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magic4ewe Regular user 179 Posts |
HI everyone!
I have a few business questions to ask in regards to doing events, mainly children's parties. What type of Contract do you use? Do you use a stock one available at many office supply stores or do you use a custom one? How do you handle the situation where you have a booking, and then are unable to make it due to illness? Also, what about selling products? When offering the goodie bags and such do you find that it is worth the extra money to have to hassle with the sales tax issue and extra paper work? If there is any other information that you feel would be helpful, I would love to hear it! Thanks for any input you can provide!! |
KyletheGreat Special user Georgia 560 Posts |
I don't know what to say about contracts...THe only contracts I work with are those supplied to me and required by other companies.
When it comes to canceling a show due to illness...I have had to do this a few times....If you KNOW you are not going to be able to make the show, simply call the client with as much of an early notice as possible. Explain that you are sorry you will not make the show and explain that it is not only for personal illness reasons, but that you would not want to risk infecting anyone else who might be attending the show. I had to cancel 2 festival shows on the same day at the beginning of June because I had a temp. of 104. The client should be understanding. As she was...I appologized, she wished me a "Get well" comment and said she will call me again next summer for the festival...every time I have had to cancel a show, the one thing that is mainly appreciated by the client is the phone call...they would much rather hear from you than you not show up! Cancel a show is one thing that I hate to do...but sometimes it must be done. I only cancel shows with severe illnesses...or when I have an illness that can be "seen" by the looks of me. If you cannot see it, and it is not contageous...The show will go on. Sure it is hard to perform when you feel bad...but this is the entertainment business and sometimes you have to do things you don' want to do! |
flourish dude Inner circle from ? But I know where I am going! 1195 Posts |
It is my understanding that if you pay tax when you buy the item then you don't need to charge tax. This of course is a state tax so you need to check with your state.
Nothing of the same will bring any change, take action today!
Just taking a step, is a step in the right direction because when you stop working, your dream dies. www.magicalmemories.us |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Regarding contracts, I would advise that you seek out a copy of Jim Kleefeld's book, "The Contract Book." Just do a google search with his name and the name of the book.
It was written with the entertainer in mind, and has several samples to model from. - Donald P.S. Don't forget to use the search function here on the Café. You will find many threads in both the Little Darlings area and the Tricky Business area about the topic of contracts, some with some sample wording.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Creative Coach Loyal user Anderson, SC 294 Posts |
Birthday parties? Contracts? I never used a contract on a child's party in three decades of programs. I don't do children's private parties any longer but I've never known anyone to use a contract for a child's birthday party. I do use a letter of agreement with schools. I also use a letter of agreement for business speaking. But that's just me....
John |
kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
I do use a letter of confirmation for the birthdays. Simply shows the everything for the party fee, location, name , etc. . . I believe it is vital to having this , it gives parents impression of professional and that you are going to be there and that you are not a fly by night hobby performer. I don't do deposits for birthday and that is a whole nother topic that has been talked about plenty before.
As for the bags and taxes. That is a very touchy subject. You are suppost to pay taxes and collect taxes for goods that you sell. I for one do not collect tax on the goodie bags. You cannot collect taxes on a service provided so I "include" the bags as part of the service <wink> AS for the illness? Hey it happens but I have gone out many MANY times with a fever, flu , EVEN a kidney stone attack. So my suggestion is have someone or some people (magicians/entertainers) that you can call upon in case this does happen. I guess it is not the worst thing that can happen, but when talent does not arrive it does not help your business or anyone in this line of work. Trust me I have had many parents who simply are scared to hire someone because they had someone that canceled on them before. Hope this helps. Ken |
James Munton Inner circle Dallas, TX 1199 Posts |
I agree with Ken. It is professional to send a confirmation letter for birthdays.
I have them sign and send a copy back. One advantage of this is that it makes sure I have the correct address! I enclose a stamped printed return envelope for their convenience (TIP: Use a No. 9 envelope for the return. It fits in your No. 10 envelope without folding. Just one more thing that makes you look professional.) My letter simply states the time and date of performance, which of my birthday packages they booked, and of course the fee. I don't require a deposit for birthdays. Fortunately, I have not needed to cancel a birthday due to illness. I did once cancel a school show, but we just rescheduled. I would have to be close to death to cancel a birthday party. For a birthday mom, there is nothing worse, and it can kill your reputation. As for taxes and goody bags, maybe Courtney is around to answer that one for you... Good questions, Magic4ewe! Best, James |
magic4ewe Regular user 179 Posts |
I just wanted to thank all of you for your responses. I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row and figure out how to handle every different aspect; taxes, licenses, insurance, etc.
Insurance is a another big issue for me and I have been reading up a lot of old posts. Now, I read somewhere [outside the Magic Café] that SAM does not cover balloon twisting. Does anyone know this to be true? I currently belong to SAM and I plan on asking when I go to my next meeting. Thanks again for all of your help. It truly is appreciated as we try and get our feet wet and our soon-to-be business of the ground. |
keithmagic Veteran user 375 Posts |
If you are looking for outdoor or standup show contracts to base yours off of, I included my contracts in my book, "The Festival Entertainer". It is based of what many proffesional comedians use. But be careful - no matter what resource you get your contracts and agreements from, have them checked out with legal counsal in the area in which you plan on performing. And do yourself a favor, spend as much $ on CPA's and legal people as you do on magic. Books are a resource - yes. But often times you will be charged MUCH less than you may think, and it takes a lot of the liability off of you if something were to go wrong. So bottom line, I would clear everything through pro's first.
Keith Stickley http://howtobookfestivals.com
Author of "The Festival Entertainer" The Professional Entertainer's Guide to Booking and Working Outdoor Fairs, Festivals, and Events.
Available at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com |
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