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RSD Special user Toronto, Ontario 534 Posts |
I have been contacted by a rather large fair to do shows for them. We have worked out the artistic details, but not the compensation. They have asked me to send in a quote for them. I have no idea what to quote them. I have been performing for years, but never in such a large quanitity for one client. I don't want to undercut myself or any other fellow performers, and I also don't want to price myself out of the gig either. Here are the details:
- They want 2*45 mins shows daily for 10 days straight. - The show they are asking for I normally charge $1200. - I will have no extra costs incurred on me from what I normally would with the above show. - They are providing all tech, foh, and AV equipment. - The fair will have about 250,000 visitors though the week. - They charge $19 admission for admission to the fair. - I will not be able to take any other bookings during this period. I really need some SOLID advice here people. What have you done in the past for bulk bookings? |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
RDS,
A method I've used for years has been to get my normal fee for the first show but have a discounted fee for additional shows on the same stage the same day. To misuse the words "same" can cost you a lot of time and add considerably to your work load. Prop moving is starting over. It also matters whether you share the stage during the day or you can get set and leave it. Good Luck! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Jim Snack Inner circle 1338 Posts |
Bob gives good advice. Try to determine how much work it will require. Also, what about your accommodations? Will you need a motel room or do you have a camper that they provide the hookup for?
One strategy for trying to figure out how much they may be willing to pay is to see who they last year for the magic act. That may give you an idea of their budget for the slot. Also, do you know who else are they considering? That may also give you a clue as to their budget. Finally, if the fee you quote is too high, you can always offer to do some free strolling magic between the two shows. That may be just the thing that closes the deal for you. Jim |
MrHyde Special user 810 Posts |
I have not got a price for you
BUT I hope you've got your Pitch Book, Magic Goody Bag or whatever lined up! This can be a negotiating point as well. timothy |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
RSD,
A factor we did not mention is "opportunity costs". What revenues are you giving up for this project? Let me give you and example. There is an offer of $4800 for four shows in two consecutive days. However, it will result in the two prior days being difficult to book. That means two days in a motel without work but no other expenses. Four days would normally book for $4800 anyway. In this case, the offer and opportunity costs balance. But if the offer were less than $4800, taking your chances may pay better if there are few other expenses. If they paid the $4800 and picked up the tab for the extra two days in the motel, it's a "no brainer". It exceeds opportunity costs. Take it. I only have one client that I break the "opportunity costs" rule for when I'm available. (I don't "create" availability.) The reason is simple. In the last thirty years when I needed filler gigs, I could count on them to take the dates or resell them for me. I guess in reality they have become the assumed "opportunity cost" number. Your fair talent buyers may become the same if they can routinely use you. Generally, I believe in giving more show rather than charging less money. It has served me well for pushing fifty years. To many talent buyers, it fits their needs too. Specifically for the fair/festival market, I often include being talent in the commercials for the events rather than reducing fees. It works! Once produced, you don't have to be there when it's run on TV but they see the value of running it. They got more value for their money. (It also builds an expectation that their shows include you.) Congratulations on your new venture. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
On thing I've used to start whenever I've been offered a week gig for anything be it magic or something else, that I won't be able to do anything else during the same period is "how much do I need to make this week to pay my bills and make a decent living?" I mean if you normal living costs are say 1,000 a week, then you know you got to make a minimum of 1,000 after taxes for the week just to be "even" if you catch my drift. Then you add in other expenses, and now you have your "cost" for the week. Then you need to add onto that the "profit" you desire and think reasonable. I did some fair shows years ago, some I got, some I didn't. Some were looking for legitimate entertainment and were willing to pay legitimate prices, some were just taking bids to see who they can get cheap. Hopefully you have one looking for legitimate entertainment. Good Luck.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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Doc Dixon Special user Pennsylvania, USA 655 Posts |
You might want to get your hands on a copy of Keith Stickley's book - The Festival Entertainer. Good business advice about this venue. You can find it at http://www.howtobookfestivals.com
Best, DD |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I also have a very long thread here at the Café discussing the fair and festival market. You are sure to find a wealth of information there as well. If I can locate the link I will post it here as well. My pleasure to do so. We shared some great advice and ideas over what became almost 13 pages of festival and fair advice.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
RSD Special user Toronto, Ontario 534 Posts |
Thanks to everyone who posted and PM'd. I got booked with the maximum amount of income I think I could FAIRly get. Things worked out great.
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Awesome RSD and so glad to hear it. Kpee us posted on how it goes. If you have any questions as you prepare for the fair, please just let us know.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Yep, here is the topic Jim was talking about, called "Working The Fair and Festival Market."
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=44 Posted: Aug 27, 2007 2:43pm OOPS, Called Working the Festival Market." Wrong title above. http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=44 |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Thanks Paddy for the link. We had some very good conversations and discussions in that thread and I think people can really gain from it.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
Anothr OOPs, sorry Kyle I referred to you as "Jim" in the first post. I HATE it when I get "cranial Rectumitis."
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Hehehe that is certainly ok Paddy. I understand. That is why my wife is the brains of our operation and not me. hehe I hope things are going well for you and also in your own festival and fair market.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
RSD,
It's your turn. What did you decide and what did you learn? Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Yes. I would also love to know what agreement you came up with? Certainly you do not need to state fees or anything. I am more interested in what you managed to work out with them in regards to what you felt their needs and wishes were and what you found was solutions to meet those needs. Are you satisfied with the arrangement that you came up with and wouldyou do anything differently?
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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