Working restaurants soon and I was trying to figure out which is the better way to go while I'm building up my speed: hit a lot of tables doing 1/2 balloon figures I can do in 2.5 minutes, or doing nice 3-5 balloon sculptures that take 6 or 7 min (hitting less tables, but maybe making more per figure)? Thoughts?

I see nothing wrong with either of those. I usually mix them up, myself. I do 1-2 balloon figures, and I do 3-12 balloon sculptures. It just depends on what is right for that customer, at that moment. Mix them up, I think you will like it.

David

I think it also depends on how busy the restaurant is. Tic off enough customers during peak hours waiting for you to reach them while you're focused on making intricate multi-balloon designs and you may not hold the job for long.

On ultra busy nights, I reduce my list to rapid-fire 1-3 balloon designs. My regulars understand that on slower nights I'll make it up to them with more elaborate works. They appreciate that consideration and it pays off for me.

I Make 10 swords and 10 flowers and leave them at the counter in a box for the waiters or managers to take if I miss any tables...

That said I have done 1-3 balloon quick stuff..

I have also done 5-8 balloon 4-5 minute stuff...

From my experince I make far greater amount of money making the bigger and better stuff. I have seen countless times where parents say "No we don't want a balloon." or they pull out 1-2 dollars but after they see me make large things from 646 and 350 ballooons they are "blown" away (no pun intended)

That being said I agree with what skip says on really busy nights you might be reduced to what every other magician and clown make fast 2-3 balloon stuff.

However having a few 1 baloon super quick swords and flowers at the front counter will keep everyone at bay....

Formula is the key for me...

I hit the tables in a methodic manner. Styrofoam, Dessert, Steak, Salad, Drinks, Menu
This is my pecking order. once a layer is cleared I move to the next set.

If it is REALLY busy, I tell people "it is really busy today.... so everyone gets surprise hats!! "
Each creation takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes tops.

As far as clearing a restaurant before going ... when I have to go I will twist weeny dogs and poodles super fast as I walkup to tables with this explanation : "Hey I am only here to __:__ today BUT I wanted to make sure I got everyone something before I left"

To be honest the tips surprise me for the simplest things.... I get $5 & $10 for weeny dogs. CRAZY!!!