last-minute shows are the kinds of shows that you get to and the kids are running around screaming crazy on sugar, nothing is organised, half the kids haven't even arrived at the party when you've been booked to start, the parents think it's a good idea to start handing out food and drinks half-way through the show, you have to wait for ten minutes while they find your cheque at the end of the party. ... AND they spell your name wrong on the cheque. They're just not worth the hassle. Work on getting quality customers guys |
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Kevinr Inner circle 1854 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-01-08 20:22, MickNZ wrote: OK OK I agree! But it was fun coming up with the above post. |
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LMLipman Elite user Falls Church, Va. 443 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-01-05 23:32, MichaelCGM wrote: I think Michael has it exactly right. Take the high road, wish her success and offer your services at a later time. It may well be that after the party she will suffer huge buyer's remorse and kick herself for going with what might be a cut-rate, cut-rate talent entertainer. She may say to herself, next time I'll go with you. I never take a deposit and the number of times this has happened to me in more than a decade I can probably count on one hand. The good news is that it was a gig for the next day--it's not like she tied up the time slot for three weeks and you had to reject a bunch of other potential gigs and then she cancelled at the last minute. It happens, but rarely. Take the high road. |
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Quote: That's an excellent point, Larry!! That's probably the best point about last-minute bookings. On 2013-01-09 17:27, LMLipman wrote: The good news is that it was a gig for the next day--it's not like she tied up the time slot for three weeks and you had to reject a bunch of other potential gigs and then she cancelled at the last minute. It happens, but rarely. Take the high road. |
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mr shiney Loyal user 266 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-01-05 23:32, MichaelCGM wrote: I would be fine and say have a nice party But there's no way I would Accept or want a booking from them in the future. and would and have turned people down that wanted to book me after cancelling a party with no good reason |
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MichaelCGM Inner circle Oklahoma City 2286 Posts |
Quote: Sometimes (and I emphasize sometimes) the client is going through a learning process, finding that the cheapest price doesn't equate to the best deal. I see it as a case-by-case basis. Sometimes, the client can't afford me, so sees the cheaper magician as a reasonable option. The next time, the client may realize that they need a bigger budget before seeking magical entertainment - so that they don't get sub-par entertainment again. I'm comfortable in booking a client who has grown and learned from past mistakes.On 2013-01-11 21:39, mr shiney wrote:But there's no way I would Accept or want a booking from them in the future. and would and have turned people down that wanted to book me after cancelling a party with no good reason |
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mr shiney Loyal user 266 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-01-11 22:17, MichaelCGM wrote: yes that is fine. but in my eyes this is different they could afford you (they booked the show) then they found a better deal (in there eyes) and did not think twice in booking someone els and letting you down. but I guess as you said you would judge it on a case by case thing, also the sad thing is this entertainer mite be great, I've know some in the past that are cheap and good (they normally have a second job) which sucks cos the client thinks they did the write thing. I don't take a deposit but have a cancelation clause (they pay full is they cancel on the day) I found this does help. but you still get the ones that think only but them selfs |
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Red Shadow Inner circle 1788 Posts |
Too often I find when the client hs hired a bad entertainer, they see all entertainers (no-matter the cost) as being just as bad. They envelope us all as the same and so instead of taking the chance of hiring another bad entertainer the following year, they choose to take them Mcdonalds instead to play on the climbing frame or ski slope party.
A bad entertainer sets the standard for all magicians in that area, whether they like it or not, regardless of price. In regards to the original post, it happens. Don't dwell on it and think of it this way - every shop deals with returns. You take the curtains back because there the wrong colour, you take the vaccum back because its not powerful enough, you return the slippers you got for christmas because there too small. Nobody likes returns and giving people back money, but its part of the working world. We are lucky that it doesn't happen too much with us, but now that its happened, know that your in good company with many others and its just part of the world we live in. |
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