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HatTrix Regular user USA 108 Posts |
Hey guys I have only done a few childrens shows and I have never writen up a contract the familys never seemed to care. but I know that's probably a nessasary thing to include in the show so I am going to start making them. I had a question on what I should include in the writen contract? I am still new to childrens show so if you could help that would be great thanks
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rickmorse Regular user Flushing, MI 131 Posts |
I work contracts in three ways.
1. For smaller venues such as day cares, I fax a non-thretening (meaning no legal mumbo jumbo)confirmation letter listing all necessary info. I do NOT ask them to sign and return--they are very good about honoring the agreement. 2. For birthdays, I use a similar non-threatening confirmation, but ask it to be signed and returned along with a deposit check. 3. For larger venues--schools, malls, libraries--I use a formal contract with al the bells and whistles. I NEVER leave home without the contract for birthdays and large venues. Hope this helps! |
ROBERT BLAKE Inner circle 1472 Posts |
Could you give an example of that kind of contract?
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Magic of Dan Regular user St Charles, MO 115 Posts |
I purchased the 'Contract book' by Jim Kleefeld and found it very helpful in writing my contracts for birthday parties and day cares. You can check it out here: http://www.erienet.net/~kleefeld/JWKBooks.html. I just did a google search and found it.
Dan
The Magic of Dan |
KV Magic New user Missouri 58 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-01-26 09:56, Magic of DanD wrote: I couldn't get the above link to work, but here is a different one. http://www.lybrary.com/contract-book-p-278.html |
Magic of Dan Regular user St Charles, MO 115 Posts |
Try this: http://www.erienet.net/~kleefeld/JWKBooks.html
There was a period at the end of the link in my previous post.
Dan
The Magic of Dan |
Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
I use a contract for all my shows, and use a similar approach. The b-days, daycares, and churches are very brief. I get a deposit for b-days and most churches, but not daycares. For libraries and schools I use a more detailed contract, but I do not ever get a deposit from these-they are good for it. Good advice above-always bring your contract with you on the day of the show-just in case.
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rickmorse Regular user Flushing, MI 131 Posts |
I'd be happy to email examples of my contracts to anyone who's interested. Just shoot me an email at Rmorse21@comcast.net.
BTW, after fiddling with a whote lot of programs for contracts and client management, I now use Bob Miller's MagicBase program to handle the works. The program takes some learning, but I feel it's well worth the investment in time and money. My "complicated" contract uses some great ideas out of Kleefeld's "Contract Book." A great resource! Rick |
rickmorse Regular user Flushing, MI 131 Posts |
I forgot to mention how to get the MagicBase program! Info and demonstrations are on http://magicbase.biz/
And no, I have no commercial interest in the program: I'm just a satisfied customer! |
MDS Special user USA 528 Posts |
I work along the same lines as Rick. I have been doing children’s shows for about 14 years now and for a while I did use full contracts. Then I got to the point that I was doing so many birthday shows in a weekend that it became a chore to draw up the contracts, send them out, and receive the deposit (even though I had a template) that I just started dealing with a letter of confirmation. It has all of the details of the show times, dates, etc.. laid out for them to double check. If there is any confusion they have plenty of time to call me and get it worked out. I do however like Rick's idea of having them sign and return it with a deposit. After all I already send them the letter, why not have them sign it and return it. For larger shows I have several different contracts and Riders ranging from 2-15 pages depending on what I am doing.
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Habu Veteran user Texas / Alabama 393 Posts |
I know this thread was over a year old, but it came up in my search and is more on topic than some of the others I found.
I am interested in presenting the option of choosing from "just" a magic show 1/2 hour to a full hour depending on the program they want, and choosing a full party package including personalized personal size cake for the child (parents provide large cake for guests), prizes, games, some singing, playing the autoharp and puppet show. The full party package is going to cost me more in time and money, so I want to be sure I'm not stuck with a cake I can't eat...(I'm diabetic) and so forth. So here are my 5 points of interest: 1.) First, do any of you do this kind of thing and if so is it financially productive compared to just showing up and doing a show alone? 2.) And for those who do; do you use special contracts to address this kind of thing? I will be sending a PM to the above members to see if their offer to look at one of their contracts is still open. I do want to see those letters etc as a guide. 3.) Also, for those who send out letters and contracts needing to be signed, do you include a SASE? Or figure they can come up with the envelope and stamp themselves? 4.) I am also wondering about on line forms the host can fill out and either print out, or just confirm and send via email or on-line delivery of some sort. 5.) On that topic: is an on-line form sent electronically legally binding if it comes to contesting it? Legally convexed
www.magicbyhabu.com
Real name: Rick Jackson Habu: Taken from SR-71 spy plane I worked on. It's name came from a poisonous snake on Okinawa. Hope my magic isn't poisonous! |
Chad C. Inner circle 1522 Posts |
If I am sending it in the mail, I always send a stamped envelope - this is also true of survey's and questionnaires. You are much more likely to get them back - and, IMO, it is just tacky to send a contract without one.
I do know a guy who only does "large" birthdays - meaning he does the whole party - games, goody bags, a cake, decorations, etc, and he was charging very, very well for it. I'm not sure if he is still doing that or not. But it can be done. |
Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
In the UK a gentleman's handshake is his bond.
You may smile but it's true. Most of my work is and always has been on the shake of a hand. Public authorities sometimes want to raise contracts which spend weeks and sometimes months moving around between departments. All to no end. They usually come not only after the event but even after I've been paid in spite of bearing dire warnings that no payment will be made until the contract has been signed and returned. Ballcocks, as a gentleman would say. As for deposits, forget them. More trouble than they are worth to keep track of and most organisation heave s sigh of relief. I won't pay deposits if accommodation people try and screw money up front from me. I pay cash on the day and all bar one in the last 5 years has agreed. I do exchange letters - emails these days - in case either I or the client snuffs it in the meantime and then at least our successors can see what we intended to do at what price and where and when. That's all. Occasionally something goes turtle. The agreement is honoured at a later date. That's how you keep business, at least here in the UK. People are honourable. Well, the people I deal with are honourable it would seem, wherever in society they find themselves. I did have one contract from an Official body about 4 years ago and I've kept it. It runs to 54 (yes, fifty four) pages of contract. More ballcocks. But I shall keep it for ever. Bound in a stiff folder it so useful to stand on in order to reach the top shelf here in the office.
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
I don't know about the UK, but try to take a deadbeat client into small claims court on a handshake and a smile. You might as well have opened the nearest window and thrown yon cash into the breeze. ALWAYS have SOMETHING in writing...whether it's a simple one-page agreement, a confirmation letter with all the details in place or a simple detailed email. You have to PROVE to the courts what your agreement was if you expect to recover. Don't set yourself up for failure.
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
"I do exchange letters - emails these days - in case either I or the client snuffs it in the meantime and then at least our successors can see what we intended to do at what price and where and when. That's all."
Well, yes - I said that as you can see. But frankly in all my years I've only ever once had to take anyone to court. They simply wouldn;t pay and as it was several thousand pounds they left me no alternative. Shame really, they'd always paid previously. Ruined a perfectly good business relationship. But that was the one and only time.
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
SeasideShowman Elite user Myrtle Beach, SC 443 Posts |
Habu wrote:
" ...and choosing a full party package including personalized personal size cake for the child (parents provide large cake for guests), ..." I see that this idea is a unique 'hook' however are you now the caterer for the event as well as the entertainment? I would suggest staying away from providing food for a party. Decide if you want to be a professional entertainer or a professional party planner ... IMHO .... no disrespect intended. On topic: rickmorse's posts were spot on ! Ciao for now, Cap'n Mike ======================
"I didn't care if they were laughing at me or laughing with me ... as long as they were laughing" - Unknown
www.MagicAtTheBeach.org "I'm with it" |
Tony James Inner circle Cheshire UK 1398 Posts |
Habu - I missed the cake bit. Think Hard.
Doesn't matter who sues who or countersues, if the kid throws an allergic reaction to whatever is in the thing and that's likely to happen when you're not there. It could cripple you. Think of the headlines 'Habu the Magic Man Poisoned My Boy Screams Distraught Mom.' Not your fault. But what will people remember?
Tony James
Still A Child At Heart |
Habu Veteran user Texas / Alabama 393 Posts |
The point about the cake is well taken, alternative may be to provide the party stuff and have a caterer provide any food stuffs that the parents do not want to provide.
Thanks for the advice, I'd hate to have to deal with that kind of hassel, not to mention I would feel bad if I was the cause in some way for a childs illness.
www.magicbyhabu.com
Real name: Rick Jackson Habu: Taken from SR-71 spy plane I worked on. It's name came from a poisonous snake on Okinawa. Hope my magic isn't poisonous! |
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